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Boundary Waters Quetico Forum Gear Forum Summer weight down sleeping bag |
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10/24/2021 07:19PM
I have been looking at buying a down sleeping bag. What do I buy? I am 6’ and about 180#. I am willing to spend $300 to $400. Main reason for buying it would be to reduce weight and bulk. I could spend more if I need to.
Carl
Carl
10/25/2021 06:26AM
I know you indicated that you're looking at summer weight sleeping bags, but I'm not sure what kind of temperature rating you consider appropriate.
For the last 10 years or so I have been using a 40 degree Zpacks sleeping bag and been happy with it. Mine is rated to 40 degrees, but I've used it comfortably in the upper 30"s In fact, I just got back from a trip into the BW last week where I used it down into the 30's. Mine weighs 12 ounces on my scales, but I'm 5'7" and so use a slightly smaller bag than what you'd need. No hood. Sadly, I don't think they make the 40 degree bag anymore and the 30 degree bag is several ounces heavier.
When I anticipate slightly colder temps ... say into the mid 20's I use a 20" Hammock Gear Burrow. It's rated to 20 and I've taken it down to the mid teens, but have to augment it with a jacket to get it down to those temperatures. I think it's 20 degree rating is a bit optimistic, but otherwise find it a good quilt. I have a couple of ounces of overstuff in mine and it weights in at 21 ounces.
Oh, I should mention that the weights above do not include a stuff sack. I don't use a stuff sack. I just push my sleeping bag/quilt into the bottom of my pack liner when packing up in the morning.
Lots of good quilts and sleeping bags on the market that I have not tried and can't comment on. I will say that I have several pieces of gear from Zpacks, including a couple of tents. the sleeping bag mentioned above, and a handful of stuff sacks and clothing and have always been pleased with it when looking for lightweight gear.
Good luck with your search.
For the last 10 years or so I have been using a 40 degree Zpacks sleeping bag and been happy with it. Mine is rated to 40 degrees, but I've used it comfortably in the upper 30"s In fact, I just got back from a trip into the BW last week where I used it down into the 30's. Mine weighs 12 ounces on my scales, but I'm 5'7" and so use a slightly smaller bag than what you'd need. No hood. Sadly, I don't think they make the 40 degree bag anymore and the 30 degree bag is several ounces heavier.
When I anticipate slightly colder temps ... say into the mid 20's I use a 20" Hammock Gear Burrow. It's rated to 20 and I've taken it down to the mid teens, but have to augment it with a jacket to get it down to those temperatures. I think it's 20 degree rating is a bit optimistic, but otherwise find it a good quilt. I have a couple of ounces of overstuff in mine and it weights in at 21 ounces.
Oh, I should mention that the weights above do not include a stuff sack. I don't use a stuff sack. I just push my sleeping bag/quilt into the bottom of my pack liner when packing up in the morning.
Lots of good quilts and sleeping bags on the market that I have not tried and can't comment on. I will say that I have several pieces of gear from Zpacks, including a couple of tents. the sleeping bag mentioned above, and a handful of stuff sacks and clothing and have always been pleased with it when looking for lightweight gear.
Good luck with your search.
10/25/2021 09:30AM
Thanks for all the suggestions. I have plenty of sleeping bags for cold and extreme cold and wants some thing in the 40- 50 degrees range. I am really curious about the quilts. I am old and alway bring warm clothing so I could double up if the temps drop below normal.
Carl
Carl
10/25/2021 10:11AM
I still use the REI duck down bags I bought in 1973 for my girlfriend (now wife) and myself. Light weight, pack down nicely and have held up to many washings. Perfect summer weight sleeping bags which I recall cost me $40.00 each.
10/25/2021 12:28PM
RedLakePaddler: "I have been looking at buying a down sleeping bag. What do I buy? I am 6’ and about 180#. I am willing to spend $300 to $400. Main reason for buying it would be to reduce weight and bulk. I could spend more if I need to.
Carl"
With a budget that size a new Western Mountaineering ExtreameLite series is a possible sub 2 pound option.
butthead
"never underestimate the power of stupid people in large groups" George Carlin
10/25/2021 03:17PM
Can’t go wrong with an Enlightened Equipment or Western Mountainering Quilt with a quality sleeping pad.
