advice on warm sleeping bag

For the last few years, I have been going to a hunting camp at around 10,500' in early to mid November. I have an REI +25 degree mummy bag that I used in my backpacking days that just doesn't keep me warm when the temp hits +30, let alone +10 to +15, which has been a typical low at night in November up there. I use a little Coleman gas heater to stay comfortable, but hate to need it to not be miserable. Since weight is not a factor for this, what do you guys recommend for a nice, warm, hooded bag that doesn't break the bank? Somewhat important features include a zipper that doesn't keep getting snagged when trying to zip up, a lining that doesn't act like velcro and a hood/collar that snugs up. I guess a rating of 0 degrees would work, but I'd like the experts who have slept out there to chime in. Thanks!

best I can suggest is Sportsmans warehouse has their own generic brand, "sportsman outfitter" - model "sportsmans lite 0degree". I bought a couple of them for I thik $45 and they work well... there are better I'm sure.

First, thanks for the tip--I'll check them out. I got my daughters the sportsman's bags at the +20 rating, and they like 'em.

Second, where did you get that avatar? Wow!

a friend let me take the picture... (joke)

google images... searched for axx... ha ha.

I used the military surplus bags. The one with two bags and a Goretex bivy bag outer shell..same as this craigslist ad (not my ad)
http://cosprings.craigslist.org/spo/1613323414.html

I bought a -20 degree (lite weight)north face for 250ish. I froze my ass off. I went to the army surplus store and bought a 40 dollar cheapy. Been using that for elking every since. Get the biggest cotton sleeping bag you can find.
My dad uses an army extreme cold sleeping bag and he never complains- about being cold. [Luck]

I'll second the sportsman 0 degree bag I have one and its great, has all the features you mention and good price

I have two of these bags - one is a - 30 degree bag, the other is a -20 degree bag. I have NEVER been cold - even sleeping in a canvas tent in 2 ft of snow in November with the tent stove out. When it gets too hot, I just unzip and stick a leg out.

They have various sizes and even have mummy shaped bags if you prefer those (I hate 'em). I have the largest and there is actually too much room in the bags - I should have gotten 1 size down.

They are pricey though!
http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/links/link.jsp?id=0074706519805a&type=product&cmCat=SEAR CH_all&returnPage=search-results1.jsp&Ntk=Products&QueryText=trekker+sleepi ng+bag&sort=all&_requestid=1515&N=0&Nty=1&hasJS=tr ue&_dyncharset=ISO-8859-1&_DARGS=%2Fcabelas%2Fen%2Fcommon%2Fsearch%2Fsearc h-box.jsp.form23
http://images.cabelas.com/is/image/c...?$main-Medium$

Thanks all for the advice so far. Ginsue--that Cabelas bag is $100; that's a pretty good price.

Get any bag that has a rating of -20. I have used mine (some off brand) all over this wonderful state and in just about every seaseon except January. I have stayed warm and sometimes too warm, but for Colorado.... -20 seems to be the perfect temp rating for any of Colorado's crazy weather. [Beer]

http://www.wildernessexchangeunlimit...ID=54&PID=1856

If you are hiking into the camp or going to use the bag for hiking at other times, your best bet is a well made goose down bag. If it's just going to be used in camp and you have pack animals or vehicles to get there, then get a recently made military sleeping bag. The military bags are heavier and won't compress as small in comparison to the goose down bags, but comparible in comfort. The price is the big difference. The goose down is going to cost. I have both, and if I'm walking I take the goose down.

I think the -20/USGI advice is sound. My lighter bag is the one I'd carry (because I'm not hiking when it is that cold). The cold weather bag I'm looking for need only be carried 50' from the Jeep to the tent, so weight is not a factor. Bulk either, since I don't take the whole brood with me in low temps. I'm gonna go to the surplus store on Broadway and Hampden and see what they have.

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Originally Posted by gnihcraes

a friend let me take the picture... (joke)

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Ya, he must work out! [ROFL1]

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Originally Posted by kpp80202

Thanks all for the advice so far. Ginsue--that Cabelas bag is $100; that's a pretty good price.

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When I got my two, they were still being sold from Gander Mountain (yeah, used to be Gander Mtns brand - Cabelas bought 'em out), they were $150/ea. Cabelas has reduced the priced over the last couple of years.

Have an extreme weather GI bag (made of down), stayed very toasty in it last season, camel pack in my tent froze solid over night, so it was quite cold! I think they are expensive to clean, so my wife made me a fleece insert that increases the comfort/warmth and convienence. Not much room though. I don't like nylon, so also have a cheap $30 canvas/flannel bag i generally use in camp and throw a couple GI wool blankets over it and stay warm too. I packed the GI bag in and that was bad idea, 10+ pounds, but can't seem to bring myself to spend $200+ for lightweight down hiking bag.

If i had to buy a bag for this season, i would buy a "7 in 1". Have a buddy who has it and it has layers that can be zipped out for varying temp, including a down insert. Don't know how much or where to get one though.

Cheers,
Tim

carry a heater......

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Originally Posted by Mtn.man

carry a heater......

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Already doing that. I just don't want to freeze if it dies.

I was fortunate enough to be issued a bag system made by Wiggys in Grand Junction. My system is very similar to this one:
http://wiggys.com/moreinfo.cfm?Produ...TOKEN=38261974

I also have at least one of the USGI Extreme Cold Weather bags and several GORE-TEX bivy sacks. The bag is heavy, but warm. I would be more than willing to sell it if anyone needs one. The USAF was very good to me when it came time to issue cold weather gear (I spent four winters in Grand Forks, ND). Now that I'm retired, that gear just takes up a lot of room in my basement.

My best advice is whatever bag you end up with, use a GORE-TEX or similar waterproof & breathable bivy sack. It will keep you dry and warm.

Cabela's has these mummy bags on sale for $40 plus shipping. Ordered one and the total came to about $48. The website says that they're out of stock, but give em a call, who knows.

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/te...144&hasJS=true

I wonder what's up with the sale on the Trekker bags? Those prices are fantastic.

As I stated in my earlier post about the rectangular bag ( I really don't like mummy bags - too restraining), I have two of these bags and they are really warm.

A good quality sleeping bag is very important. Don't skimp on it you will regret it. I would go with a down bag they are warm and light but cost more. Any sleeping bag over time collects oils from your boddy and degraids the insulation. To revamp the life in a bag wash it. Also (this is important) the sleeping bag will only keep you warm if you are off of the ground. When it is really cold out I use 2 sleeping pads. A closed cell foam pad and then a thermarest air mat. The foam keeps you off of the ground and then if you stick the air mat in your bag the air will heat up and keep you warmer. Also you will be more comfortable. I am a Mountaineering guide and have been using feathered friends sleeping bags for years. I have used there 0 degree bag in Alaska, CO and the Alps and have never had any issues. As a matter of fact I have had the same bag for 6 years. Well worth the price tag.

A dog is a great "space heater". They will warm up any sleeping bag or tent. Additionally they are man's best friend!