Backpacking Sleeping Bags

[legacy]

Just curious what everyone is using for light weight backpacking sleeping bags? I'll be in the high country in September and am looking for some suggestions. Not sure if I need a 0* bag or if a 15* will do? I was considering a Kuiu bag, but they sure seem pricey considering I don't see a ton of reviews about them. I currently have a Wiggy's bag that is pretty nice, but seems a bit heavy and bulky. Any input?

 

[SS!]

What’s your budget?

 

[Founder]

I use an Enlightened Equipment Down Quilt. It's extremely lightweight. I can't sleep in a mummy bag.
If it's really cold I wear my base layers to sleep.

 

[SS!]

I use an Enlightened Equipment Down Quilt. It's extremely lightweight. I can't sleep in a mummy bag.
If it's really cold I wear my base layers to sleep.

That’s a legit setup.

 

[legacy]

What’s your budget?

I don't necessarily care what I spend as long as it's light enough and will keep me warm enough.

 

[legacy]

I use an Enlightened Equipment Down Quilt. It's extremely lightweight. I can't sleep in a mummy bag.
If it's really cold I wear my base layers to sleep.

Good to know. I really don't sleep well in a mummy bag either so maybe this is a good option. I will check it out!

 

[Soj51hopeful]

I have a north face green kazoo. It works

 

[devobrodie]

I second the enlighten equipment quilt along with a decent air pad, I have the 20 deg

 

[jdmaxwell]

Look hard at Stone Glacier 0 degree.
Awesome sleeping bags.

 

[D_Hoyt]

I have Teton zero degree for normal tent camping that zips together with another bag to make a queen. I have an older 20 degree bag for backpacking, but it is losing its insulation value. It sounds like I need to invest in an Enlightened Equipment quilt.

 

[Weiserbucks]

Feathered Friends or Western Mountaineering for the win, both made in the USA. . GoHunt has W.M. on sale right now 20% off with promo code BIRTHDAY20.

 

[Gunnihunter]

There is nothing worse than being cold and not being able to sleep. You can always unzip a bag to be cooler. Usually September in high country isn’t very cold. But you never know, I’ve hunted in knee deep snow in September in Colorado at 9,000 ft. more than once. It will most likely be bluebird weather.

 

[SS!]

Feathered Friends or Western Mountaineering for the win, both made in the USA. . GoHunt has W.M. on sale right now 20% off with promo code BIRTHDAY20.

Can't go wrong with the above.

If you're a baller on a budget look at the REI bags. Just make sure to get treated down. My sleeping bag is 2 lbs and I've had it in the wettest conditions and no problems.

 

[Buck300]

Big Agnus bag you can slide your thermarest into bottom. Slept in mine in a snowstorm. 15 degree bag.

 

[goforbroke]

15 degree bag. 2 pounds or less if backpacking. Lots of options. pricey, but worth it.

 

[otcbowhunter]

Everyone is different. Are you a "warm person"? I personally use a Kelty bag that I paid $35 for and sweat. Some people need a much more heavier bag to stay warm.

 

[legacy]

I'm definitely not a warm person. I have an abnormally low heart rate and I think that has something to do with it. I get cold really easy. So staying comfortable is always a concern. I actually pulled the trigger on the Enlightend down quilt.

 

[Founder]

I'm definitely not a warm person. I have an abnormally low heart rate and I think that has something to do with it. I get cold really easy. So staying comfortable is always a concern. I actually pulled the trigger on the Enlightend down quilt.

Nice! I’m the same, really low heart rate and you’re probably right about it contributing to being cold. My toes are the worst.

 

[HntHrdr]

I have a Big A 15 degree bag anvil something I think, under 2 and it’s been good to me. Love the pad holder on Big A bags

 

[mightyhunter]

Look at Hammock Gear. I love my down quilt. Just sayin…mh

 

[otcbowhunter]

Remember a good insulated pad makes a ton of difference up top. Sweet dreams!

 

[BroadHead]

Check out the Western Mountaineering ExtremeLite series. I use the Summerlite model for archery hunts and have been very happy with it. Weighs 1lb 3oz:

Sleeping Bags | Western Mountaineering

www.westernmountaineering.com

 

[bobby7321]

Another vote for Big Agnes.

 

[hook1969]

I recently purchased a Big Agnes anvil horn 15* sleeping bag. So far I’ve been very happy with it!

 

[jimf]

Klymit ksb 0 degree, come in xlarge for us bigger boys, along with a therm a rest neoair xtherm max insulated pad. R-value is like 6.9. This setup has served us well.

 

[Pirogue]

A sleeping bag is an item you don’t want to scrimp on, in the backcountry. My older Marmot Helium is a 15 degree bag, under 2 lbs, and compresses to the size of a loaf of bread, but it is a 900 Ct down bag. A lot, not all, of todays bags are 800-850 Ct, and obviously weigh more to get the same temp rating, and are bulkier, when compressed.

 

[jims]

If you want the best go with Western mountaineering. WM has about the highest loft and is close to the actual warmth ratings. I just bought a WM Versalite 10 almost new from a guy on Facebook marketplace for about 1/2 price. I noticed someone said there was 20% off in a post above. I hardly ever see them on sale.

I used mine last week on a Colo mtn goat hunt and was pretty comfortable. It’s possible to wear layers to bed depending on the temp. I’m cold blooded and would rather have a bag too warm than cold. You can always open your bag or sleep on top if too hot.

 

[muleyczy]

Western Mountaineering bags are awesome. Light weight and warm. When researching bags, take a look at how each one does warmth rating…not all bags are created equal and it’s not apples to apples

 

[BeanMan]

Buy your bag from a company that specializes in making down bags and has done so for many years. Made in America is a good thing too. That rules out Kuiu and other hunting companies that don’t make their own bags but have a company in Vietnam make them for them. Go Western Mountaineering or Feathered Friends.

 

[grizzly]

I've had the Enlightened Equipment Convert for 7 or 8 years, it's one of the best pieces of equipment I've ever bought. It converts between a quilt and mummy bag, depending on the situation. Super well-built. Their custom shop builds them to order in Minnesota.