When I needed to replace my old sleeping bag from the mid 80’s … I went with a EE Quilt 5 years ago on the recommendation of many on this forum. Glad I did. Lower weight and oh so comfortable.
When I needed to replace my old sleeping bag from the mid 80’s … I went with a EE Quilt 5 years ago on the recommendation of many on this forum. Glad I did. Lower weight and oh so comfortable.
10/25/2021 03:35PM
I use top quilts in my hammock, but for those that sleep in tents on a pad with a top quilt, do you just sleep directly on a pad? Thinking about warm days when i dont wear a shirt, sleeping on a pad might be strange, Just want the OP to understand this point, and for me as well.
10/25/2021 04:27PM
campnfish: "I use top quilts in my hammock, but for those that sleep in tents on a pad with a top quilt, do you just sleep directly on a pad? Thinking about warm days when i dont wear a shirt, sleeping on a pad might be strange, Just want the OP to understand this point, and for me as well."
I have been using an exped mat cover. Works alright.
10/25/2021 07:54PM
I have a Western Mountaineering bag they call the Terralite.
It is a 25 bag that I have used with a good pad and base layer into the teens and used mostly on nights starting fully unzipped and enjoying it fully zipped on cool mornings in the summer.
It is semi-rectangular so comfortable for someone who tosses and turns a lot. It has more space to heat than a mummy, but if its cold you can just tuck some under your side and leg.
It comes with a full zipper so I can use it with just the footbox zipped or fully open similar to the versatility of a quilt. I have also plopped my dirty stinky camping self on top many times without causing discoloration or lingering odor.
Less than 2 pounds, 7" x 13" stuff sack (not included).
It is a great piece of equipment. It works great for me for the BW or backpacking and I have never regretted the purchase for even a minute.
It is a 25 bag that I have used with a good pad and base layer into the teens and used mostly on nights starting fully unzipped and enjoying it fully zipped on cool mornings in the summer.
It is semi-rectangular so comfortable for someone who tosses and turns a lot. It has more space to heat than a mummy, but if its cold you can just tuck some under your side and leg.
It comes with a full zipper so I can use it with just the footbox zipped or fully open similar to the versatility of a quilt. I have also plopped my dirty stinky camping self on top many times without causing discoloration or lingering odor.
Less than 2 pounds, 7" x 13" stuff sack (not included).
It is a great piece of equipment. It works great for me for the BW or backpacking and I have never regretted the purchase for even a minute.
10/25/2021 08:29PM
Lawnchair107: "campnfish: "I use top quilts in my hammock, but for those that sleep in tents on a pad with a top quilt, do you just sleep directly on a pad? Thinking about warm days when i dont wear a shirt, sleeping on a pad might be strange, Just want the OP to understand this point, and for me as well."
I have been using an exped mat cover. Works alright."
Valid point. I find it to be weird and always plan to make a sheet cover but always forget.
10/26/2021 06:55AM
I use an Exped Mat Cover for my Exped Synmat UL7 Air Mattress and it works great when mated with my Enlightened Equipment Top Quilt. It has a soft feel when layed on. It protects my air mattress. And my older model has a pillow insert too.
Exped Mat Cover
Exped Mat Cover
10/26/2021 10:06AM
Blatz: "Take a serious look at an Enlightened Equipment quilt. They make way more sense than a sleeping bag. Pair it with a insulated pad"
Agreed. I replaced a 16 oz Western Mountaineering Highlite (rated 35 degrees, IMO it's more like 50) with a 14 oz 40 degree EE Enigma (I think it's true to that rating). Huge upgrade and is what I now take for all trips expected to stay above freezing at night.
Blatz is spot-on: pair with a good insulated pad. More important than a lot of folks think.
"I don't care what you believe. I care what you can prove." -Philosopher & Mathematician JJJ
10/26/2021 10:30AM
Lawnchair107: "campnfish: "I use top quilts in my hammock, but for those that sleep in tents on a pad with a top quilt, do you just sleep directly on a pad? Thinking about warm days when i dont wear a shirt, sleeping on a pad might be strange, Just want the OP to understand this point, and for me as well."
I have been using an exped mat cover. Works alright."
