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Sleeping Bag Question
#6185542
02/16/16 01:09 PM
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Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 1,486
Kung Fu Widgeon
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I am going on another Colorado elk hunt this fall. Last time my sleeping bag was not quite insulated enough. What rating would be best for the side of the mountain? If it gets down to 20 let's say, do I need a 20 degree rated bag or something better? I was thinking a 0 degree rated bag. I don't want to burn up but I most definitely don't want to be cold.
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Re: Sleeping Bag Question
[Re: Kung Fu Widgeon]
#6185593
02/16/16 01:43 PM
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 12,162
kry226
The General
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The General
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 12,162 |
You won't burn up with a zero rated bag. In my experience, when things like boots and sleeping bags say rated down to whatever, you can just about take it to the bank that they really meant about 40 degrees warmer.
If it were me and I didn't have to hump it up and down the mountain everyday, I'd buy the warmest bag I could get. Bad weather has a habit of busting you when you're least expecting it.
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Re: Sleeping Bag Question
[Re: Kung Fu Widgeon]
#6185768
02/16/16 03:38 PM
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Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 27,091
Nogalus Prairie
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You can always get cooler but it's tough to get warmer in cold temps. I have a 5 degree Western Mountaineering Sequoia and it works great.
Are you backpacking or hunting out of a base camp?
If weight is an issue then go as light as you can afford to go. The one you are thinking about is fine, but pretty heavy for backpacking - which is why it is so economical. If you double (or more) that price you can get into a down or high quality synthetic down bag with about half the weight. Western Mountaineering, Feathered Friends, Marmot, and Big Agnes come to mind as brands to look at - there are several others.
If you are base-camp hunting where you can drive to camp I prefer a more roomy canvas sleeping bag with a quilt lining. These can be either down or synthetic filled since weight is not an issue. These greatly increase comfort and can be had pretty economically since weight is not an issue.
Good luck on your trip!
Last edited by Nogalus Prairie; 02/16/16 03:38 PM.
I learned long ago you can't reason someone out of something they don't reason themselves into.
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Re: Sleeping Bag Question
[Re: Kung Fu Widgeon]
#6185777
02/16/16 03:43 PM
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Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 1,061
Baylor_Bears
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A 20 degree bag with a good pad should keep you quite toasty, all the way down to 0 degrees. While the bag is important, the type of pad you are using is just as important
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Re: Sleeping Bag Question
[Re: Kung Fu Widgeon]
#6185809
02/16/16 04:01 PM
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Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 27,091
Nogalus Prairie
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Pad is key yes.
And some companies are known to be spot on with their comfort ratings - while some are not. It's been too long since I researched it but an internet search should provide that info.
I learned long ago you can't reason someone out of something they don't reason themselves into.
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Re: Sleeping Bag Question
[Re: Kung Fu Widgeon]
#6185856
02/16/16 04:36 PM
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Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 29,650
Sneaky
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The rating is generally meant to be the temperature you can survive in. It has nothing to do with being comfortable, most of the time. No way would I want to be in 20 degree weather with nothing but a bag rated for 20 degrees. Go lower than the temps you expect. Like Nog said, it's easy to open it up and cool off. Getting warmer when your bag isn't cutting it? Good luck.
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Re: Sleeping Bag Question
[Re: Kung Fu Widgeon]
#6185929
02/16/16 05:29 PM
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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 60,541
BOBO the Clown
kind of a big deal
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kind of a big deal
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 60,541 |
About the ratings they are standardized
"EN13537 requires a thermal manikin test which produces four temperature results — upper limit, comfort, lower limit and extreme. These temperatures were worked for normal consumers."
"idfl-certified" is mainly used for down bags.
Key to sleeping bags is thermal loss out the bottom. In cold weather an insulated pad makes a huge difference.
I'm a fan of mountain hard wear gear, both tents and bags
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Re: Sleeping Bag Question
[Re: Kung Fu Widgeon]
#6186099
02/16/16 07:26 PM
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,811
TxAg
Extreme Tracker
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My usual rule of thumb is the bag is comfortable to withing ~15 degrees above it's rating. I have a 20-degree ultralight down bag (1.8 lb) that I backpack with and use down to about freezing (with a good air ground pad). It packs up to slightly larger than the size of a soft ball. If it's colder than that, I have a -20 degree down bag that get's the call. The -20 bag goes to elk camp.
Down is a thermo-regulating insulator. So, it will be comfortable across a broader range of temperatures than many synthetic fabrics. Like everything else, you get what you pay for. But a good down bag, if maintained properly, will last a life time.
Last edited by TxAg; 02/16/16 07:27 PM.
