Sleeping bag question

[jtrack79]

I am looking for a good lightweight affordable rectangular sleeping bag. I need a new lightweight bag and am having trouble finding one that meets the above criteria. Any suggestions?

Thanks.

[jman]

I am looking for a good lightweight affordable rectangular sleeping bag. I need a new lightweight bag and am having trouble finding one that meets the above criteria. Any suggestions?

Thanks.

That's interesting because so was I two days ago. I went to Sportsman (in Riverdale) and REI (off of 3300 S.) and Sportsmans had a much bigger variety and selection that REI. And the exact same bags at REI were cheaper at Sportsmans by over $30.

One that I am highly considering is the Kelty light year down 20(degrees) for about $150. The employee said that the down is warmer, lighter, and compacts better than synthetic, so look for that.

I'm 6'0" and about 190, so the bag fits perfectly for me.

[Brian in SLC]

I am looking for a good lightweight affordable rectangular sleeping bag. I need a new lightweight bag and am having trouble finding one that meets the above criteria. Any suggestions?

Try MEC. The Canadian REI!

For lightweight, I'd recommend one of these:

http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=84552444250 7321&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302865705&bmUID=1278709833758

They sell a number of rectangular (barrel) cut bags, both down and synthetic, in a variety of temperature ratings. Usually a bit cheaper up there. Consider too that prices are in Canadian peso (not as good as it used to be!).

Cheers,

-Brian in SLC

[uintahiker]

I have 2 down bags- 1 mummy, and 1 rectangular. The mummy is way to restrictive. Good decision on looking for a rectangular one.

[denaliguide]

down is lighter than synthetic (but not by much these days), and will compact smaller. warmth is a toss up between down and the new synthetic bags. a 0 deg bag doesn't know if it's down or not. down when wet sucks, period. if you anticipate using it anywhere it rains a lot you need to be careful. at least synthetic retains some insulating properties when wet. rectangular will be more comfortable but a little heavier than a mummy bag. there are a lot of super lightweight bags out there. mostly in the 100 to 150 range. i have a slumberjacl bag thats rated to 32 deg and it's less than a kilo.

[tcope]

I switched from a mummy bag to an Big Agnes Lost Ranger as it was a combo rectangular/mummy (mostly rectangular). It did add a little weight as it should due to it being wider but it was not a lot. It also cuts some weight by not having down in the bottom. When down compresses it looses all of it's insulation value anyway. It's has a lot of room... I can turn my lower leg sideways in the bag. I LOVE the bag!

[asdf]

Just curious... what is sportsman's return policy?
Considering REI guaranties all products for life and has a "no questions asked" return policy for members I find it worth the extra money.

[jman]

Just curious... what is sportsman's return policy?
Considering REI guaranties all products for life and has a "no questions asked" return policy for members I find it worth the extra money.

Valid point. Sportsmans is only a 90day refund policy. Unless it's a manufacturer warranty - then it doesn't really matter. But from personal experience, I bought a thermarest from them about 5 years ago and this last year it popped. I took it back and they replaced it for free. I didn't even have a receipt either. But, that could of been just a nice guesture and not warranty or replacement policy...

[denaliguide]

definitely hard to beat rei's return policy.

[Jaxx]

This is not really what you are looking for but mabey another option to look at. The Pinole by Mountain Hardware. It is pretty light and way inexpensive. I got the long model at Out-n-Back in Orem for about $90. I have never been a mummy bag kind of guy but this bag is pretty spacious and the way the bottom is sewed allows your feet to be in a natural upright position. Very roomy mummy bag. They even let me lay in the bag and try it out in the store!

Here is the link. Looks like REI has them for the same price. http://www.rei.com/product/795996

[asdf]

Keep in mind Out-n-back wont stand behind anything.
You buy it and you keep it for life.

[jman]

Forgot one thing, the light year from Kelty is a rectangular AND had a zipper at the bottom of the bag if you want to stick your feet out too. Very nice! Sportsmans was saying this will be the new "standard" on the next-gen of sleeping bags.

[mhambi]

The Snuggie is rectangular. ish. :lol8:

http://i28.tinypic.com/mtt1zk.jpg


I'm claiming that I'm the first person to do Coyote Gulch with Snuggie until proven otherwise.

