What is the best sleeping bag that you guys have owned for backpacking? Should I pick a backpack that is light and a little chilly or a heavy sleeping bag with a lot of warmth?

Bags don't have to be heavy to be warm. I use a Mountain Hardware Phantom long 0 degree (800 fill down) bag that weighs 2 lbs 10 oz. I use it for elk hunting in CO and on late season deer hunts in OK. It also compresses nicely and packs small.

I've got a Western Mountaineering 800 fill down Kodiak. Super light weight, SUPER warm. I've spent many nights in this bag, down into the single digits, with and without a tent. Never once got cold. A side note, a ground pad is absolutely essential with a down bag in cold weather.

Second the recommendation for Western Mountineering.

quote:

Originally posted by Doublegun:
Second the recommendation for Western Mountineering.

one more from me for a Western Mountaineering bag!

Lokk in to the Big Agnes line. Great high end bags which are very light weight.
Bill

Just got the Western Mountaineering Versalite. 10 degree bag weighing in at 2 pound even. 20 unces of 850+ down.

many, many years ago I bought Marmont Mountain down bags as back then they were supposed to be te best. I still use them and I am still completely satisfied. I do have one poly bag by Mountain Hardware I think] for wet places, and it too works great.

BB3, I recommend you getr a bag a little warmer than what you think you will need. Then if it gets colder than normal you will be OK.

Also at night when you sleep is when you "recharge" your batteries. There is nothing worse than sleeping cold, NOTHING, BELIEVE ME I KNOW, WHICH IS WHY I BOUGHT THE MARMONT BAGS AFTER A PARTICULARLY COLD, BELOW ZERO TRIP...

A good sleeping bag can save your life... Do not skimp on your sleeping bag.

quote:

Originally posted by N E 450 No2:
many, many years ago I bought Marmont Mountain down bags as back then they were supposed to be te best. I still use them and I am still completely satisfied. I do have one poly bag by Mountain Hardware I think] for wet places, and it too works great.

BB3, I recommend you getr a bag a little warmer than what you think you will need. Then if it gets colder than normal you will be OK.

Also at night when you sleep is when you "recharge" your batteries. There is nothing worse than sleeping cold, NOTHING, BELIEVE ME I KNOW, WHICH IS WHY I BOUGHT THE MARMONT BAGS AFTER A PARTICULARLY COLD, BELOW ZERO TRIP...

A good sleeping bag can save your life... Do not skimp on your sleeping bag.

I agree. get a good sleeping bag..

As far as I'm concerned, it's Integral Designs. Out of Calgary, Alberta. All of their stuff is top 'o the line. I understand they've re-directed their business towards the Canadian military (not sure tho) but I think you can still get a sleeping bag from them. I do know that you can get their insulated jacket & pants from Barney's in Anchorage.
I have one of their bags but don't recall what it's rated to but I think it's about +10 or so. It's more than enough for the Brooks Range in Aug. and our moose camp for Sep.
Ya can't go wrong with I.D. gear.
As a side note, if you think you'll need more warmth, get a piece of polar fleece to put over yourself inside the sleeping bag. That's what I did & found I didn't need it for the trips I go on. Polar fleece is very light weight & isn't bulky when folded/rolled up. Carry it in your sleeping bag stuff bag.
Bear in Fairbanks

Don't own one " Yet " !! But Wiggy's seems to be highly regarded

http://wiggys.com/category.cfm?category=6

PAPI

I have the Wiggys Ultima thule and even though it's heavier than the other's quoted here, the thing keeps me warm and I'll pack the extra weight to sleep well and if I want to go lighter then I don't take the overbag....

I have a wiggy and theres no comparing it to my Western Mountaineering Versaliteno the wiggy is heavy, zippers snag and the material is not in the same class. But the wiggy is great for car camping or short backpacking/hunting trips.

They aren't fancy but I've used LL BEan down bags for 20 or more years... I've slept on snow with a 20 degree bag on a standard thickness thermarest wearing light flannel pants and a t shirt and been toasty. For me, the 20 degree bag is good to 0 degrees as I;m a hot sleeper.

I use the same bag even in warmer weather...the trick is to just take along a twin sheet and throw it over your thermarest and unzip your bag and use it as a comforter. Also, don't forget a beanie cap for cold nights...you lose lots of heat through your noggin.

Good luck!

I've been using a Montbel spiral stretch bag and it's been great. All down so nice and light and warm and the stretch feature makes it much less restrictive than a normal mummy bag. I'd second the statement to get a little warmer bag than you expect to need, it's my belief that the temp ratings are set that you can go as cold as the rating and probably not die but you won't be comfortable.

Been using different Western Mountaineering bags for twenty years. It really doesn't get any better.

I just switched from the Versalite to an Alpinlite for a bit more elbow room, but my wife uses a Versalite and loves it.

For general-purpose, three-season use, either those two work great.

My only advice when buying a bag is don't buy one that's too warm... it's a neub mistake that happens year in, year out. It's a simple matter to throw on extra layers if needed, but sweating in an overly warm bag is no fun.

20*F is pretty well the standard for three season ratings for a reason...

Good thinking, Brad,
I took a Montbell #1 to NZ for tahr hunting but, thinking it may not be warm enough, added an ultralite summer down bag to put over it.

As it happened we camped in warm huts instead of tents and I could hardly stand the summer bag, let alone the bigger one.

It seems there is much discussion of down bags .
Aren't they a problem if they get wet? Isn't synthetic better ?

Water/rain.............

I did a lot of research on a bunch of the backpack/hiking forums before I bought a bag. Downright ugly when it comes to down v. synthetic proponents. How much rain you encounter is a significant issue and ultimately your deciding factor. Synthetic > down when used in a wet environment as down retains the moisture/won't dry out quickly.

Ultimately I went for the Kifaru as I also bought a pack from them. I couldn't have been more happy with my choice. The pack was roomy and the bag warm.

As indicated earlier, I have a Mountain Hardware Phantom 0 degree down bag. I'm sure there are other brands that perform equally as well. I also have a 0 degree synthetic bag and I won't mention the brand because it let me down on two different hunts in only moderately cold, 15 to 20 degrees weather. Just my opinion but if you buy a down bag, also spring for a lightweight waterproof bivy sack. Not only will it keep your bag dry (even in a tent when condensation can be a problem) but it will also add to the warmth.

quote:

Originally posted by FMC:


I did a lot of research on a bunch of the backpack/hiking forums before I bought a bag. Downright ugly when it comes to down v. synthetic proponents. ...

Push feed vs CRF arguments seem tame in comparison.

If it's cold Wiggy's.. If it's Mild to Cool Marmot Hydrogen..