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Re: Sleeping Bag Question
[Re: BOBO the Clown]
#6186684
02/17/16 01:54 AM
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Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 1,364
Hirogen
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I'm a fan of mountain hard wear gear, both tents and bags
Same here. I have one of these and have slept comfortable in it on a good thermarest under the stars at -7F. http://www.backcountry.com/mountain-hard...0NhdDcxMTAwMDE1
Never violate a woman, nor harm a child. Do not lie, cheat or steal. These things are for lesser men. Protect the weak against the evil strong. And never allow thoughts of gain to lead you into the pursuit of evil.
-The Iron Code of Druss the Legend
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Re: Sleeping Bag Question
[Re: Kung Fu Widgeon]
#6186751
02/17/16 02:33 AM
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Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 27,091
Nogalus Prairie
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backcountry.com has some great deals going on right now on bags - and everything else.
I learned long ago you can't reason someone out of something they don't reason themselves into.
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Re: Sleeping Bag Question
[Re: Nogalus Prairie]
#6186809
02/17/16 02:57 AM
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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 60,541
BOBO the Clown
kind of a big deal
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kind of a big deal
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 60,541 |
backcountry.com has some great deals going on right now on bags - and everything else. model close out time. Some steals going on on boots also
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Re: Sleeping Bag Question
[Re: Kung Fu Widgeon]
#6186816
02/17/16 03:00 AM
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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 60,541
BOBO the Clown
kind of a big deal
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kind of a big deal
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 60,541 |
Think I've been look at new gear lately lol It's funny you bring them up.... Lol
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Re: Sleeping Bag Question
[Re: Kung Fu Widgeon]
#6186834
02/17/16 03:09 AM
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Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 27,091
Nogalus Prairie
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 27,091 |
I don't even have anything in mind and I still want to buy something.
I learned long ago you can't reason someone out of something they don't reason themselves into.
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Re: Sleeping Bag Question
[Re: Kung Fu Widgeon]
#6186842
02/17/16 03:17 AM
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 11,740
passthru
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Posts: 11,740 |
Sleeping bags are rated to the temp they will keep you alive at. Not keep you comfortable. Add about 20 degrees to the rating and that is what it will keep you comfortable at. I temps will be in the 20s get you a 0 rated bag. Or get you bag system that can be used with the liner for multiple temp uses making it more than a one season bag.
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Re: Sleeping Bag Question
[Re: Kung Fu Widgeon]
#6186978
02/17/16 05:34 AM
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Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 213
Sherpa Dog
Woodsman
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Woodsman
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 213 |
Snugpak sleeping bags all the way with a good mat for padding & insulation barrier
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Re: Sleeping Bag Question
[Re: Kung Fu Widgeon]
#6217038
03/10/16 03:06 AM
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Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 348
Nighteagle
Bird Dog
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Bird Dog
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 348 |
I've spent many many many nights in the Colorado high country. 6000 plus ft. Buy. Yourself a -30 down bag and don't look back. It's a life time investment that will keep you comfy or alive in any Colorado weather...
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Re: Sleeping Bag Question
[Re: Kung Fu Widgeon]
#6221766
03/13/16 01:46 PM
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Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,692
cattle69
Pro Tracker
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On my 20 degree bag I got cold anytime it got around 35 or below. I bought a liner and wear a pair of thermals and I am just fine. When you have to pack in on your feet you need to go lite and improvise.
President and cofounder of magical pellet club.
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Re: Sleeping Bag Question
[Re: Kung Fu Widgeon]
#6230995
03/21/16 12:42 PM
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Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 474
rex47
Bird Dog
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Bird Dog
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 474 |
I HAVE 3 mil. bags 2 extreme weather bags and one mountain bag. i have been too warm, but not cold (no i don't use them all at the same time)
when the going gets really tough, I sit down and rest
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Re: Sleeping Bag Question
[Re: Kung Fu Widgeon]
#6231011
03/21/16 12:53 PM
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Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 474
rex47
Bird Dog
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Bird Dog
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 474 |
I HAVE 3 mil. bags 2 extreme weather bags and one mountain bag. i have been too warm, but not cold (no i don't use them all at the same time)
when the going gets really tough, I sit down and rest
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Re: Sleeping Bag Question
[Re: Kung Fu Widgeon]
#6242888
03/31/16 03:33 PM
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Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 1,440
BDB
Pro Tracker
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Pro Tracker
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 1,440 |
Good lord I'd burn up in some of yalls bags. I have a western mountaineer bag rated at 25. But my research on all the forums from guys using that bag($500 down bag and weighs 1 pound for true back pack/bivy hunting) said it sleeps more like a 20 bag. They were correct. Sept archery elk hunts is what I use mine for though. I've been in 20 degree nights and have stayed toasty as long as I had a good pad and slept in my base layer.
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