[Jaxx]

The Snuggie is rectangular. ish. :lol8:

http://i28.tinypic.com/mtt1zk.jpg


I'm claiming that I'm the first person to do Coyote Gulch with Snuggie until proven otherwise.

:roflol:That is awesome!


Keep in mind Out-n-back wont stand behind anything.
You buy it and you keep it for life.

hmmm. I didn't check the warranty out. Hope I don't need to find out!

[accadacca]

A little off subject, but I bought some North Face shoes at REI a few years ago. Well the laces only lasted 6 months due to the design. I looked all over for these type of laces and could not find them, even at REI.

I have now had the shoes for 2+ years or so. This morning I called TNF (lifetime warranty) and they didn't hesitate to send me a new pair of laces free of charge. Impressed. :2thumbs:

[denaliguide]

A little off subject, but I bought some North Face shoes at REI a few years ago. Well the laces only lasted 6 months due to the design. I looked all over for these type of laces and could not find them, even at REI.

I have now had the shoes for 2+ years or so. This morning I called TNF (lifetime warranty) and they didn't hesitate to send me a new pair of laces free of charge. Impressed. :2thumbs:

just want to make sure i got this right.

the laces wore out after 6 months. you hung onto shoes for another 18 months without laces. then decided to get new laces from nf. now expecting new laces to wear out in 6 months. am i close?

i know just being an :bootyshake: :lol8:

[accadacca]

:lol8: The laces still worked, but they were split open. The laces rub back and forth between these plastic thingies. Yeah your an ass. :haha:

http://www.zappos.com/images/736/7364818/10757-616507-p.jpg

[asdf]

hmmm. I didn't check the warranty out. Hope I don't need to find out!

From my experience they will send it back to the manufacturer for you :roll: IF its still covered. I still pick up little things at out-n-back like backpacker meals, fuel, socks, ect. but large items are just a huge risk compared to REI or Backcountry.com.

[Cirrus2000]

I gotta stick my Canadian nose in here, and second Brian's recommend for MEC. They make great stuff, and really stand behind it. It costs a bit to have it sent to the States, but can still come out as a good deal.

I'm planning to pick up an MEC Hybrid sleeping bag (http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=84552444228 0153&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302865703&bmUID=1278977890008) (the -20C or -4F version) before FreezeFest this year. Same idea as the Big Agnes Lost Ranger that tcope mentioned - down on top, synthetic on bottom. $185 Canadian (just under $180 US), including shipping to the States. Beautiful bag, and they stand behind everything they sell.

Consider buying a bunch of stuff at once - they'll send up to $1000 worth for $19 shipping.

:blahblah:

[jman]

I gotta stick my Canadian nose in here, and second Brian's recommend for MEC. They make great stuff, and really stand behind it. It costs a bit to have it sent to the States, but can still come out as a good deal.

I'm planning to pick up an MEC Hybrid sleeping bag (http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=84552444228 0153&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302865703&bmUID=1278977890008) (the -20C or -4F version) before FreezeFest this year. Same idea as the Big Agnes Lost Ranger that tcope mentioned - down on top, synthetic on bottom. $185 Canadian (just under $180 US), including shipping to the States. Beautiful bag, and they stand behind everything they sell.

Consider buying a bunch of stuff at once - they'll send up to $1000 worth for $19 shipping.

:blahblah:

Yes...but that bag has one of the neck dividers. Other bags just have the divider on the top. But on the bottom...that's just uncomfortable (in my testing that is).

[Cirrus2000]

Yes...but that bag has one of the neck dividers. Other bags just have the divider on the top. But on the bottom...that's just uncomfortable (in my testing that is).

Well, I haven't slept in one with a full neck muff yet, but considering that I always use a pillow, so my head is raised anyway, and I want to be warm at -15C or so, I'm looking forward to having it!

[jtrack79]

I went with the Kelty Lightyear 0 degree. Heading on a 3 day tip tonight, we will see how it does.

Thanks for all of the feedback.

[ibenick]

0 degree? Toasty!

[jman]

I went with the Kelty Lightyear 0 degree. Heading on a 3 day tip tonight, we will see how it does.

Thanks for all of the feedback.

You might be a bit warm with a 0, but it it does you can use the zipper on the feet and stretch out more and ventilate.

