sleeping bag?

[VFTTop'r]

I am looking for a down bag for warmer weather. I have 0 degree bag which works well in cold weather. I am a warm sleeper so my 0 will toast me in the warmer weather. Any recomendations?

 

[sli74]

I bought a Western Mountaineering Highlite last year and I LOVE that bag. Kept me toasty warm down to 38 degrees even though normally I get VERY cold when I sleep. It weighs 15 ounces and is amazingly comfy. Used it on the Long Trail and I don't think I will use a different summer bag ever again . . . How's that for a good review

sli74

 

[John H Swanson]

Western Mountaineering Iroquios. 1.5lbs. conservative 38F rating, but actual measures 4.5" loft vs. 3" spec'd. Full lenth zipper - you can open it up for warm weather. Normal duty fabric for good robustness (long life). If you can live with a lighter duty fabric and a 3/4 length zipper then you can get a 1 lb bag with a 35 rating from them.

 

[VFTTop'r]

Western Mountaineering Iroquios. 1.5lbs. conservative 38F rating, but actual measures 4.5" loft vs. 3" spec'd. Full lenth zipper - you can open it up for warm weather. Normal duty fabric for good robustness (long life). If you can live with a lighter duty fabric and a 3/4 length zipper then you can get a 1 lb bag with a 35 rating from them.

What's the price range? Where do you get Western Mountaineering brand?

 

[John H Swanson]

I bought mine from Ramsey Outdoor in Paramus NJ. the price was about $200. It was a special order, no shipping charge. They have some stock, not the one I wanted though. There is a good Western mountaineering website for info.

 

[Jay H]

The WM iroquios isn't made anymore. I got mine on closeout for about $160. Most of the ultralite summer bags from WM seem to retail for $220+. The mitylite and the megalite come to mind...

Jay

 

[Chip]

I use a fleece sleeping bag liner and a lightweight retangular bivy cover.
light and comfy.

Not that this helps you, but for transitional cold I still have the down bag my parents
bought for their boyscout for $50 at Caldor 30 years ago.

Google "Downright Voyager", I bought one of their "rated 0" bags new on ebay for $75.
Based on actual use, I would rate this bag to 25.

 

[John S]

The WM iroquios isn't made anymore.

I think the Iroquios was replaced by the Caribou - 35 degrees, 3.5 inch loft and full zipper. Looks like Seema's Highlite but is made with their standard material and is cut bigger. It's a great bag.

 

[rondak46]

Wiggy's overbag

I am planning on using my Wiggy's overbag for 2-3 season use. It is highly compressible, light, durable, and retains its loft very well.
Alone it is rated to 35 degrees and weighs 2.5 lbs.
In combination with my 0 degree bag it will be good to -30 degrees. It is larger (thus an overbag) than a typical mummy bag and has 2 zippers.

It has already come in handy when a nearby camper was stuck with a 20 degree bag in temperatures that were approaching -5 degrees. I layered up and loaned him my overbag.

145$ www.wiggys.com

 

[Chip]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=87101&item=7148566525&rd=1
new marmot wasatch "buy it now" for $115

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=87101&item=7149209701&rd=1
golite featherlights for auction sale

 

[VFTTop'r]

I'm thinking about using a 45 deg for summer and a fleece liner combination for the late spring through late summer temps? I'm looking for a low budget solution. Any suggestions?

 

[Halite]

I'm thinking about using a 45 deg for summer and a fleece liner combination for the late spring through late summer temps? I'm looking for a low budget solution. Any suggestions?

If you already own any fleece, capiline or other insulated shirt and pants, you would probably get better warmth to weight from these than from a bag liner. Saves $$ and more versatile too. A lightweight down or synthetic jacket could also be lighter and provide better warmth. If it's too warm to wear the jacket, then you have a really nice down pillow. It's pretty nice to have on those really cool spring and fall mornings getting going around camp.

 

[soco7tyx7]

sierratradingpost.com has the kelty ligthyear 45 - long for $90, a pretty good deal. i almost bought this one, but then i found the mountainsmith wisp 30 for $130 and couldnt pass up a sweet deal like that.

 

[Mike D.]

I just picked up a Marmot arroyo 30 degree long from sierra trading for $179, thats $100 dollars off for a premium bag. Its made with 800 power fill down and pertex nylon shell, weighs in at 2lbs 2 oz. Other features worth looking at also.

 

[Warren]

Campmor has their own brand of bags, I've been happy with their 2lb, 40° semi rectangular bag that I bought for around $80. I did upgrade to the lighter and warmer highlight, but the campmor bag is an excellent deal.

Do keep in mind that a fleece blanket is going add no small amount of weight to your sleeping system. A light bivy might give you more bang for the weight.

 

[Ken999]

rondack46- What size is your Overbag? A buddy of mine has a L/W that weighs 3 lbs. 5 oz. in it's stuff sack? Have you weighed yours?

 

[Capoken]

on a budget

I am always on a budget. I found a great summer bag for almost nothin'. I've used it down to the mid 30s with some good long johns. Its rated to 50, but I think 45 is more acurate. How big a boy ara ya? Cause it's cut kind of tight. I'm 5'9" and 170 lbs and it is a nice snug fit for me. It's tall, but if your wide it won't work for you:

http://www.sportsmansguide.com/cb/cb.asp?a=129749


I got the mummy. My BPing partner liked mine so much he bought one too. Just don't go usin' it at 30 degrees without some more insulation....

 

[Pucknuts61]

Sierra Designs Wild Bill - Regular is $70 and the long is a few bucks more. +20 rating but I just got mine at the end of last year so I haven't tested it in summer.
http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?memberId=12500226&productId=39578

 

[jbrown]

I'm thinking about using a 45 deg for summer and a fleece liner combination for the late spring through late summer temps? I'm looking for a low budget solution. Any suggestions?

Ok, here's my two cents on the "el-cheapo" solution to a summer bag. I have virtually no budget to buy top o' the line gear, let alone spend over $100 on a sleeping bag. After looking around for a while, I settled on the Lafuma Patrol Light . I compared it to Golite synthetic fill bags rated around 40 degrees and found that it's about 1/3 the cost at about the same weight. It has plenty of length, I can bury my 6'1" frame below the hood opening when it's all zipped up and put my arms over my head. My only complaint is that it's a little narrow for my taste. Don't be put off by the $29 cost, it's well worth the investment.