Sleeping bag suggestions - HELP

deadI · Aug 28, 2011

My brother is interested in getting a new sleeping bag. He would like some help in determining the bag to get he has narrowed it down to these 5 and would like to know what you guys think of them good and bad. By the way he is 6' tall and weighs 175 if that makes any difference.

Down bags:
1- Marmot pinnacle 15 deg
2- Northface blue kazoo 15 deg

Synthetic bags:
1- Northface cats meow 20 deg
2- Marmot trestles 15 deg
3- Big agnes encampment 15 deg

DeadI/Jared

wvbowhunterinalaska · Aug 30, 2011

By reputation all of them by company name are good bags. Now it depends on he is willing to suffer a heavier bag (synthetic) versus a bag that will never dry if it gets wet (down)? For the most part unless it is the Pacific NW or Alaska, the hunting seasons are dry (little perception during the season). Then it depends on what temps he can stand down to (the temp value is more like a guideline rather than a concrete number). The bag I have got is probably too much for the lower 48, but I bought it on the premise that it was going to be used in Alaska so I wanted something that would keep me warm and dry, no matter how nasty it got. I know I didn't give you an answer, but maybe something I said will help make the decision a little easier.
WVBOWAK

OldMan · Aug 31, 2011

I've had a North Face bag for at least 25 years. They make good gear. If you are backpacking size and weight matter. I have some Cabela's bags too that I like and they are priced better.

Hauss · Sep 6, 2011

Big Anges "Storm King" 0 degree, 3lb 8oz, and sleeping pad system. I purchased mine this year and just spent four nights in it. The pad is 2.5 inches thick. We could not find a spot flat enough to put our tent out so be slept under the stars, the pad is so thick you will not feel any rocks. I'm 5'11 and I usually have to get a long sleeping bag so the head opening will go over my shoulder when I"m on my side. This bag I purchase the regular size and still had plenty of room for your feet and the head slot is up high. Just try it out at the store, they have a nice neck cover and the sleave in the back for the pad. You will never fall of the pad, it's awsome. I sleep better outside than at home. It's ok to say that here my wife will never be on this web site. ha hah

I would go with down it's usually wamer.

good luck

trophyhunter · Sep 7, 2011

We use the North Face "Tundra" -20F bags. Lightest warm bag in a synthetic at about 4.0 lbs. Backpacking archery or rifle in the backcountry choose a bag that will not fail due to getting wet. These bags will keep you warm even if they get wet where down will be a bust. We would love to choose a down bag for the reduced weight but a wet down bag is no good and will ruin a hunt. They make the bag in "regular" and tall for a few dollars extra...get a "tall" more room all around

Check them out at Cabela's..website.

))))------->

BPKHunter · Sep 7, 2011

I would avoid the Cat's Meow unless you are looking for a 30 degree bag. They are light for their price range, for their temp rating, for a reason.

goinhuntn · Sep 9, 2011

Check out Cabelas Alaskan Guide. Friend of mine had one this past winter we slept outside on cots while javelina hunting and it got down in the teens. He woke up the next morning with this bag covered in ice and said he was warm and dry, needless to say I was sold and bought one for myself. They are nice and light too.The bag is rated to minus 40

cabinfever · Sep 15, 2011

I'd take a hard look at the mountain hardwear O degree phantom bag. Only weights 2 lbs and I've never had a cold night. I'd look at wiggys for the synthetic.

mtngoat · Dec 2, 2011

Have him check out the Marmot Helium 15 degree bag. I have owned about a dozen down bags and this is hands down the best bag I have ever slept in...... just my 2 cents.....

-Mtngoat

elkster9 · Dec 3, 2011

Check out Wiggys Sleeping Bags, made in Colorado. I love it.

LaGriz · Mar 23, 2012

Jared, you wise to take your time with this purchase. Don't forget to check out LL Bean's line. I have a 15 deg. north col mummy long - comes with a compression sack and a large cotton sack for storage. The temp rateing is true on this bag. It weighs 3.3 Lbs. and compresses to the size of a loaf of bread.

If I was going to SE Alaska or on a raft/canoe trip I would opt for a man-made unit. Any wet bag would suck, but a wet down bag could be a real issue in a 3 o 4 day storm.

My 2 cents

Griz

bigbull1 · Mar 26, 2012

LAST EDITED ON Mar-26-12 AT 09:52PM (MST)[p]LAST EDITED ON Mar-26-12 AT 09:48?PM (MST)

I purchased a Montbell UL Super Spiral Down Hugger 0 degree bag last year and I really like it. I am a big guy (6'3" 258lbs) and have wide shoulders, which is my issue for all pack bags. They have a patent on a stretch outer shell, which makes this bag extremely comfortable. At a bit over 2lbs, it works well for me.

Also grabbed a breathable waterproof bivy by Montbell which weighs 8 ounces.

Ed