I bought one last week and have used it once. Much better, in all aspects, compared to my synthetic North Face.

[ibenick]

Just curious, does anyone here know of any big man sleeping bags that are down that are not made by Big Agnes? I have a Big Agnes Lost Ranger but I've lost the love for being locked onto my pad. I also have The North Face Mammoth 20 and Goliath 0 which are nice and roomy for me but they're synthetic, and heavy. I would love to find a down bag in the 25-35 degree range that is roomy like that. I'm 6'4 and about 270 and most regular long bags I've tried on won't fit around my shoulders/chest very well. If anyone has any ideas I'd love to hear them.

[rooster32]

Western Mountaineering down bags. Expensive, but great bags.

[Bo_Beck]

Just curious, does anyone here know of any big man sleeping bags that are down that are not made by Big Agnes? I have a Big Agnes Lost Ranger but I've lost the love for being locked onto my pad. I also have The North Face Mammoth 20 and Goliath 0 which are nice and roomy for me but they're synthetic, and heavy. I would love to find a down bag in the 25-35 degree range that is roomy like that. I'm 6'4 and about 270 and most regular long bags I've tried on won't fit around my shoulders/chest very well. If anyone has any ideas I'd love to hear them.

X2 on WM Bags. I stock the WM Bags here at The Rat. Badger or Ponderosa at 15F. are "girthy" then you go to the Kodiak or Bristlecone 0F. for the "girthiest" in that Temp. Range. You can also go to Gore Windstopper rather than the microfibre in both the Badger and Kodiak. If you want super insulating then the Bison GWS at -40F has a 64" girth. Yep they are PRICEY, but well worth every penny.

[ibenick]

Wow! I think I'm in love! Those Western Mountaineering bags look perfect, like I had designed them myself. I'm happy to pay a steep price for a bag that fits the bill. Bo Beck, if you ever have a sale on those, let me know! I may wait as late as next spring to invest but I'm definitely picking one of those up. The Alder or maybe the Ponderosa... hard to decide if I really need a 15 or a 25.

[Brian in SLC]

Couple of other options:

http://www.featheredfriends.com/Picasso/Bags/BagsWideSeries.html (http://www.featheredfriends.com/Picasso/Bags/BagsWideSeries.html)

Have a couple of FF bags that were custom cut as wider for me (sleeping with boots and water bottles, etc). Great stuff.

Speakin' of Canada:

http://www.integraldesigns.com/product_detail.cfm?id=720&CFID=7378347&CFTOKEN=43005992 (http://www.integraldesigns.com/product_detail.cfm?id=720&CFID=7378347&CFTOKEN=43005992)

I have an ID Renaissance (20F bag) that I really like. Comfy, synthetic, roomy...and does pack up well. A compression stuff sack makes it easy.

My ultra light down bag is a Marmot Atom (40F). Uber sweet. Weighs around a pound and packs down to the size of a water bottle.

[ddavis]

X3 on Western Mountaineering bags. I have three, and I love them all. One option I like is to use a silk sleeping bag liner (one of those cocoon things) to sleep in, with the bag unzipped on top, like a blanket. Pretty cushy.

[beachbum222]

I just bought a Lafuma 40 degree mummy from Rec outlet for $69 bucks it weights 1LB 6oz 600 down. i'll post here what i think after i use it? So far im pretty excited as i shaved almost 4lb off my pack weight. i have a shattered knavicular that needed a fusion and 2 torn ACL's so ultra lightweight is my goal. my 3 day pack is down to 16.4 LB wet and shaving! and its much needed=) I'm concidering trecking pols to assist my weak lower end?

[jman]

I just bought a Lafuma 40 degree mummy from Rec outlet for $69 bucks it weights 1LB 6oz 600 down. i'll post here what i think after i use it? So far im pretty excited as i shaved almost 4lb off my pack weight. i have a shattered knavicular that needed a fusion and 2 torn ACL's so ultra lightweight is my goal. my 3 day pack is down to 16.4 LB wet and shaving! and its much needed=) I'm concidering trecking pols to assist my weak lower end?


Bum of the Beach:
ya, poles are very helpful. If you do a search of "trekking poles" or "poles", a recent discussion was just about that very topic.

