Best sleeping bag and pad?

ID_Paul · Aug 9, 2005

I am hoping to do a backpack muley hunt this season, but need to replace my sleeping bag first. A sleeping pad will also be essential, rocks and roots digging into my back just aren't as much fun as they were 15 years ago.

What are your recommendations for bags and pads? I think a 15 or 0 degree rated pack would be plenty for me, and maybe more than needed for most hunts.

One of my friends recently bought a Big Agnes bag and pad and likes it. Have any of you used one?

Thanks.
Paul

Colville · Aug 9, 2005

The big agnes air core pad is very nice! If you hunt when it's real cold though, you'll need a closed cell foam mat. It doesn't have to be a good one or very thick, but if you drop into the low degrees the air core will need insulation from the ground or your backside will get cool.

BUCKSPY · Aug 9, 2005

I just bought the Big Agnes Farwell with the poly-insulated air core. I have used a 2 inch thermarest for years and the BA air core I have now is much more comfortable to me. My hips usally get sore because I sleep on my side. With this pad it just feels more comfortable. They have my money.

AspenAdventures · Aug 9, 2005

The best sleeping pad I have found was at Smiths Market Place for $12.95.

It is just one of their 3 inch foam pads. Cut it to the same width as a stuff sack and roll it up tight. Then stuff it in. I know this won't work well with an internal frame pack for packing it in but I use an external pack.

You can not beat it for comfort and with it in a stuff sack you can not tear it. On my pack the sleeping bag goes on top and the pad on the bottom.

The only problem I have had over the last 5 years with this set up is that it makes it very hard to wan't to leave the tent.

nfh · Aug 10, 2005

look into slumberjack sleeping bags. warm and esy packing. i have holifill II a performace insulation. its a trademark of oupont. its big but very warm up to below 20.

chambero · Aug 11, 2005

I have a Wiggy's sleeping bag that I like.

I also just bought a Big Agnes Encampment Bag (20 degrees). Their bags have a sleeve in the bottom that your sleeping pad slides into. I think its the best idea ever. Slide one of their insulated air core pads into it, and you don't have to worry about sliding off your pad at night. I actually lay this bag and air core pad on top of a z pad closed cell foam pad. Very comfortable, and doesn't weigh much at all. It is just fine for backpacking.

ID_Paul · Aug 14, 2005

Thank you all for your replies. I will look into the brands recommended.

Paul

nfh · Aug 14, 2005

sorry ID_PAUL. i looked into my holifiull its made by slumberjack when i look a little harder. sorry for any confusion

BeanMan · Aug 15, 2005

ID,

You get what you pay for in sleeping bags. If you are going to carry it you'll want to spend a bit more. For the best in light weight and packing size stay with Marmot, North Face, and Montain Hardware. Probably some other brand out there that are top class that I have missed. I use Down because of weight and size, might pay if it gets wet.

I use a Wiggy's Ultima Thule for car camping. It is heavy, packs large, and has a crude hood shape for when you need to mummy up. Definatley not a backpack bag.

BeanMan

gdog · Aug 15, 2005

I just attended the Outdoor Retailers show and had a chance to look at a lot of the big name manufacturers sleeping bags.

There's not a ton of difference in between all the others bags in their respective degree rating. Some offer weather resistant coverings but thats about it. Each has a bag in a similar configuration and down fill quality (600, 700, 800). Most use the same materials and same fill. I agree that you get what you pay for, but you also pay extra $$ for the brand name and no extra features.

As previously stated, the Big Agnes bags are pretty nice bags. The concept of being able to slide a pad in the bottom sleeve of the bag is really smart. I ended up getting a Lost Range (15 degree rating). It is a semi-rectangular cut bag and provides more room then a mummy bag, but should retain heat very well. Also has a sewn in "pocket" at your head that allows you to stuff clothes in it to make a pillow (one less thing to carry). It weights in at around 2.8 lbs, so it packs well.