I have an inexpensive micro fleece rectangular sleeping bag liner that fits over my Exped Downmat 7 UL. I have slept directly on the pad, but I like being on the fleece in either hot or cold weather better. My sleeping bag or top quilt lays loose over me. I’m looking to buy or make a lighter and more compact pad cover, but the micro fleece has worked really well for the past few years.
10/26/2021 02:14PM
I purchased a 40 degree Kelly down sleeping bag and have been pleased with it. I use it all summer, I throw in a sheet to use when it’s hot and use the sleeping bag as the night cools down.
You're going to HELL and you're going to drag me with ya!! -Gunsmoke
10/26/2021 06:30PM
sns: "Blatz: "Take a serious look at an Enlightened Equipment quilt. They make way more sense than a sleeping bag. Pair it with a insulated pad"
Agreed. I replaced a 16 oz Western Mountaineering Highlite (rated 35 degrees, IMO it's more like 50) with a 14 oz 40 degree EE Enigma (I think it's true to that rating). Huge upgrade and is what I now take for all trips expected to stay above freezing at night.
Blatz is spot-on: pair with a good insulated pad. More important than a lot of folks think."
What makes it a huge upgrade for you? Comfort? Something else?
10/26/2021 07:34PM
3Ball: "I tend to move around a lot when I sleep so a quilt works great for that. Plus it's warmer when you pair it with an insulated mat. With a sleeping bag you're compressing all of the insulation underneath you thus making that insulation useless. Your insulated sleeping pad solves that problem.sns: "Blatz: "Take a serious look at an Enlightened Equipment quilt. They make way more sense than a sleeping bag. Pair it with a insulated pad"
Agreed. I replaced a 16 oz Western Mountaineering Highlite (rated 35 degrees, IMO it's more like 50) with a 14 oz 40 degree EE Enigma (I think it's true to that rating). Huge upgrade and is what I now take for all trips expected to stay above freezing at night.
Blatz is spot-on: pair with a good insulated pad. More important than a lot of folks think."
What makes it a huge upgrade for you? Comfort? Something else?
"
10/26/2021 08:18PM
3Ball: "What makes it a huge upgrade for you? Comfort? Something else?
"
Warmth to weight, but also the freedom of movement. Bags are too constricting. The fabric is also really nice: silk-ish.
"I don't care what you believe. I care what you can prove." -Philosopher & Mathematician JJJ
10/26/2021 08:29PM
I really like my Summerlite down bag by Western Mountaineering. Weighs about 1 lb 4 oz. and pack small. In the mountains I am comfortable in it when temperature is in the upper 20s (low humidity). In the BWCA I need to add a layer of light long underwear for 20 degree weather (higher humidity).
10/27/2021 09:27AM
Blatz, "I tend to move around a lot when I sleep so a quilt works great for that. Plus it's warmer when you pair it with an insulated mat. With a sleeping bag you're compressing all of the insulation underneath you thus making that insulation useless. Your insulated sleeping pad solves that problem."
I have no problem with quilts, but this explanation make little sense. If you can use an insulated pad with a quilt you can also use it with a sleeping bag. Some sleeping bags like Big Agnes and Sierra Designs have sleeved specifically designed to accept insulated pads.
butthead
I have no problem with quilts, but this explanation make little sense. If you can use an insulated pad with a quilt you can also use it with a sleeping bag. Some sleeping bags like Big Agnes and Sierra Designs have sleeved specifically designed to accept insulated pads.
butthead
"never underestimate the power of stupid people in large groups" George Carlin
10/27/2021 04:23PM
butthead: "Blatz, "I tend to move around a lot when I sleep so a quilt works great for that. Plus it's warmer when you pair it with an insulated mat. With a sleeping bag you're compressing all of the insulation underneath you thus making that insulation useless. Your insulated sleeping pad solves that problem."Sure you can. My point was, you negate insulation properties of the down or whatever insulation use in your sleeping bag when you compress it underneath you from your body weight. So you're basically waisting that insulation in your sleeping bag. A quilt addresses that issue
I have no problem with quilts, but this explanation make little sense. If you can use an insulated pad with a quilt you can also use it with a sleeping bag. Some sleeping bags like Big Agnes and Sierra Designs have sleeved specifically designed to accept insulated pads.
butthead"
10/27/2021 06:53PM
deerfoot: "I still use the REI duck down bags I bought in 1973 for my girlfriend (now wife) and myself. Light weight, pack down nicely and have held up to many washings. Perfect summer weight sleeping bags which I recall cost me $40.00 each."
