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rusteegmc
member (39)member
  
04/23/2019 09:09AM   (Thread Older Than 3 Years)
I have a Browning 0 degree sleeping bag that is warm as hell, but its huge when rolled up and pretty heavy. I also have a REI 55 degree bag that packs down to be smaller than a pineapple, but when they say 55 degrees they're not joking. Like 48 degrees and you are freezing.

I am going on a spring trip in the BWCA pretty soon here and will be doing a lot of portages and covering a good amount of ground. I am not interested in buying another sleeping bag, so instead I've purchased a Kelty bestie blanket because of how small it packs. That and my REI bag take up less space than my big Browning bag, but I'm also considering one of those bivey sacks for an outerlayer to the system. If you guys have any suggestions on these it would be greatly appreciated.

PS. sorry about my rambling sentences and paragraph.
 
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OldScout48
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04/23/2019 12:20PM  
I'm not sure what you are trying to achieve ?
You don't mention if you are sleeping in a tent or under a tarp or in a hammock.
It seems that you are thinking of buying a lot of extra items (Kelty Bestie Blanket (1 1/2 lbs.) and Bivey Sack (1 1/2 lbs.)), when all you need is a good 20 degree sleeping bag like the North Face Cats Meow (2 1/2 lbs.) that would handing the situation just fine.
 
rusteegmc
member (39)member
  
04/23/2019 01:11PM  
OldScout48: "I'm not sure what you are trying to achieve ?
You don't mention if you are sleeping in a tent or under a tarp or in a hammock.
It seems that you are thinking of buying a lot of extra items (Kelty Bestie Blanket (1 1/2 lbs.) and Bivey Sack (1 1/2 lbs.)), when all you need is a good 20 degree sleeping bag like the North Face Cats Meow (2 1/2 lbs.) that would handing the situation just fine."


Im trying to find a cheaper route than buying a third sleeping bag. And after more reading i believe ive been miscategorizing what im looking for. I am more or less looking for a somewhat water resistant outer layer to put outside of my sleeping bag and maybe add another thin layer of insulation. and if i could find a cheap outer layer that would be all i want. I also dont completly trust the tent and rain fly that i will be sleeping under so a water resistant layer would be pretty sweet. whatever weight i would add would not be and issue. its more of a space and cost thing. i would use my browning 0 degree bag but its huge!
 
04/23/2019 01:19PM  
Incomplete info as OS mentions. What about pad or mattress, that is as important as the bag itself.

butthead
 
04/23/2019 01:24PM  
A good bivy sack will cost almost as much as a sleeping bag, they are really poor when it comes to condensation inside. What tent is it your worried about?

butthead
 
rusteegmc
member (39)member
  
04/23/2019 01:56PM  
butthead: "Incomplete info as OS mentions. What about pad or mattress, that is as important as the bag itself.


butthead"


as of right now nothing im still kind of shopping around for a sleeping pad. do you guys have anything that you recommend that wont bankrupt me. and im taliking about those cheap emergncy bivy sacks on amazon not only because i dont trust the tent but because seven days in may means ill probably have to deal with the ground being wet and again not completely trusting my buddies OLD tent (held together by tape and hope) that ill be sleeping in. although im probably over thinking all of this being a little cold or a little wet hasnt killed me yet lol! Thanks for the advice!
 
04/23/2019 02:06PM  
You could cut a plastic sheet to fit inside your tent and 4-6 inches up the side walls if you are worried about the tent floor not being waterproof.
 
BobDobbs
distinguished member (472)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
04/23/2019 03:07PM  
Ausable's recommendation for waterproofing the tent floor is a better idea than adding a bivy to the mix. Also - get a pad....any pad, or you will be miserable. If you want to go cheap, you can get one of the blue closed cell foam ones on amazon.

Bivy's are not great for multi day trips in a wet/humid environment.
 
rusteegmc
member (39)member
  
04/23/2019 03:12PM  
sweet ill scrap the bivey idea! Thanks
 
04/23/2019 07:59PM  
Get a bivy and sleep in a sauna.
 
OldScout48
distinguished member (404)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
04/23/2019 09:09PM  
The more information that I'm getting about the trip, the more concerned I'm becoming about the choices being made.

1.) You don't trust the integrity of the tent. You are right, it could be in the 20's, raining / snowing and blowing. Your tent is your SHELTER and not something to mess with.

2.) You don't want to spend any money for a new sleeping bag, but are willing to try and put a bandage on a missing finger.

