Sleeping Bags (for hiking & camping)

[clamum]

So I'm trying to get a few things together in preparation for some hiking and perhaps camping this summer with my brother and buddy. One thing I need to get is a sleeping bag. I can just pick one up at Walmart but I wanted to see what you experts thought or recommended.

I know that once down gets wet it loses its insulation properties and synthetic is lighter but that's about the limit of my knowledge. As far as the conditions I'll be using it in, it would be in the summer and fall (Michigan) but I'd like the bag to be usable in temperatures as low as 40 deg F.

Any brand/model suggestions? I looked at Recon bags but they're insanely expensive and after reading some reviews, quite underwhelming IMO. I have a new Kelty backpack that seems great so I'm considering them since their products aren't too expensive.

Thanks for any help/suggestions!

 

[GoSharks]

The best of the best would be Western Mountaineering or Feathered Friends. Love my WM Ultralite that I've had for 7 years. Would never go back to a synthetic bag. I would highly recommend spending the extra money for a down bag if you plan on using it more than a few times.

Something like this if you are need a 6'6" bag:
http://www.rei.com/product/852979/kelty-light-year-20-sleeping-bag-long-right-2012-closeout

Oh, and down is typically both lighter and warmer than synthetic. Getting down wet is highly unlikely and really should not factor into your decision unless you see yourself repeatedly falling into a river. Anyways, ether way with a wet down or synthetic bag, you will be cold.

 

[lxskllr]

Unless you're doing arctic camping, I like a plain blanket. It's more versatile, and generally cheaper for a better product. I like wool army blankets. They're cheap, comfortable, and warm.

 

[JulesMaximus]

The best of the best would be Western Mountaineering or Feathered Friends. Love my WM Ultralite that I've had for 7 years. Would never go back to a synthetic bag. I would highly recommend spending the extra money for a down bag if you plan on using it more than a few times.

Something like this if you are need a 6'6" bag:
http://www.rei.com/product/852979/kelty-light-year-20-sleeping-bag-long-right-2012-closeout

Oh, and down is typically both lighter and warmer than synthetic. Getting down wet is highly unlikely and really should not factor into your decision unless you see yourself repeatedly falling into a river. Anyways, ether way with a wet down or synthetic bag, you will be cold.

I couldn't agree more. Down bags are very light weight, you'll appreciate this if you are backpacking, and they have the best insulation properties. Still, you'll need something between you and the ground.

I have a down filled Marmot bag that is super warm, packs into a tiny bag maybe 12" long and 5" in diameter and it weighs around 20oz. I have used it down to 32 degrees and was nice and toasty. Honestly, it is too warm for anything above 45 but you can get down bags that have less fill for warmer temps.

 

[Gibsons]

I couldn't agree more. Down bags are very light weight, you'll appreciate this if you are backpacking, and they have the best insulation properties. Still, you'll need something between you and the ground.

I have a down filled Marmot bag that is super warm, packs into a tiny bag maybe 12" long and 5" in diameter and it weighs around 20oz. I have used it down to 32 degrees and was nice and toasty. Honestly, it is too warm for anything above 45 but you can get down bags that have less fill for warmer temps.

It's amazing how the big fluffy sleeping bag gets crammed into a tiny little bag.

Anyway, OP, also look into a pad to go underneath your bag. This can be a real decision of bulk/weight vs. performance though. If you're just 'day camping' get a good thick one, makes a big difference in comfort. If you're doing real hiking, shop around...

 

[Fern]

-snip- I'd like the bag to be usable in temperatures as low as 40 deg F.

I think any sleeping bag can handle that.

I'd go cheap and light (since you're hiking and weight adds up quick).

Getting your bag wet? I don't care what type it is that will suck. Use a black plastic garbage bag if it doesn't come with a waterproof cover.

Fern

 

[jiggyest]

So I'm trying to get a few things together in preparation for some hiking and perhaps camping this summer with my brother and buddy. One thing I need to get is a sleeping bag. I can just pick one up at Walmart but I wanted to see what you experts thought or recommended.

