|
Boundary Waters Quetico Forum Gear Forum Help Me Choose a New Bag |
Author
Text
12/10/2017 05:47PM (Thread Older Than 3 Years)
I am replacing my 1980s usgi icw bag that I have used for years canoe camping. Planning a summer trip to the BWCA this summer as well. Here's what I have looked at so far and will be using with the usgi gore tex bivy:
USGI modular patrol and intermediate bags (already have the bivy)
Kelty Cosmic Down 0
Wiggys Superlite 0
Stopped by my local army surplus store yesterday but all the mss bags I dug up were nasty and junky. I did find a Wiggys issue bag but they wanted $120 for it used where they are $150 to $160 new so I passed on those. Recommendations please!! Thanks!!
USGI modular patrol and intermediate bags (already have the bivy)
Kelty Cosmic Down 0
Wiggys Superlite 0
Stopped by my local army surplus store yesterday but all the mss bags I dug up were nasty and junky. I did find a Wiggys issue bag but they wanted $120 for it used where they are $150 to $160 new so I passed on those. Recommendations please!! Thanks!!
SN
12/11/2017 12:11AM
Stacy, this NEMO bag is the most comfortable I've slept in. Numerous ways to use it. We could get together during Christmas break and let you take a look at it. Love the way the pad can't move around nor the pillow COMFORTABLE material too:
Nemo
NEMO Mezzo Loft
Nemo
NEMO Mezzo Loft
"Let us live so that when we come to die even the undertaker will be sorry." Mark Twain
12/11/2017 11:12AM
I do not want to sound snobbish, but Military and Wiggys sleeping systems are what I consider heavy and bulky for the temperatures intended, biggest advantage is cost. If you have to scrimp on cost (and I can appreciate that), I'd look more into used sleeping bags.
Good backpacking sleeping bags are expensive, but lighter and more pack-able, while retaining necessary temperature ratings.
Start with what you need. Temperature usage, bag style, size, cost, what mat/pad you will use, how often, and realistic life expectancy . Only after answering those questions can you start to narrow down choices.
After many decades of camping I have learned that cost is the last determinant in purchasing a sleeping bag. It was primary for me at first. Looking back I'd have spent less (overall), and been much more comfortable by spending more, for a quality sleeping system in the beginning. Or at least realized how much money I was wasting saving money.
Of the bags you list the Kelty Cosmic would be my choice, at least it will be more pack-able.
butthead
Good backpacking sleeping bags are expensive, but lighter and more pack-able, while retaining necessary temperature ratings.
Start with what you need. Temperature usage, bag style, size, cost, what mat/pad you will use, how often, and realistic life expectancy . Only after answering those questions can you start to narrow down choices.
After many decades of camping I have learned that cost is the last determinant in purchasing a sleeping bag. It was primary for me at first. Looking back I'd have spent less (overall), and been much more comfortable by spending more, for a quality sleeping system in the beginning. Or at least realized how much money I was wasting saving money.
Of the bags you list the Kelty Cosmic would be my choice, at least it will be more pack-able.
butthead
"never underestimate the power of stupid people in large groups" George Carlin
12/11/2017 01:37PM
Jackfish: "Are you sure you want a 0 degree bag?"
That's what I was thinking also. You can always supplement a bag for when it's really cold. But with a 0 degree bag, even sleeping on top of it is hot in summer.
BTW, the NEMO bag I linked also has a down option.
Nemo Tango Down
"Let us live so that when we come to die even the undertaker will be sorry." Mark Twain
12/13/2017 04:14PM
Long time lurker, first time poster. I actually have a recent MSS system and some Wiggys bags as well. (Super Light and Overbags).
They are all pretty bulky compared to down bags, but they do offer a good value.
I find the Wiggy's bags aren't as warm as their rated temperatures, but they are durable and can take a lot of abuse. I think a Super Light would really be overkill for summer time. I have one Wiggy's Overbag and it is a good warmer-temp sleeping bag and a lot less bulky than a super light.
The green MSS ranger bag is even more compact than the Overbag and that is a good warm weather bag as well. The shape is a tighter mummy shape than the Wiggys overbag, so it can feel a little constraining, especially in humid weather. I usually just leave it unzipped until cooler temps of the late evening/predawn.
They are all pretty bulky compared to down bags, but they do offer a good value.
I find the Wiggy's bags aren't as warm as their rated temperatures, but they are durable and can take a lot of abuse. I think a Super Light would really be overkill for summer time. I have one Wiggy's Overbag and it is a good warmer-temp sleeping bag and a lot less bulky than a super light.
The green MSS ranger bag is even more compact than the Overbag and that is a good warm weather bag as well. The shape is a tighter mummy shape than the Wiggys overbag, so it can feel a little constraining, especially in humid weather. I usually just leave it unzipped until cooler temps of the late evening/predawn.
12/13/2017 10:26PM
I agree that a zero degree bag might be overkill. I also camp in shoulder months and have a synthetic 20 degree bag I got on sale at REI for about 100 bucks. BUT, I also just found a Backcountry down bag with a 30 degree rating at a thrift store for $6.99! Score!! I will leave it in garage for a couple below freezing nights to make sure there are no cooties in it. :)
Without the bad times, the good times wouldn't seem so good.
12/14/2017 06:33PM
ozarkpaddler: "Jackfish: "Are you sure you want a 0 degree bag?"
That's what I was thinking also. You can always supplement a bag for when it's really cold. But with a 0 degree bag, even sleeping on top of it is hot in summer.
BTW, the NEMO bag I linked also has a down option.
Nemo Tango Down "
The down option for the Mezzo Loft is the Strato Loft (I don't think it is in stock anywhere). The Tango is a quilt system.
12/17/2017 09:19AM
I would also question the need for a 0 deg bag. I have a Marmot Never Summer 0 deg bag, and a Marmot Helium 15 deg bag. I use the 15er way more than the 0, camping from April thru October in Minnesota. Outside of winter camping, I've rarely used the Never Summer.
12/19/2017 09:04AM
arm2008: "ozarkpaddler: "Jackfish: "Are you sure you want a 0 degree bag?"
That's what I was thinking also. You can always supplement a bag for when it's really cold. But with a 0 degree bag, even sleeping on top of it is hot in summer.
BTW, the NEMO bag I linked also has a down option.
Nemo Tango Down "
The down option for the Mezzo Loft is the Strato Loft (I don't think it is in stock anywhere). The Tango is a quilt system. "
Well, the Strato loft is very similar, I did not say it was the same bag, geesh! I just "Googled" my Mezzo Loft and found it on Amazon, Backcountry.com, Moosejaw.com, and Steep & Cheap. I guess I should have inserted the word "SIMILAR" for the Strato Loft? But, my assertion that the Mezzo is the best bag I've slept in still stands and it IS available from several sources.
Stacey, check out "Steep and Cheap." Darn good price. I'm thinking I might get a second one for the wife?
Nemo Mezzo Loft at Steep & Cheap|cid:795215208|agid:41727424059|tid:pla-293126964186|crid:189351652312|nw:g|rnd:17985084769292634487|dvc:c|adp:1o2|mt:|loc:9023152&gclid=CjwKCAiAjuPRBRBxEiwAeQ2QPjAPojxsJouc5MIPBMz7kyjeccV_N9rrlC7A41SofpGt_JlBxJiNohoCKZIQAvD_BwE
"Let us live so that when we come to die even the undertaker will be sorry." Mark Twain
Subscribe to Thread
Become a member of the bwca.com community to subscribe to thread and get email updates when new posts are added. Sign up Here