3.) Who in your group has the experience of canoeing in cold water situations, because that person should be sitting you and your buddy down and explaining that serious stuff can happen during the early spring paddling.

4.) My advice is to rent the proper gear from any of the many outfitters around the BWCA and you will be much safer in the long run.
 
rusteegmc
member (39)member
  
04/24/2019 07:36AM  
Thanks for you're concern. we are well aware of all of the dangers, we all duck hunt, ice fish and walleye fish, alot of which is out of aluminum canoes.the tent will probably be fine im just trying to have a plan b and c for every situation and piece of equipment. please dont worry about us. Just looking for equipment suggestions
 
GickFirk22
distinguished member (175)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
04/24/2019 10:45AM  
Reading all your thoughts, I think I understand the goal. Use what you got and supplement a few small things for peace of mind and added thermal comfort. I bring my 45 degree bag in early June and sleep in 35 degree nights and my bag isn't up to the challenge, especially as a new hammock sleeper. In the past, I've brought up a silk sleeping blag liner that weights 6 oz but adds a few degrees of thermal comfort to my lightweight bag. (I upgraded to a down underquilt this spring and its a total gamechanger) I ALWAYS sleep in a dedicated set of long underwear, usually silkweight/lightweight long sleeve top and bottom with a dedicated pair of socks. That's my only sleeping layer, it goes on when I go to bed and comes off immediately when I wake up. Clean, dry sleeping clothes will help keep you warm, deal with moisture and protect your bag over time. On exceptionally cold nights, I'll add hot water to a Nalgene waterbottle, wrap it up and throw it inside my bag. BONUS: You don't have frozen drinking water in the morning.

I also would agree that a sleeping pad, literally any sleeping pad that can provide separation from the ground will help immensely. The ground will suck all the heat out of your body.

+1 on the Bivy sack not being the answer.

And +1 to the plastic groundsheet inside the tent. custom cut, weighs nothing, peace of mind.

Good luck! Hope your trip is a blast!
 
rusteegmc
member (39)member
  
04/24/2019 10:59AM  
GickFirk22: "Reading all your thoughts, I think I understand the goal. Use what you got and supplement a few small things for peace of mind and added thermal comfort. I bring my 45 degree bag in early June and sleep in 35 degree nights and my bag isn't up to the challenge, especially as a new hammock sleeper. In the past, I've brought up a silk sleeping blag liner that weights 6 oz but adds a few degrees of thermal comfort to my lightweight bag. (I upgraded to a down underquilt this spring and its a total gamechanger) I ALWAYS sleep in a dedicated set of long underwear, usually silkweight/lightweight long sleeve top and bottom with a dedicated pair of socks. That's my only sleeping layer, it goes on when I go to bed and comes off immediately when I wake up. Clean, dry sleeping clothes will help keep you warm, deal with moisture and protect your bag over time. On exceptionally cold nights, I'll add hot water to a Nalgene waterbottle, wrap it up and throw it inside my bag. BONUS: You don't have frozen drinking water in the morning.


I also would agree that a sleeping pad, literally any sleeping pad that can provide separation from the ground will help immensely. The ground will suck all the heat out of your body.


+1 on the Bivy sack not being the answer.


And +1 to the plastic groundsheet inside the tent. custom cut, weighs nothing, peace of mind.


Good luck! Hope your trip is a blast!"


Thanks for the info! I am defiantly getting a sleeping pad, but im taking my time to find one that i like. I like the nalgene bottle idea and if needed I'll give that a try. When I camp in November I always am wearing the long johns and sweatpants along with two pairs of socks and my duck jacket. I have a wool blanket that doesnt get that small rolled up, but MAN it is warm! so i might bring that to tuck into the sleeping bag as well depending on how much space i have. I might also look into one of those sleeping bag liners if I can find one that wont break the bank. Im trying to keep to a budget because i already have way to many expensive outdoor hobbies!
 
GickFirk22
distinguished member (175)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
04/24/2019 11:00AM  
Oh, I'll add this for your sleeping pad hunt. Lots of good options and value here. I've personally had bad experience with the Alps Mountaineering but YMMV.

Steep and Cheap sleeping pads
 
rusteegmc
member (39)member
  
04/24/2019 11:08AM  
GickFirk22: "Oh, I'll add this for your sleeping pad hunt. Lots of good options and value here. I've personally had bad experience with the Alps Mountaineering but YMMV.


Steep and Cheap sleeping pads "


Thank You! that pad was on the list for consideration, and you helping me dodge a bullet there!
 
