I've always used my dad's old bag and the thing is warm and comfortable, but it is about 40 years old and neither light nor small. I'm looking for a warm weather replacement, something that can pack small and hopefully light weight. I was thinking 30-40 degree rating since I always go between late June and August and have a nice Exped sleeping pad to help me stay warm. Plus I still have the old one if we do plan a trip where we know it could get colder.

$100 is my upper end budget but I would really prefer to stay closer to 60. I know my options are limited but I don't need something that nice. Just something smaller than the 9x16 (being generous here, probably more like 10x18) beast that I lug around. The thing weighs 4-6lbs too, so it is a pretty low bar for improvement. After the wife graduates and the kids are old enough to come on trips too, I'll be able to afford and justify buying better, but for now cheap will have to do.

Personally I would lug the heavy sleeping bag until I saved enough for a 20 degree bag. However you may not be willing to wait so here goes. Try Sierra Trading Post and search for sleeping bag. You can narrow it down from there. Just be aware that you will lug a ~ 3 lb bag now instead of a 1-2 lb bag because you will be forced into a synthetic bag versus a down bag (preferable in my experience).

Here's an example:
Bag

SevenofNine: "Personally I would lug the heavy sleeping bag until I saved enough for a 20 degree bag. However you may not be willing to wait so here goes. Try Sierra Trading Post and search for sleeping bag. You can narrow it down from there. Just be aware that you will lug a ~ 3 lb bag now instead of a 1-2 lb bag because you will be forced into a synthetic bag versus a down bag (preferable in my experience).


Here's an example:
Bag "

Good advice! A compression stuff sack might make the thing a bit more manageable as well.

warm, light, cheap.

pick any two

If I had less than $100, I would take a hard look at the marmot nanowave 25 or 35. Marmot are well known for their quality bags, and the specs look good, especially for the price. Closeouts available in a few places, here's one.
Marmot Nanowave

search amazon for Aegis bags . not a high quality bag, but light, packs small and cheap aegis max UL

Many will disagree (probably based on yuck factor, "I don't want to sleep in anothers S-bag"), but at the spending ceiling get a used bag. I have 2 purchased over Ebay. Both down 550 to 650 fill both below $70. Yes they need to be cleaned and maybe repaired. Both can be done by hand at home. Each of these turned out well and supply the g-kids with 30 degree under 4 pound bags.

butthead

I'll second the Sierra Trading Post suggestion, especially in the stores at the end of camping season you can find some phenomenal deals, and you're looking for cheap more than for any specific characteristic, so you can buy the nicest bag you can afford from the selection they have. The Woodbury store here in the Twin Cities has probably three dozen bags, many of which are really great deals.

Other than that, at the price you're looking for, BH's suggestion of ebay is probably your best bet. It's not that gross if pictures clearly show that the bag is in good condition and not too stained, and you take it to a commercial washer once you get it. Personally I'd check STP first.

Don't buy the crap at Target or Walmart that's in your price range.

Check out Byke and Hykes 32 degree option.

I went with their 0 degree bag and am super impressed. The 0 degrees isn’t in your price range but the 32 is.

Despite the reviews complaining about the zippers, these are top notch YKKs.

Search Ebay for a company called Outdoors Vitals. It’s a newish company that has no middle man. There are a number of products they sell that are much cheaper than the big name brands. My daughter bought her husband a 30 degree down bag for about a hundred. It seems alright for a lower priced bag. Right now they have some “refurbished” bags on Ebay for $ 25. Not down but synthetic.
Worth a try for what you are looking for in your description.
I am not affliated.

Sierra Trading Post is a good resource. I have also had luck with e-bay purchasing new items. The 2 bags that I use the most, I bought off the site from Bojibob a few years back.

I have gotten some good deals from the bargain bin at rei, sometimes people see a feather floating and assume there is a big hole. Are you locked in on a down bag??

Oops

Bought my wife one of these from Sierra Trading Post. I think it is a great value. Not the lightest, but certainly acceptable. They also have the 'long' versions available if you are taller than 6'. Marmot Sorcerer is priced reasonably on STP also. I like a 20° bag...zip it up when nighttime lows 40's or below, use as a quilt when in the 50's.

