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Sleeping bags
- Thread starter bczoom
- Start date
dzalphakilo
Banned
Can't go wrong with North Face or Sierra Designs.
Only three I have are from Sierra Designs, and when I used to use them, loved them.
Per the two bag system, some time ago (like 7 years or so) I had heard good things about Slumberjack for the money, however, I checked Campmor (sp?) and didn't see those types listed.
Only three I have are from Sierra Designs, and when I used to use them, loved them.
Per the two bag system, some time ago (like 7 years or so) I had heard good things about Slumberjack for the money, however, I checked Campmor (sp?) and didn't see those types listed.
Last time I looked (long ago) REI had good comparison charts on their website. I expect Cabella's does also.
North Face sells first class stuff, literally Everest-expedition quality. Sierra Designs is also good. Patagonia and Class 5 are (were?) also top-tier brands.
If you will always be in circumstances where you can retreat to the car, then REI's house brand, Coleman, etc should be fine but they weigh more.
I've seen some awful stuff at Big 5 Sporting Goods. I got a cheap kid size Little Bear sleeping bag there for older daughter and she kicked all the seams out of it, as well as all the insulation going flat, in two seasons, long before she outgrew it. I then bough both daughters slightly better bags that lasted only until they fit adult bags. I think those were Slumberjack's cheapest models.
The big difference paying more is less weight, better compressibility, and survival-grade durability - but you pay for it.
North Face sells first class stuff, literally Everest-expedition quality. Sierra Designs is also good. Patagonia and Class 5 are (were?) also top-tier brands.
If you will always be in circumstances where you can retreat to the car, then REI's house brand, Coleman, etc should be fine but they weigh more.
I've seen some awful stuff at Big 5 Sporting Goods. I got a cheap kid size Little Bear sleeping bag there for older daughter and she kicked all the seams out of it, as well as all the insulation going flat, in two seasons, long before she outgrew it. I then bough both daughters slightly better bags that lasted only until they fit adult bags. I think those were Slumberjack's cheapest models.
The big difference paying more is less weight, better compressibility, and survival-grade durability - but you pay for it.
Then the next question is down vs synthetic.
Down is the only way to go for ultralight service, ie backpacking.
If you are going to set up a hunting camp etc, then synthetic won't pack as tight, and is heavier to transport, but provides better cushioning beneath you. We used synthetic bags in the years that we spent nearly every summer weekend up at the gold mining claim (and got drenched a few times), then switched to down as the kids and adults went off in different directions. Younger Daughter spent a month camped above the tree line (9,000+ ft) in the Sierras on a college biology project in 2005 and said her Class 5 down bag was ideal for that.
If you fall crossing the creek, or the creek rises overnight and runs through your tent (BTDT) then you can wring out a synthetic bag and it will still provide maybe a third the warmth of a dry bag. You sleep soggy, humid, miserable, but its not life threatening. And it will dry out after a few hours hung up and dripping. A wet down bag is like a soaking wet newspaper - you would be better off nude in the rain than inside it - it will cling to you and suck the warmth out of you. You'll never get it dry before the end of the trip.
Which is preferable depends on what you have planned.
Down is the only way to go for ultralight service, ie backpacking.
If you are going to set up a hunting camp etc, then synthetic won't pack as tight, and is heavier to transport, but provides better cushioning beneath you. We used synthetic bags in the years that we spent nearly every summer weekend up at the gold mining claim (and got drenched a few times), then switched to down as the kids and adults went off in different directions. Younger Daughter spent a month camped above the tree line (9,000+ ft) in the Sierras on a college biology project in 2005 and said her Class 5 down bag was ideal for that.
If you fall crossing the creek, or the creek rises overnight and runs through your tent (BTDT) then you can wring out a synthetic bag and it will still provide maybe a third the warmth of a dry bag. You sleep soggy, humid, miserable, but its not life threatening. And it will dry out after a few hours hung up and dripping. A wet down bag is like a soaking wet newspaper - you would be better off nude in the rain than inside it - it will cling to you and suck the warmth out of you. You'll never get it dry before the end of the trip.
Which is preferable depends on what you have planned.
I have a North Face mummy bag that is rated to -40F. I have personally tested it comfortably to around +10F with no problems. It is synthetic, not down, and is great for compressibility, as you just shove it into it's bag, and pull it back out with no compaction. I have owned this bag for more than 15 years, and it is still up to the task.
I prefer synthetic anyday over down. I also like how well they can be "Stuffed" away!
dzalphakilo
Banned
Down can be "stuffed" into a smaller area than a synthetic fill bag (comparing to synthetic by equal weight). Down will also keep you warmer compared to a synthetic (weight being equal). Only problem with down is once it's wet, it's a bugger to dry, particularly if your in a cooler climate and it's not sunny and warm.
Amazing how far technology has come in the outdoor industry, however, Down, wool and silk is still hard to beat.
Definitely check the REI comparison chart, also BackPacker magazines annual Gear Guide edition which may still be on the shelf.
I have REIs 'Down Time -20' and it keeps me 'almost' comfortable to -30. It comes in right and left so you can get one of each and zip them together with a good friend, but you may be asking about a slip-cover arrangement. Another thing to consider is whether you sleep prone or curled up. If you are like me and like to curl up, you might consider trying a womans bag that is a little wider in the middle. My bag frustrates me when I try to bring my knees up and there is no room.
I have REIs 'Down Time -20' and it keeps me 'almost' comfortable to -30. It comes in right and left so you can get one of each and zip them together with a good friend, but you may be asking about a slip-cover arrangement. Another thing to consider is whether you sleep prone or curled up. If you are like me and like to curl up, you might consider trying a womans bag that is a little wider in the middle. My bag frustrates me when I try to bring my knees up and there is no room.
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Hot damn. I just hung mine up to air prior to my trip later this week, and I glanced at the tag an saw that it was Made in the USA. I guess I have owned it for a number of years.