I have a similar bag. It now is a summer weight bag as it has lost a lot of feathers! Old winter bags are worth investigation!
10/28/2021 04:20PM
I have a Feathered Friends Flicker 40 degree down quilt and I love it. You can zip it up like a sleeping bag if you want, but I prefer using it like a quilt with an insulated inflatable sleeping pad. It's easy to partially cover yourself with the quilt if you are feeling too warm and it is still very warm when the weather is chilly.
10/28/2021 05:50PM
I have a Western Mountaineering Summerlite. It is a great bag, my second from the company. Super compact when packed, super light, and cozy, as described above.
As a side sleeper, I find it a bit constricting when zipped. More so than my 5º WM bag. I want to sell the Summerlite and get the Terralite, for reasons as described above.
As a side sleeper, I find it a bit constricting when zipped. More so than my 5º WM bag. I want to sell the Summerlite and get the Terralite, for reasons as described above.
10/28/2021 08:55PM
Blatz: "butthead: "I have no problem with quilts, but this explanation make little sense. If you can use an insulated pad with a quilt you can also use it with a sleeping bag. Some sleeping bags like Big Agnes and Sierra Designs have sleeved specifically designed to accept insulated pads.Sure you can. My point was, you negate insulation properties of the down or whatever insulation use in your sleeping bag when you compress it underneath you from your body weight. So you're basically waisting that insulation in your sleeping bag. A quilt addresses that issue"
butthead"
But negating some of the insulation under you is at worst the same as not having it. In other words, the same as a quilt just where it might be compressed.
10/28/2021 09:50PM
What about the WM MityLite, does anyone own one if these, 1lb 10oz, 40 degree bag that's rectangular and 6'3" long, with a large footbox, maybe a little heavy for a 40 degree down bag, but you have extra material as well, sounds like the perfect summer bag. One thing i hate about my custom quilt is how narrow the footbox is, i get your probably staying warmer in the foot area, but i don't like it.
10/29/2021 08:40AM
3Ball: "Blatz: "butthead: "I have no problem with quilts, but this explanation make little sense. If you can use an insulated pad with a quilt you can also use it with a sleeping bag. Some sleeping bags like Big Agnes and Sierra Designs have sleeved specifically designed to accept insulated pads.Sure you can. My point was, you negate insulation properties of the down or whatever insulation use in your sleeping bag when you compress it underneath you from your body weight. So you're basically waisting that insulation in your sleeping bag. A quilt addresses that issue"
butthead"
But negating some of the insulation under you is at worst the same as not having it. In other words, the same as a quilt just where it might be compressed."
The Big Agnes bags I use, Yampa/Horsethief/Pomer Hoit/Zirkle and the Sierra Designs Back Country Bed all have little to no bottom down, just a sleeve to hold the pad in place. Like the under pad straps used to hold a quilt in place. One advantage to the sleeping bag is the use of draft tubes alongside the pad and a collar to seal in heat. These SBags and similar replace bottom insulation with an insulated pd held in place by the bag. Yes maybe a bit heavier than a quilt but less drafty than a well tucked in quilt, especially when turning over. My Horsethief 35 degree bag weighs under a pound and a half. I have a friend with a custom Feathered Friends bag built with a pad sleeve and no bottom insulation.
butthead
PS: Just looked at the current BA sleeping bags, all my bags have been discontinued and BA offers only a few 800+ fill bags. Glad I have the selection I do as they will last me till camping is off my list of activities. They are in like new condition and can go to my grand kids! bh
"never underestimate the power of stupid people in large groups" George Carlin
10/31/2021 06:21PM
I have a WM MityLite, it’s generously warm for summer and roomy. In fact, I shelved my MityLite in favor of a Summerlite Short in order to save weight and be a bit warmer. I could consider selling my MityLite if you’re interested. I used it on several long trips (six weeks camping, hiking and kayaking in New Zealand, a month cycle touring in Scotland) and plenty of less lengthy trips. It works great as a quilt when it’s opened out, or if you just zip the foot. I used it over an extended 3-season bag and camped at Savannah Portage State Park at -25F, which is my personal record cold camping!
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