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

[petegz28]

Originally Posted by Bwana

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

It will most likely be spring and fall and in Mo somewhere's. But I wouldn't mind buying for future trips to the mountains since we do plan on going back and I am insisting this time we stay at the Chateau Mother Nature

[rockymtnchief]

Ounce for ounce, goose down compresses smaller, is lighter, and warmer. They usually last longer too.

[Bwana]

Originally Posted by petegz28

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....

Bear spray and I don't mix. I had a can explode on me last summer. I think I'll stick with my 500 Smith & Wesson. Below is why I don't trust bear spray.

[petegz28]

Originally Posted by rockymtnchief

Ounce for ounce, goose down compresses smaller, is lighter, and warmer. They usually last longer too.

This is what I was looking at but it isn't down...

http://www.basspro.com/The-North-Fac...2011405011017/

[petegz28]

Originally Posted by Bwana

Bear spray and I don't mix. I had a can explode on me last summer. I think I'll stick with my 500 Smith & Wesson. Below is why I don't trust bear spray.

Besides the fact you had better hope you aren't standing down-wind when you pop that shit off...lol

[NewChief]

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.

Any true compressible, backpacking sleeping bag will stuff down into the compartment on the bottom of your pack whether it's down or synthetic. Those things are generally pretty large.

[rockymtnchief]

Originally Posted by petegz28

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....

I've seen enough bears. I ride with Bwana for one reason... his suped up, nitro-charged, cammed out, ATV with a blower makes enough noise to keep the bears miles away from me!

[petegz28]

Originally Posted by NewChief

Any true compressible, backpacking sleeping bag will stuff down into the compartment on the bottom of your pack whether it's down or synthetic. Those things are generally pretty large.

When the one I am looking at says it stuffs down to 6" x 14.2". I don't see how the 14.2" is going to fit but I don't know, never tried this stuff before

[petegz28]

Originally Posted by rockymtnchief

I've seen enough bears. I ride with Bwana for one reason... his suped up, nitro-charged, cammed out, ATV with a blower makes enough noise to keep the bears miles away from me!

Noise seems to be about the best way to deter a bear, so I am told

[NewChief]

Originally Posted by petegz28

This is what I was looking at but it isn't down...

http://www.basspro.com/The-North-Fac...2011405011017/

Overpriced for a 40 degree bag, imo.

Since you might go down to 35 degrees, I would buy one at that temperature.

Not sure if you're tall or not, but I've always liked to get a "long" bag.

http://www.sierratradingpost.com/sie...processed=true

[rockymtnchief]

Originally Posted by Bwana

Bear spray and I don't mix. I had a can explode on me last summer. I think I'll stick with my 500 Smith & Wesson. Below is why I don't trust bear spray.

My can exploded up at Cooke last year in my bag. I rubbed that crap in my eyes all damn day!

My .500 just sat there and giggled at me all day.

[petegz28]

Originally Posted by NewChief

Overpriced for a 40 degree bag, imo.

Since you might go down to 35 degrees, I would buy one at that temperature.

Not sure if you're tall or not, but I've always liked to get a "long" bag.

http://www.sierratradingpost.com/sie...processed=true

I'm only 5'6"-5'7" but I am a side-sleeper.

[petegz28]

Originally Posted by NewChief

Overpriced for a 40 degree bag, imo.

Since you might go down to 35 degrees, I would buy one at that temperature.

Not sure if you're tall or not, but I've always liked to get a "long" bag.

http://www.sierratradingpost.com/sie...processed=true

Ok, see how that says it stuffs to "18x8? How is that going to fit in my pack or is that just the size of the bag they give you but it will compress more?

[Bwana]

Originally Posted by petegz28

Besides the fact you had better hope you aren't standing down-wind when you pop that shit off...lol

Yep, I've had some of that in my eyes one time (it wasn't much) and I don't EVER want to do that again.

[rockymtnchief]

Originally Posted by NewChief

Overpriced for a 40 degree bag, imo.

Since you might go down to 35 degrees, I would buy one at that temperature.

Not sure if you're tall or not, but I've always liked to get a "long" bag.

http://www.sierratradingpost.com/sie...processed=true

Even if you're not tall, long bags are nice to stuff your next days clothes in the bottom so they're toasty in the morning. Good tip, NC.