Question about sleeping bags for backpacking

[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.

[Sorter]

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

[rockymtnchief]

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

[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/

[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

[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?

[NewChief]

Originally Posted by petegz28

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?

You have the Terra 65? It's 14" wide. Can't really tell how high the stuff "pocket' extends, but many of them can be expanded via an internal strap system. You stuff the thing in, so it's really all about cu.in. not about dimensions. It looks like that pack is one of TNF's larger multi-day packs. I really can't imagine that you wouldn't be able to stuff a backpacking sleeping bag into the sleeping bag compartment.

[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.

[NewChief]

Case in point:

[Sorter]

They are a blast man.

[DaFace]

This appears to be a catch all thread, but the basic idea is that down is usually better, but it'll usually cost a bit more, and it sucks if it gets wet. If you're planning to use it a lot, it's worth the extra money.

Oh, and the best way to buy one is to go into a store that lets you try one out. I don't think REI has made it to KC yet, but if there's a store kind of like that in the area, go and see them and just ask questions. Or at least read this.

http://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advi...eping-bag.html

[Tylerthigpen!1!]

Originally Posted by DaFace

This appears to be a catch all thread, but the basic idea is that down is usually better, but it'll usually cost a bit more, and it sucks if it gets wet. If you're planning to use it a lot, it's worth the extra money.

Oh, and the best way to buy one is to go into a store that lets you try one out. I don't think REI has made it to KC yet, but if there's a store kind of like that in the area, go and see them and just ask questions. Or at least read this.

http://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advi...eping-bag.html

I think they are building right now. I want to say it will be done in the fall.

[dirk digler]

Pete check eBay. I recently bought a Kelty 0 degree down bag for $100.

[BIG K]

Originally Posted by dirk digler

Pete check eBay. I recently bought a Kelty 0 degree down bag for $100.

I apologize I did not read every post, I never do. This one caught my attention. That's a great bag but, not every 0-degree bag is awesome. There are 0-degree bags out there that weigh alot more than others. You really need to look at weight as well as temp.