Summer Sleeping Bag

“I ususally hike in the mountains of NC, VA and TN. I have a mummy bag to 15 degrees. I was just curious if I actually need a summer bag of if I should just use my mummy bag and vent it.

Think I will need a summer bag in months like July and August?

Thanks.”

“I have a lightweight down bag for the summer months...or, depending on temps I can get away with a military poncho liner and a bivy.”

“Yes.”

“You can never have too much gear, provided to don't take it with you all at once. ;-)
I use a 0 degree down mummy all year round, only because it's the lightest and most compressable bag I own.”

“In the summer I use a down quilt that's good down to 40* or so. I've used it to 27* in a pinch, but it works wonderfully in the summer in the Appalachians.”

“NO #&%!$ Day, what type of down quilt is this?”

“ya, get a summer bag. a 40 degree bag is a good call. good ones weight 1lb or less. you can sleep with it zipped open in warm weather and in cold you can sleep with extra layers on. it's a very versatile piece of gear... a good investment. look at the marmot atom... excellent bang for buck.”

“Got a 45 degree SD Wicked Fast bag. WEighs 11 ounces and is comfortable for me down to 40 degrees.”

“Dayhiker built based on plans from thru-hiker.com. It has about 3.5" or 4" of loft and weighs around 18oz, if memory serves. I used it on a winter trip a couple of years back and got nailed on temps. I was in a valley and a front came through. I was in a tent but SS's thermometer read 27* the next morning.



There are about 5 pics of it in that album”

“Hey if ya have the money, spend it. If ya don't wanna, don't. Just sleep on your pad and use your present sleeping bag like a blanket; you won't be quite so warm as you would be in the winter all zipped up. I'll be using my old sleeping bag for the summer and my new bag for the colder months.”

“I agree with Pamela. You won't need a warmer one, but you'll be happier with one. Bu if you don't have the money, take it - (or take a sheet and a fleece blanket when its going to be pretty warm out.)

I advise getting the lightest summer bag with a full zip that you can afford. A full zipper weighs a tiny bit more, but adds the option of using it as a blanket (which isn't as warm as using it as a bag).”

“I was thinking about getting this Columbia 55 degree fleece bag:

http://www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/B0007IS6BA/ref=s9_asin_image_1-hf_favarsnfggenpx_2267_p/103-7303973-9925464?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-1&pf_rd_r=17WXYK09G7HGBZQJX5F8&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=278240701&pf_rd_i=507846”

“I can't find any info on how much it weighs.”

“Found the info. I'd skip it - you're better off with a fleece blanket. The thing weighs four pounds according to the Campmor ad, but now I see Amazon says it weighs 1.7 - so I don't know what to say. At 1.7 pounds it may be fine for the price. Mummy bags are lighter for the warmth.

Here are a couple of other ideas in that price range:

http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=39179939&memberId=12500226

http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=39283444&memberId=12500226
last edited: 4/11/07 2:03:41 PM”

“I recently picked up a Kelty Lightyear 3d bag. It's rated at +45 and is fairly light. Since I do most of my hiking in West Texas it's pretty much a 3 season bag for me. It would be fine as a 4 season bag for me as well if I am willing to wear my long underwear, pants and a fleece jacket with my rainfly over my tent.

I bought mine from REI for 100 bucks. Expensive, but the light weight was a selling point for me. Obviously when you hike regularly in triple digit temperatures packing light is worth the money. It compresses nicely as well, though it does not have a full length zipper.”

“For about $15 you can pick up a fleece sleeping bag at any sporting goods store. They're great, cheap summer bags. I used one for years.”

“Thanks for the tips pedxing.”

“Just got a wm mitylie 40deg and slept hot at 42deg with only underware.whats nice is full zipper and can shift the down.”

“Agreed on the fleece. I used to use one as well.”

“IMO,Fleece is heavy,over rated.Spend the money on a good down bag.”

“You can't get close to a good down bag for $15, much less $75. It's $150 and up for quality summer down. If you're just starting and don't have alot to spend fleece does just fine for summertime.”

“Sassafras, you are right on the money in that I don't have much. I think I may just use my 15 degree bag this year, vent it or just sleep on top of it. Maybe next year.”

“Keep your eyes peeled for used bags too. There are many here who upgrade often and sell their old stuff cheap.”

“I grabbed a fleece bag at an overstock store for $5. It worked good, but wasn't quite long enough for me. This didn't matter since it was a summer bag. One August trip on Roan Mtn the highs were about 65 which is typical and it was probably 50 at night with 15 mph winds. I got really cold. I wound up having to put on my rain gear and curl up in the fetal position as tight as I could. Miserable night.

I used that fleece zip up every chance I got.

Hey, if you can't find one, just go buy a few yards of fleece and make your own. I bet you can find a bag at Wal-Mart or Target though.”

“Another great summer bag is an army surplus poncho liner. Those things are light and warm. You can either use it like a blanket or tie the sides together to make a bag (there are string ties on the edges). I think they're great for backpacking and take ours if I think I'll be cold. Otherwise, it's our favorite couch blanket (the style in our home is overwhelming).
http://www.flyingtigerssurplus.com/big-id-2-shbgid-10513.html
last edited: 4/13/07 7:15:01 AM”

“A fleece sleeping bag liner works well in the summer.”

“FLEECE IS HEAVY .Why would you carry weight in summer...when you can pack 1lb from montbell for 160$ and have for a long time...if money was no problem?”

“Check out:
http://www.mec.ca

Look at their Down Barrel Bags..............reasonable price and pretty light.
These bags can be un-zipped and used as a comforter for summer or zipped up for colder weather.”

“Heavy for the money....and who are they,and what returns?”

“Mountain Equipment Co-op is the REI of Canada and a very reputable organization.

1.0 K is 2.2# for a 40 degree bag and $75-$80 U.S. ain't bad.”

“Just think..40 is really 50d...and a 1 lb over a true rate for 100 more that will last.”

“I am from NC, and use to live in TN, and i camp alot in VA. I bought the marmot punder for dead of summer. It has pologaurd insulation, and that stays warm even if wet, lots of Dew in this area, and rain. You ever go to linville gorge?”