We (my wife and I) have been camping with sleeping bags that are over 5lbs. One is flannel-lined and both don't compress very well. We've taken them on BWCA trips before, but we're this year we're really trying to reduce our carry-weight and bulk.

We bought 2 Campsod Mummy-style bags at Amazon and had the opportunity to try them out a few weeks ago. My wife said she was a little cool in it (we were in far NW Minnesota) but she slept fine in hers, but I just felt way too restricted. Okay - I need a rectangular style.

And the hunt began.

I've purchased two rectangular bags at Amazon now and returned both. The first one was WAY off from the description in both size (compressed or not) and weight. The second one was waaaay too flimsy. I feared I'd risk being too cold. I've been taking the temp ratings with a grain of salt - relying on reviews instead.

So after this second attempt I'm getting ready to throw my hands up in frustration and resign myself to use one of the heavy ones.

My criteria has been less than 3lbs - under 2lbs if possible (I feel that if I get near or above 4lbs then I may as well use one of my 5lbs bags). COMFORT rating of 40 deg minimum (or someone who reviews it says they were comfortable around that temp), rectangular of course, and under $50. After these two I'm raising my price limit to $100 and my searches at Bass Pro, REI, Cabela's and Dick's haven't been too successful. Not to say they don't have anything within those criteria - just that maybe some of them don't have the info I'm looking for to tell me that it would be a good choice.

So, could anyone here suggest some sleeping bags? Again, criteria are:
Rectangular
<3lbs - under 2 if possible
Comfortable in 40deg nights
<$100 - If $100 is not a reasonable expectation or if you know of one that is a bit above that, let me know.

Thanks!

Less than $100 is really going to limit your search. Piragis has some quality used bags (Big Agnes & Nemo) that may fit your needs well if you can squeeze out another $15-25.

I agree with Boonie. An under 2 pound rectangular bag for under $100 is not very realistic. That said, how about this: NF Dolomite

Thanks, boonie and Frenchy.

Yeah, I'm coming to the realization that my budget needs to loosen up a bit. I didn't think of Piragis - good thought. On initial glance they have several just over $100.

I did some more concerted searching and found three at Amazon that look promising. If anyone else is interested here are the links. These are all under $100, less than 4lbs, rated 40F, and rectangular (my search criteria).

North Face Dolomite 40F

Kelty Tumbler 30/50

Eureka Kiewa

Don't forget that temp ratings assume you have an insulating pad under you and are wearing a lightweight base layer.

I got my kid the NF Dolomite 40 a couple years ago so he would have a good summer bag for canoeing & backpacking. It works well for him & packs down small in a compression sack. He's a warm sleeper.

Personally, I have a down quilt but that's a whole 'nother animal. A buddy got this Sierra Designs quilt for Philmont last summer and liked it a lot. It's in your price range.... Quilt at Sierra Trading Post

For the weight down is your best option. price is another thing. Rectangular bags add weight. Expect to pay 200.00. Have you checked out Thrifty Outfitters at Midwest MT, craigslist. I think that you probably want to try before you buy. There is a little consignment shop in Minneapolis you might want to check out. used gear It is on lake street. I was there once. They might have something to fit your needs. Do a search for boundary waters bag. Cabelas did carry a boundary waters down bag that was rectangular and came with a drybag. good luck

quote mirth: "I got my kid the NF Dolomite 40 a couple years ago so he would have a good summer bag for canoeing & backpacking. It works well for him & packs down small in a compression sack. He's a warm sleeper.


Personally, I have a down quilt but that's a whole 'nother animal. A buddy got this Sierra Designs quilt for Philmont last summer and liked it a lot. It's in your price range.... Quilt at Sierra Trading Post "

Thanks for the comment on the NF Dolomite. I'm a warm sleeper, too. I took a look at the one you linked to and that won't work for me - it's GOT to be rectangular. I tried sleeping in a mummy-style bag once and I just feel too restricted. Thanks anyway!

Have you considered a quilt? You can get a 30 degree quilt that is 22.5 ounces from Enlightened Equipment for $185 minus taxes of course. Plus you could customize it if you are willing to spend more. Just a thought for you to consider.

You might consider looking on Ebay. For our family trip in 2012 to WCPP I bought 5, 650 count goose down bags for my kids and spent about $400 on them total, shipping is really reasonable on light things. You really have to do some research on what's offered, just a thought. They were all brand names. FRED

I hear you on the need for rectangular, especially from the hips on up. I have a Kelty mummy bag that I used prior to getting my quilt and it was too restrictive up top.... Plus i like to flop around when sleeping. The quilt is sort of like the best of both worlds in a way... Some you can unzip completely and they open up like a blanket, and then zip up the foot box for cooler nights. That's how mine is, I have a 20 degree Revelation from Enlightened Equipment.

The thing about quilts is they have no back and rely solely on your sleeping pad to provide insulation from the ground. Uninsulated pads are fine in warmer months but when it gets cooler out a self inflating or insulated pad is needed. I use an Exped Synmat 9LW year round and love it.

Also if you're looking for alternatives, check out ALPS Mountaineering. You can buy direct from them by registering at hikderdirect.com. They sell at near wholesale through this channel, however you really need to spend at least $100 to get the free shipping as they charge actual cost for freight otherwise. Recently bought a new school backpack for my kid for $35 and paid another $15 in shipping. Our Scout troop is starting to replace our older Eureka Tetragons with Alps outfitter tents & several kids have used their packs at Philmont. Alps also produces gear for Cabelas, Browning, and maybe a couple other brands.
Disclaimer: I don't know anyone who works for this company, just trying to pass along knowledge of occasional good deals.

This might fit your needs. The extra 15% off expires 7/24.

Check Craigslist. Example: https://minneapolis.craigslist.org/ank/spo/d/down-sleeping-bag/6203655973.html

My wife and I use these for several years

Eddie Bauer Sleeping Bag

Don't know if they make them anymore..... the removable shell makes an interesting option. If we canoe camp where it might be cool we pack along a quilt.

dr bob

I just received an email from REI with this Marmot bag listed on sale. I don't now anything about it & it has no reviews on the REI site. There's also a 30 degree bag listed, but is 3 lbs. 10 oz.

REI Marmot Bag on sale

My wife and I have the Marmot Mavericks in 40 and 30 degree. Good bags, but bulky. We zip them together so that we can have summer mode with the 40 on top, or autumn mode with the 30 on top. This worked well for us last summer on the Allagash WW. They come with compression sacks. I've got several Marmot bags, and they have all lasted (the oldest just turned 20). For the price, it will be a challenge to find a better bag.

I have a North Face Adirondack that fits all your criteria. I have the same need in terms of space - mummy bags tend to restrict my movement - I change positions frequently and am a side sleeper, so I need something that lets me roll about without getting twisted up.

For colder weather, I use the Big Agnes Lost Ranger, which fits all your criteria except for price.

I don't think North Face makes the Adirondack any more, but it might be worth looking for on eBay. Currently, the Dolomite could suit your needs. It's a full rectangle while the Adirondack is more of tapered trapezoid. It's not a mummy bag, but it's wider at the shoulder than the feets.

Dolomite bag at The North Face website

This one is down, so a bit more expensive. It resembles the size/shape of my Adirondack but since it's down, it's going to be a bit lighter for the size, and will pack down a lot better.

North Face Basalt down bag.