Question about sleeping bags for backpacking

[petegz28]

Ok, all you outdoorsy types, I have been looking into some sleeping bags that are good for backpacking. I have seen the down bags that stuff into basically a coffee can, or so it seems. This isn't for extreme use, just for a couple over night hiking trips and what not.

I have seen prices from $100-$500+

Again the most important thing here is that the bags stuff down to small size to fit in the backpack compartment.

Thanks for any ideas or suggestions

[LoneWolf]

I believe the guys on Brokeback Mountain used the Coleman Butt****er 2000 series backpack. They can be a pain in the ass to carry though.

[Hog Farmer]

I just have to say in this event......


Boar semen.

[NewChief]

First decision is what are the lowest temperatures you think you'll be backpacking in? Then decide how good you are at erecting a dry tent (do you need to go synthetic or down). Then visit Campmor or Sierra Trading Post online and get a name brand bag.

[rockymtnchief]

I use a synthetic mummy bag for backpacking. It's smaller, warmer, and fits in a small bag. When I take the camper I use a down rectangular bag. It's more roomy and since it's inside I don't worry about it getting wet.

Tips:
Don't leave it stuffed in the bag. Take it out at camp asap to let the fill expand and form the air pockets that keep you warm. Take it out once you get home also.

Get a good sleeping pad if you're sleeping on the ground. The ground can freeze your ass pretty quick with nothing insulating you (if it's cold) since you'll be compressing all the fill with your body against the ground.

Don't sleep in the clothes you arrived at camp in. There's a tiny bit of moisture in your clothes that can keep you cold at night. Change your clothes or go nekkid.

There's a thousand bags out there to choose from.
http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/s...g%20bag&eMode=

[Bwana]

Originally Posted by rockymtnchief

I use a synthetic mummy bag for backpacking. It's smaller, warmer, and fits in a small bag. When I take the camper I use a down rectangular bag. It's more roomy and since it's inside I don't worry about it getting wet.

Tips:
Don't leave it stuffed in the bag. Take it out at camp asap to let the fill expand and form the air pockets that keep you warm. Take it out once you get home also.

Get a good sleeping pad if you're sleeping on the ground. The ground can freeze your ass pretty quick with nothing insulating you (if it's cold) since you'll be compressing all the fill with your body against the ground.

Don't sleep in the clothes you arrived at camp in. There's a tiny bit of moisture in your clothes that can keep you cold at night. Change your clothes or go nekkid.

There's a thousand bags out there to choose from.
http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/s...g%20bag&eMode=

Good list and great advise on the pad. Nothing like a cold ground temp to help freeze your ass off. From what little he said, he won't need some top of the line bag that's going to break the bank. He needs to hump it back in here and tell us about what temps he's dealing with.

[Sorter]

If you don't bring a sleeping pad when you backpack, you deserve to be eaten by bears.

[rockymtnchief]

Originally Posted by Bwana

Good list and great advise on the pad. Nothing like a cold ground temp to help freeze your ass off. From what little he said, he won't need some top of the line bag that's going to break the bank. He needs to hump it back in here and tell us about what temps he's dealing with.

I agree.

Is this Cooke City in June or Kansas in June. There's about a 50 degree difference!

[petegz28]

Originally Posted by Bwana

As far as a bag, down is great as long as you are 100% sure it won't get wet. If that happens, you're horsed. What kind of temps are you going to be dealing with?

Well I am anticipating nothing colder than 35 or so but I will buy a fleece liner or silk liner in case it does get colder

[Radar Chief]

Originally Posted by Bwana

What the hell kind of trip is that? If your greatest danger is twisiting an ankle, you're going to the wrong area. Rethink this or turn in your man card son.

I almost wish we had bears. At least that would keep the meth-heads out of the woods.

[petegz28]

Originally Posted by rockymtnchief

I use a synthetic mummy bag for backpacking. It's smaller, warmer, and fits in a small bag. When I take the camper I use a down rectangular bag. It's more roomy and since it's inside I don't worry about it getting wet.

Tips:
Don't leave it stuffed in the bag. Take it out at camp asap to let the fill expand and form the air pockets that keep you warm. Take it out once you get home also.

Get a good sleeping pad if you're sleeping on the ground. The ground can freeze your ass pretty quick with nothing insulating you (if it's cold) since you'll be compressing all the fill with your body against the ground.

Don't sleep in the clothes you arrived at camp in. There's a tiny bit of moisture in your clothes that can keep you cold at night. Change your clothes or go nekkid.

There's a thousand bags out there to choose from.
http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/s...g%20bag&eMode=

I've heard synthetic won't compress as much as down, true or no? I have a North Face Terra 60 pack and I'd like to get a bag that will fit into the sleeping bag compartment on the bottom of the bag. the lighther the better of course since I will be packing my own tent as well.

[Bwana]

Originally Posted by petegz28

Well I am anticipating nothing colder than 35 or so but I will buy a fleece liner or silk liner in case it does get colder

You will be able to get a bag for under $100 that will work great, but as RMC brought up, invest in a pad to go under it or you will damn sure wish you had.

[petegz28]

Originally Posted by Bwana

You will be able to get a bag for under $100 that will work great, but as RMC brought up, invest in a pad to go under it or you will damn sure wish you had.

Oh most defnitiely a pad will be bought. I am not new to sleeping outdoors but I am fairly new to backpacking all my equipment. My biggest concern really is how much the bag can compress.

[Bwana]

Originally Posted by Radar Chief

I almost wish we had bears. At least that would keep the meth-heads out of the woods.

Bears like meth heads.

[petegz28]

Originally Posted by Bwana

Bears like meth heads.

We went to Yosemite a couple years ago. I so wanted to see a bear but the wife would not venture off-trail for fear of getting lost. Seeing as I was unarmed and not packing even so much as pepper-spray (as if), I figured she was probably right not too but damn....

[Bwana]

Originally Posted by petegz28

Oh most defnitiely a pad will be bought. I am not new to sleeping outdoors but I am fairly new to backpacking all my equipment. My biggest concern really is how much the bag can compress.

Yeah I understand. So where and when are you taking this trip?