After several unpleasantly cold nights of barely sleeping in mid-June when temps were in low 40s, I've decided to start searching for a better summer weight sleeping bag. I have gotten away with using a cheap North Face 45 degree poly bag for the past few years by wearing a down vest, wool hat, and using a homespun bag liner. Just didn't cut the mustard this season. Never should have sold my very old summer mummy bag from the early 80s. Oh well.

Suggestions?
Thanks

I take a 10degree down bag May - October. (I use a 20degree down underquilt for hammock minded folks and an R5 pad).

I also take a down blanket that packs down to softball sized and weighs less than 500 grams. I use this blanket if it’s too hot for the ten degree bag ( not that often), and I use this blanket if the ten degree bag isn’t quite enough (common in May and late sept - Oct). If it’s neither/nor, it’s my pillow.

Key in all of this is what’s underneath you. The ground is a heat sink if you’re sleeping in a tent. The air (if hammocking) is chilly when there’s nothing between you and a layer of nylon.

jillpine: "Key in all of this is what’s underneath you. The ground is a heat sink if you’re sleeping in a tent. The air (if hammocking) is chilly when there’s nothing between you and a layer of nylon. "

^This. Although I don't use a hammock, I couldn't agree more.

My setup for the vast majority of my trips May through September (haven't been in the bwca in October...yet!):

1) Klymit Insulated Static V Luxe Sleeping Pad: R-Value 5
2) Sierra Designs Nitro Quilt 20 - Reformed 90's mummy bag user :)
3) Fleece sleeping bag liner or alpaca wool poncho (admittedly extra weight and space but very much worth it for me.)

Lots of configuration possibilities for this all-over-the-tent sleeper.

I use a Sea to Summit insulated pad and a 30 degree quilt. Like already mentioned, the pad is where you want to concentrate your efforts.

Thanks for the input. Well aware of the role pad plays in this equation. Currently use an insulated Sea to Summit inflatable. Looking specifically for recommendations for sleeping bags.

MagicMan1: "Thanks for the input. Well aware of the role pad plays in this equation. Currently use an insulated Sea to Summit inflatable. Looking specifically for recommendations for sleeping bags."

My experiences have guided me toward approaching the sleep system (other than the pad) the same as I do with clothing - layering. So, a bag plus a layer. The layer can add warmth, be used when the bag is too warm, or serve as a pillow if not needed otherwise. As mentioned, a liner may add weight and/or bulk, but using down mitigates that a bit.

jillpine: "

MagicMan1: "Thanks for the input. Well aware of the role pad plays in this equation. Currently use an insulated Sea to Summit inflatable. Looking specifically for recommendations for sleeping bags."

My experiences have guided me toward approaching the sleep system (other than the pad) the same as I do with clothing - layering. So, a bag plus a layer. The layer can add warmth, be used when the bag is too warm, or serve as a pillow if not needed otherwise. As mentioned, a liner may add weight and/or bulk, but using down mitigates that a bit. "

+1 - Layering for your sleep system, a great idea. For a June trip I take my nearly 50 yr old down bag (which packs down very nicely), a fleece liner and my military surplus poncho liner known as a “woobie.” The liner is very lt wt and a little bulky, but very versatile.

I use a down quilt. Packs smaller and is not confining. I have two from Enlightened Equipment, and I love both of them. Have not used a sleeping bag in years unless I am winter camping.

Enlightened Equipment

I also use a quilt. I have a Hammock Gear top quilt that I use for hammock camping and it works equally well on a sleeping pad in a tent. It is comfortable and saves some weight.

My Quilt is a EE 30 degree. Much better than a sleeping bag for me

I’ve been very happy with my Kelty Cosmic Dridown 20. I’m a hammocker so I just cover up with it and rely on my underquilt for insulation under me. I don’t use any liners etc I just bring a poly long underwear top and bottom if its going to be colder. I also will sometimes wear a thin polar fleece or other poly hooded sweatshirt or a balaclava to prevent heat loss from my head. As a last resort I’ll wear warm socks. In seven years I’ve never had a cold night with this combination in the BWCA or at home in Alaska.

The Kelty DriDown bag is compact, warm and reasonably priced in my opinion.

Pad is just as important to the equation.

I use an Enlightened Equipment (EE) 40 degree quilt & a Thermarest Neoair XLite most of the season. There were a few nights back in May that were borderline, high 30's-ish, where I was a bit cool. I switch the pad to a Neoair Uberlite in the really warm months.

I also have a 10 degree EE quilt, pair with an XTherm when it is colder. For me I have found it's too warm if the nights are much warmer than 40.

As an aside, I am going to get a Big Agnes Q-Core (or maybe Raptide) pad to try that out - buddy had one and it sure seems comfortable.

So much of this has to do with you - do you sleep hot, cold, etc? Me, I can't sleep if I am too warm.

I bought a 20 degree down sleeping bag almost 20 years ago. I will admit that there are times when it's too warm and I use it more as a blanket, but when I need it for warmth, it always delivers. It packs pretty small and it's lightweight. It's always stored in a loose bag to help maintain it's loft.

It cost me around $200 twenty years ago (which is pricey enough), but for me, I clearly made the right decision when I bought it. It's one of those pieces of gear where you never look back and wish you'd purchased something else.