NEED Sleeping bag advice

“I am looking for a 3 season bag. For use around MI. Isle Royal, Porkies, ect. probibly around 20-30 degree rateing. I am a warm sleeper. Price is a factor.”

“Price is a factor

How much a factor?”

“If price is a major factor, then you'll probably want to consider synthetics over down. Down is more expensive, but packs up a lot smaller and tends to be lighter in weight.

I had good luck with a Kelty Clear Creek bag, don't know if they still make that model or not, but it was a 20 deg bag and served me very well - still does in fact, i've had it about 7 years i guess now, but don't use it much any more since i went to down bags.

the newer synthetic insulator materials (prima loft) are really nice and you don't have to be so paranoid about getting the bag damp.”

“yep, price is a factor. a good down bag can be a great investment. i own the western mountaineering MegaLite, which I had overstuffed with down. it's easily good down to 20. it was expensive but it probably will be the last sleeping bag i will ever own... and it's VERY light.

the best synthetics only come close to the worst quality down fill. there are, however, outstanding products on the market.

one key in my book is how the bag is sewn.

bags that are "box baffled" (down) or "layered/shingled construction" are much warmer than bags that are sewn through. i personally think this is one of the single most important considerations. i have always struggled to sleep warm in a sewn-through bag.

i have almost given up sleeping bags altogether for my down quilts. that's another story.”

“I am looking at around 200 as my max but as always i am flexible if its a worth the little extra.

thanks for your help btw.”

“You can get a really nice REI Brand down bag for under 200 - the Kilo Plus model is one that i have and have really liked. I'm a warm sleeper and it does fine down to it's rated level of zero deg. Others that aren't such warm sleepers say the temp rating is about 10 degs off.”

“shop around (of course) and specifically look for closeouts. basically sleeping bags get marked down all the time at stores like backcountrygear.com and such. so find the bag you want and then wait for it to go on closeout. campmor.com has a "hot deals" section that is a great place to look for sleeping bag deals (among other deals). i don't think you will have a hard time getting a good bag on your budget.

remember that as an rei member you can get 20% off with your coupon coming out next year. if you shop at REI your dividend will also lower the cost. the fall 20% coupon just expired a few weeks ago so you would have to wait for the next one.”

“what should i be looking for waight wise realisitcly for my $200 20 degree synthetic bag?

The Slumberjack Ultimate 20 seems like to good of a deal im woried about longevity of use, but it comes in well under budget! :)”

“wihtout looking anything up, i'd say no more than 3 lbs for a synthetic bag. I have no experience with Slumberjack bags.”

“If you watch for close-out sales you can usually get a decent bag for $200 or less that better than a slumberjack”

“i suggest you stay away from slumberjack bags. in my opinion they are cheaply made and their temp ratings are way off. i would expect you will not be happy with the purchase of one of these bags. i have owned two, one of which was returned. the other was used camping with scouts (not exposed to the rigor of real outback conditions) and i couldn't wait to get rid of it.”

“I have a lot of experience with Slumberjack and have always been perfectly satisfied.

Go to www.campmor.com and click on sleeping bags. I can vouch for Slumberjack and Campmor for excellent service at very reasonable prices. I would not go to down for your (damp) area.

Have fun.

Doug”

“i'll vouch for campmor's service and that includes their return policy. make sure you understand it before you buy a slumberjack sleeping bag. ;) just joking doug”

“Name of a good sleeping bag (well ones that zip together).”

“Dang, one weekend she's making you coffee, the next week you're looking to zip bags together....

Just make sure that if you are using mummy bags you get a left zip and a right zip..

the rectangular ones don't matter as much..

'32oz”

“LOL...right thanks 32, um...I am going to try with the left and right bags I own, maybe the zippers will mate.

Nah she called this morning cause she went by an outdoor store and was looking at stoves.....I am hoping to get a gear head to hang out with (LOL)”