04/24/2019 01:02PM  
A decent sleeping pad is going to cost you at least $50. I think the Klymit pads are decent for the price, but I went with an Exped myself. Being comfortable at night makes the days that much more enjoyable. I wear long underwear to bed if it is at all cool, it gets cold at night even it is 80 during the day.

You really might want to take the 0 degree bag unless you are certain that you do not want to carry it. I get that some bags are not intended for anything but car camping. You do want to be warm though. Being cold can ruin the whole trip.
 
TheGreatIndoors
distinguished member (142)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
04/24/2019 01:29PM  
Good sleeping pad is key to warmth. I bring a 1-2 cm thick fleece blanket from REI and lay it out over the entire floor of the 2-man tent and on top of the sleeping pads. It is a more comfortable surface to sleep on than nylon or foam, helps prevent slipping off the pad, and adds insulation. Inexpensive too!

Kind of like this one (sorry having trouble inserting links the right way):

https://www.rei.com/rei-garage/product/151653/nemo-victory-blanket-2p
 
Atrain
distinguished member (130)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
04/24/2019 02:12PM  
I just bring a sleeping bag liner which adds another 10 or so degrees. This was very inexpensive and packs down to around the diameter of a Nalgene but half the height. An invaluable piece of kit when I'm flirting with temps on the edge of my bag rating. This has helped me really blur the lines between the sleeping bags i have.

Sleeping Bag Liner
 
rusteegmc
member (39)member
  
04/24/2019 02:24PM  
awesome! Thanks for the suggestions, I'll have to look into those.
 
GickFirk22
distinguished member (175)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
04/24/2019 02:28PM  
rusteegmc: "
GickFirk22: "Reading all your thoughts, I think I understand the goal. Use what you got and supplement a few small things for peace of mind and added thermal comfort. I bring my 45 degree bag in early June and sleep in 35 degree nights and my bag isn't up to the challenge, especially as a new hammock sleeper. In the past, I've brought up a silk sleeping blag liner that weights 6 oz but adds a few degrees of thermal comfort to my lightweight bag. (I upgraded to a down underquilt this spring and its a total gamechanger) I ALWAYS sleep in a dedicated set of long underwear, usually silkweight/lightweight long sleeve top and bottom with a dedicated pair of socks. That's my only sleeping layer, it goes on when I go to bed and comes off immediately when I wake up. Clean, dry sleeping clothes will help keep you warm, deal with moisture and protect your bag over time. On exceptionally cold nights, I'll add hot water to a Nalgene waterbottle, wrap it up and throw it inside my bag. BONUS: You don't have frozen drinking water in the morning.



I also would agree that a sleeping pad, literally any sleeping pad that can provide separation from the ground will help immensely. The ground will suck all the heat out of your body.



+1 on the Bivy sack not being the answer.



And +1 to the plastic groundsheet inside the tent. custom cut, weighs nothing, peace of mind.



Good luck! Hope your trip is a blast!"



Thanks for the info! I am defiantly getting a sleeping pad, but im taking my time to find one that i like. I like the nalgene bottle idea and if needed I'll give that a try. When I camp in November I always am wearing the long johns and sweatpants along with two pairs of socks and my duck jacket. I have a wool blanket that doesnt get that small rolled up, but MAN it is warm! so i might bring that to tuck into the sleeping bag as well depending on how much space i have. I might also look into one of those sleeping bag liners if I can find one that wont break the bank. Im trying to keep to a budget because i already have way to many expensive outdoor hobbies! "


Rustee...I'd encourage you to try sleeping with just a single layer and let your bag's insulation do it's job of capturing and holding heat. When you sleep with multiple layers on, you are preventing your body heat from escaping and keeping you warm. That's why I only wear one layer of clothes when I sleep. I slept out in my sleeping bag on new years eve, it was -9 and I only put one layer of long underwear on. Used my zero degree bag with a liner. Slept like a baby. Give it a shot and see how your bag performs for you.

And if you fill your bag with additional things that compress the insulation (except for a liner), you're actually working against the thermal efficiency of the loft in your bag. For example, if I chose to bring that wool blanket you mentioned, honestly, I'd put it on the ground underneath me. I think it would do more for you there than inside your bag. Just a few thoughts as you ponder your sleeping system.
 