Sorry about your pain! Light is the smart way to go.

[beachbum222]

Thanks=) i always thought it would be more to have to study as you hiked. 4 spots vs. 2 feet but i may have to break down. Surprisingly i hike almost pain free its the next day or so im hating it

[Cirrus2000]

I've had poles (Black Diamond Syncro Elliptics) for a while, and like them, but I usually use them only on steep descents - partly to ease the pounding on my aging (and injured) knees, and partly to help keep my balance. Sadly, I busted one yesterday on a super steep snow slope - oops! :roll:

I'm getting a joint in my left foot fused (1st metatarsal-phalangeal) either this fall or in the new year (depending how my Utah canyoneering trips fit in!)

Yes - let us know how the bag works out for you!

[beachbum222]

Im not sure how its spelled i need a talus-navicular fusion. im ok if i dont walk a lot on uneven ground or dont backpack but the extra movment makes it hurt. I was told i needed it about 6 years ago and do pretty good all things concidered. You'll be out for a while huh?

[Cirrus2000]

Im not sure how its spelled i need a talus-navicular fusion. im ok if i dont walk a lot on uneven ground or dont backpack but the extra movment makes it hurt. I was told i needed it about 6 years ago and do pretty good all things concidered. You'll be out for a while huh?

Ouch, that sounds pretty rough. Any plans on getting the surgery done?

I've lost almost all the cartilage in my left big toe joint, and it's very stiff and painful. After surgery to fuse it (using a metal piece (http://www.footsurgeryatlas.com/wright-mtp-fusion-01.htm)) I'll be in a walking cast for 8 weeks or so, then 4 weeks until I can really use it. I plan to spend the first week of January canyoneering in southern Utah, so if I can't get the surgery performed by about the 5th of October, I'll put it off until later in January. *sigh*

[beachbum222]

I've had poles (Black Diamond Syncro Elliptics) for a while, and like them, but I usually use them only on steep descents - partly to ease the pounding on my aging (and injured) knees, and partly to help keep my balance. Sadly, I busted one yesterday on a super steep snow slope - oops! :roll:

I'm getting a joint in my left foot fused (1st metatarsal-phalangeal) either this fall or in the new year (depending how my Utah canyoneering trips fit in!)

Yes - let us know how the bag works out for you!

I used the new Lafuma bag over the weekend at Granite falls near jackson WY it's awesome! I've never had a decent bag! I was worried about the romm but plenty of room, warm to 40 like the bag says but no colder! I'd have to add a liner or sleep with more clothes on in colder temps! zips easy from inside, doesn't snag, sinch deal over face works great! Very impressed! Love it!:2thumbs:

[jtrack79]

Love the sleeping bag(Kelty Lightyear 0 Degree). It was great width wise, but if you are over 6'1 then I would go with the long. I am that tall and I purchased the regular and it was just long enough.

I have used it many times now both when it has been warm and below freezing. When it is cold it keeps you cozy warm, and when it is warm you can just unzip and hang out.

[cachehiker]

Just curious, does anyone here know of any big man sleeping bags that are down that are not made by Big Agnes?

I'm currently watching for a Mont Bell UL Super Spiral. I'm not big but I toss and turn, especially on the first night. They're cut a bit bigger, stretch a bit more, and they're still just 1 lb. 6 oz. for a regular 30

[CarpeyBiggs]

i have a UL Super Spiral #3. cut is very roomy, and of course, stretchy... got mine at the backcountry 20 percent off sale. highly recommended. you could pour a cup of water on it and it wouldn't absorb any of it.

bad weather and down is kind of over-hyped in my experience. the biggest problem with down is not from weather, it is from sustained nights out in cold weather when you sweat, and the moisture condenses in the bag. you won't have any problems in the dry air out here, in my opinion. (i never have in years of using down.) just take the few minutes to take care of your bag each day.

backpackinglight.com has a very good review of pretty much every down bag out there right now, including those for bigger dudes. great read.

[CarpeyBiggs]

cachehiker - smokin' deal on a super spiral here -

http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/forums/thread_display.html?forum_thread_id=36345

[cachehiker]

That is a smokin' deal.

Unfortunately, it's on a long version and I'm descended from squat little Scottish Highlanders.

Even Mont Bell's regular will be plenty long for me.