Alps Mountaineering bag - STP

drnatus: "search amazon for Aegis bags . not a high quality bag, but light, packs small and cheap aegis max UL


"

+1 on this one. If you take care of this and dont abuse it this is an outstanding bag for the money. Honestly its light, cheap, and warm. With a polyester liner you can take it into the 35-40s no problem. Excellent summer bag. Hard to beat 800 fill down for $75.

doublepost.

Are you any good with a sewing machine? I was able to throw together a 40 degree quilt with climashield apex that weighs less than a pound for under $60. It's a lot easier than it sounds if you do a little research...

If you have an REI near you, they usually do a garage sale every 2-3 months. Markdowns I've found have been in the 70-80% range for nearly new gear. Usually it's someone that used it once or twice and returned because it didn't fit their color scheme, etc. It can get a little crowded...last one I went to had 300 people waiting in line for a raffle ticket to see what time they got to shop!

PatrickE: "If you have an REI near you, they usually do a garage sale every 2-3 months. Markdowns I've found have been in the 70-80% range for nearly new gear. Usually it's someone that used it once or twice and returned because it didn't fit their color scheme, etc. It can get a little crowded...last one I went to had 300 people waiting in line for a raffle ticket to see what time they got to shop! "

A very good idea! While I have never returned to take advantage I do buy stuff on sale especially the "Garage' sales.

butthead

You could get a down bag by adding just $20 to your budget. The Kelty Cosmis Down 20 is one of the best affordable down bags on the market: https://www.backcountryedge.com/kelty-cosmic-20-degree-2016.html?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIg7XHtouQ2wIVFInICh23IQ7cEAkYAiABEgKQ5PD_BwE#284=1658

Weight 2 lbs 9oz in regular length. Well worth the extra $20!! There is nothing worthwhile for $60.

BobDobbs: "warm, light, cheap. pick any two"

This saying is easily defeated with a bit of research. Get the Kelty Cosmic Down 20 and get all three.

I picked up my Big Agnes Buffalo Park for under $100, if I remember right. It has a left handed zipper, which was not a deal breaker for me. Pretty sure it is a 40 degree bag, very small and light. The BA system requires a pad though, fyi. The temp rating can be boosted by the pad. If I needed a new bag, I wouldn't hesitate to go $100 for this bag again.

Just came across this and right now 20% discount in addition at REI.
Don't know anything other than I like their tents I have.

Alps Mountain +30 Down Bag

LilyPond: "

BobDobbs: "warm, light, cheap. pick any two"

This saying is easily defeated with a bit of research. Get the Kelty Cosmic Down 20 and get all three."

Picked up 2 Kelty Cosmic Down bags a few years ago for less then $100 per bag at Scheels. Purchased a 40 degree and a 20 degree bag and have never regretted it. I use the 40 degree bag in the summer and the 20 degree bag in the spring. I think down has a wider comfort zone then synthetics, same goes for wool.

If you don't mind buying last year's model, you can find some really good deals with a minimal google search. Sierra Trading Post always has good prices, so I agree with those recommendations.

My favorite sleeping bag is a North Face Adirondack that isn't made any more. It's definitely for warmer weather, and is rated at 45... but I got it for $75. So you can still get what's considered a top name brand in your price range. You just have to do a bit of searching.

The recommendation to go to REI (or other outfitters) to buy their rental gear from the previous season is also a good one. I got a great tent from Piragi's last year, and they usually have a big sale to clear out all their stuff after the paddle season. Plus, the staff was an absolute delight to do business with via phone and email. Extremely helpful and happy to answer my multitude of questions. I live in Texas and never felt like I missed out by not going to to their store in person.

BobDobbs: "warm, light, cheap.


pick any two"

Could not have said it better myself!

In my experience synthetic bags don't pack down so tight as a down bag, though I must admit I haven't looked at synthetic bags in a few years. I have a Eurohike down bag at a little over €100 for summer camping and a Rab Ascent bag at over double the price for winter camping. Both are great with the more expensive Rab being particularly comfortable. They both weight about a kilo.

I'd go online and look for something on sale for around S100, preferably down, and I'd recommend the Eurohike, though it does bleed filling (slowly). Sure you can find a nylon pouch filled with something or other for a lower price, just not sure if you'll still be feeling the love after a few weeks on the road...

As important is the bag, equally important is keeping it dry and being able to dry it out quickly in the event it gets wet. I always use a waterproof stuff-sac.