04/24/2019 02:58PM  
as far as bivy sacks go i use mine often. if you are going ultralight they can't be beat. bugs and rain take some getting used to.



 
rusteegmc
member (39)member
  
04/24/2019 04:31PM  
GickFirk22: "
rusteegmc: "
GickFirk22: "Reading all your thoughts, I think I understand the goal. Use what you got and supplement a few small things for peace of mind and added thermal comfort. I bring my 45 degree bag in early June and sleep in 35 degree nights and my bag isn't up to the challenge, especially as a new hammock sleeper. In the past, I've brought up a silk sleeping blag liner that weights 6 oz but adds a few degrees of thermal comfort to my lightweight bag. (I upgraded to a down underquilt this spring and its a total gamechanger) I ALWAYS sleep in a dedicated set of long underwear, usually silkweight/lightweight long sleeve top and bottom with a dedicated pair of socks. That's my only sleeping layer, it goes on when I go to bed and comes off immediately when I wake up. Clean, dry sleeping clothes will help keep you warm, deal with moisture and protect your bag over time. On exceptionally cold nights, I'll add hot water to a Nalgene waterbottle, wrap it up and throw it inside my bag. BONUS: You don't have frozen drinking water in the morning.



I also would agree that a sleeping pad, literally any sleeping pad that can provide separation from the ground will help immensely. The ground will suck all the heat out of your body.



+1 on the Bivy sack not being the answer.



And +1 to the plastic groundsheet inside the tent. custom cut, weighs nothing, peace of mind.



Good luck! Hope your trip is a blast!"




Thanks for the info! I am defiantly getting a sleeping pad, but im taking my time to find one that i like. I like the nalgene bottle idea and if needed I'll give that a try. When I camp in November I always am wearing the long johns and sweatpants along with two pairs of socks and my duck jacket. I have a wool blanket that doesnt get that small rolled up, but MAN it is warm! so i might bring that to tuck into the sleeping bag as well depending on how much space i have. I might also look into one of those sleeping bag liners if I can find one that wont break the bank. Im trying to keep to a budget because i already have way to many expensive outdoor hobbies! "



Rustee...I'd encourage you to try sleeping with just a single layer and let your bag's insulation do it's job of capturing and holding heat. When you sleep with multiple layers on, you are preventing your body heat from escaping and keeping you warm. That's why I only wear one layer of clothes when I sleep. I slept out in my sleeping bag on new years eve, it was -9 and I only put one layer of long underwear on. Used my zero degree bag with a liner. Slept like a baby. Give it a shot and see how your bag performs for you.


And if you fill your bag with additional things that compress the insulation (except for a liner), you're actually working against the thermal efficiency of the loft in your bag. For example, if I chose to bring that wool blanket you mentioned, honestly, I'd put it on the ground underneath me. I think it would do more for you there than inside your bag. Just a few thoughts as you ponder your sleeping system. "


Last time i used that wool blanket i just had it on top of my 55 degree back and was fully dressed. It got down to 17 that night and i was cold but not freezing, like i was before i got the blanket. Thanks for the advice though!
 
thistlekicker
distinguished member (471)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
04/25/2019 10:23AM  
The closed-cell foam pads (e.g., RidgeRest, Z-rest) are really versatile, affordable, and effective. It will be bulkier than a similar-sized inflatable pad, but much cheaper and you don't have to worry about leaks, punctures, etc. You can sleep on it at night, and drag it out onto a slab of rock and lie on it basking in the sun. The Z-rest versions pack down smaller but are a little more expensive and not quite as bombproof as the "roll-up" versions.

And if you try one and decide you'd prefer a different pad option going forward, you can always chop up the closed-cell pad and use the smaller pieces for seat cushions or whatever. I like to put a small piece of closed-cell pad under my boots while deer hunting in a ground blind, helps keep the cold from the frozen ground from seeping up through the soles of my boots.

 
rusteegmc
member (39)member
  
04/25/2019 11:24AM  
thistlekicker: "The closed-cell foam pads (e.g., RidgeRest, Z-rest) are really versatile, affordable, and effective. It will be bulkier than a similar-sized inflatable pad, but much cheaper and you don't have to worry about leaks, punctures, etc. You can sleep on it at night, and drag it out onto a slab of rock and lie on it basking in the sun. The Z-rest versions pack down smaller but are a little more expensive and not quite as bombproof as the "roll-up" versions.


And if you try one and decide you'd prefer a different pad option going forward, you can always chop up the closed-cell pad and use the smaller pieces for seat cushions or whatever. I like to put a small piece of closed-cell pad under my boots while deer hunting in a ground blind, helps keep the cold from the frozen ground from seeping up through the soles of my boots.


"


wow good idea! thanks
 
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