I know that once down gets wet it loses its insulation properties and synthetic is lighter but that's about the limit of my knowledge. As far as the conditions I'll be using it in, it would be in the summer and fall (Michigan) but I'd like the bag to be usable in temperatures as low as 40 deg F.

Any brand/model suggestions? I looked at Recon bags but they're insanely expensive and after reading some reviews, quite underwhelming IMO. I have a new Kelty backpack that seems great so I'm considering them since their products aren't too expensive.

Thanks for any help/suggestions!

Synthetic Fill: Usually heavier for the amount of warmth they bring, but will keep some of it's warmth and loft if it gets wet.
Down fill: Lighter and more compressible than synthetic for equivalent warmth. Useless if it gets wet. A good quality down bag will last you for years if properly taken care off.

Anything from Wal-mart would probably be not as warm, heavy, not as compressible, and poor quality. If you can afford it, get something like this:
http://www.backcountry.com/marmot-never-winter-sleeping-bag-30-degree-down-mar2262

I take something similar (temp rating wise) for summer backpacking up in the Sierras. I usually sleep out barring any rain or mosquitoes. It also depends on the individual, some run warmer than others.

 

[NuclearNed]

I got an REI goose down zero degree bag around December. I love it, and I'm planning on taking it backpacking this summer - in spite of it's low temp rating. Don't forget to buy a waterproof compression sack.

 

[onza]

I think any sleeping bag can handle that.

I'd go cheap and light (since you're hiking and weight adds up quick).

Getting your bag wet? I don't care what type it is that will suck. Use a black plastic garbage bag if it doesn't come with a waterproof cover.

Fern

Yeah.. don't do what this guy says. Because cheap = heavy and takes up a shit ton of space in your bag.

If you want to do it right and you have some extra cash buy a quality down bag + a nice sleep pad.

Eddie Bauer has some exceptional gear from First Ascent and for sleep pad recommendation I recommend this: http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/7459...eping-pad&attrValue_0=Grass&productId=1243482

One last addition to make the sleeping bag water free is find a solid waterproof stuff sack.

 

[MagnusTheBrewer]

For someone just starting out camping and hiking, DON'T spend a lot of money. The "best" is not a very good value if you don't use it a lot. For temps down to 40, a cheap down bag or, a wool blanket as lxskllr suggested is a good plan. I have 40+ years of camping, canoeing and, hiking experience.

 

[shortylickens]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UCdgpeufJYs

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TJSsS7-oZxo

 

[shortylickens]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vv2U4ZX3Be8

 

[clamum]

Ah, guess I was wrong on the weight issue, thanks.

Yeah sounds like down is the way to go. I hadn't thought of just using a blanket like someone above mentioned, that would definitely be cheaper. Would they roll up/compress as well as a sleeping bag though? I have a Kelty Red Wing 50 for now which should be big enough for my needs at this point.

 

[lxskllr]

Would they roll up/compress as well as a sleeping bag though?

Depends on what you're comparing it to. Some blankets/bags compress to almost nothing, and others are a little more bulky. For my preferred army blanket, two of them will compress small enough, but I would strap it to the outside of my pack to save space. They're probably in the midrange as far as consumed space goes.

 

[Baked]

I use a fleece liner inside an ultra compact sleeping bag.

 

[DrPizza]

Getting your bag wet? I don't care what type it is that will suck. Use a black plastic garbage bag if it doesn't come with a waterproof cover.Fern

Get a waterproof stuff sack; they come in a variety of sizes. Since I kayak a lot, they're invaluable for keeping things dry in case of a roll over or something. Garbage bags are magic: if it rains while you're hiking in, somehow the plastic of the garbage bag will be oriented just right to funnel water into the worst possible part of the thing you're trying to keep dry.

 

[dougp]

If you can find an Army surplus down mummy-sack in your size, I highly suggest it. I absolutely loved mine growing up in Scouts, and I used it 12 months in Texas - I had an insert I used during the summer if it got too hot. Unfortunately, a few years ago, it had water damage and I had to trash it after 8 years - but I've used Kelty as well, and I can recommend them. I suggest looking at Campmor or at items like this: http://www.armysurplusworld.com/product.asp?ProductID=54684

 

[crashtestdummy]

Get a waterproof stuff sack; they come in a variety of sizes. Since I kayak a lot, they're invaluable for keeping things dry in case of a roll over or something. Garbage bags are magic: if it rains while you're hiking in, somehow the plastic of the garbage bag will be oriented just right to funnel water into the worst possible part of the thing you're trying to keep dry.

The eVAC sacks are really nice.

 

[phucheneh]

Unless you're doing arctic camping, I like a plain blanket. It's more versatile, and generally cheaper for a better product. I like wool army blankets. They're cheap, comfortable, and warm.

A rectangular bag that unzips fully and has a weatherproof exterior is pretty damn versatile. If you want a blanket, it's a blanket, but it has a moisture barrier on one side. And it's warmer.

I like the lighter, cheaper, bags, though. They're not AS warm, but they're generally warm enough, and they don't weight much at all (some of those expensive ones get downright heavy).

 

[JulesMaximus]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vv2U4ZX3Be8

Yum, she is super cute. :thumbsup:

 

[velillen]

Since you (it sounds like) are just starting out, dont go to fancy. No need to run out buying dry sacks or anything. Just use a garbage bag. I used one for year (and still do often for clothes) and even in pouring rain it kept everything dry. Especially if you put on over your backpack when it does start raining.

Just get a bag that fits your current needs. Which in your case just sounds like something to get you out. No need to go spending more than 50-75 bucks for that. Once you have an idea of what you want then go looking for something that fits your needs.

Also you could check out places that rent bags and try out synthetic vs down and different styles as well.

 

[dougp]

Yum, she is super cute. :thumbsup:

Don't buy an air mattress if you camp in cold weather, no matter how cute the salesperson is.

 

[The_Dude8]

Don't buy an air mattress if you camp in cold weather, no matter how cute the salesperson is.

if you camp in cold weather, get a close foam sleeping pad and put the air sleeping on top of it.

 

[kamikazekyle]

For warm weather I use a standalone fleece liner (Alps Mountaineering Razor). It has a thin fleece interrior but a polyester exterior with tiedown straps. For colder weather, it can fit into a standard mummy bag. Packs tiny and less than a pound. You can also use a silk liner as a standalone as it'd be smaller and lighter, but I tend to prefer the Razor.

I also have a 30 degree down mummy bag for colder weather. Toss in the above liner and it can go down even colder if I happen to need it.

And ditto on a pad or mattress. For most weather an air-up mattress will be fine. I use an uninsulated non-self inflating Big Anges for the majority of my camping as it packs even smaller than the Razor liner. Never was a fan of traditional foam mats. I also have a much thicker insulated Thermarest self inflating for colder weather. For really cold stuff you'll want a base layer under the mattress or a more specialzed heavyweight insulated mattress, depending on preferences and the temps.

Overall, since you're looking for hiking and backpack camping in Michigan during the summer, I'd suggest something like the Razor (or a thinner down bag) plus an uninsulated non-self inflating air mattress. You'll want to keep weight and size to a minimum, and both my Razor and Big Anges served me fine during summer camping in 2012 on the UP. I probably paid, oh, $100 combined for the Razor and Big Anges and that'll get you through June-August easy; more if you're a bit more tolerant or willing to layer a bit. Heck, if you ever get *too* cold, heat up some water and stash it under your shirt in a bottle or canteen.

 

[shortylickens]

Don't buy an air mattress if you camp in cold weather, no matter how cute the salesperson is.

She wasnt a sales girl but an outdoor expert.
And she is cute. Shame she hasnt done any vids in a whole year.