Warm weather Ultralight Bag on a budget

Posted by: zwinters

Warm weather Ultralight Bag on a budget - 04/19/13 04:41 AM

So here's what I'm looking for: an ultra-light summer bag that won't break the bank (under $200?)

I realize that LIGHT, WARM, and INEXPENSIVE do not all go together. Knowing this, I choose to prioritize light and inexpensive and am willing to sacrifice warmth because I sleep warm, don't mind wearing layers to bed, and I already have a heavier warm bag I can resort to if the temps really drop.

I'll be spending about 80 nights in the backcountry of the Eastern Cascades this summer (Pasayten Wilderness and Washington Pass area, primarily).
This is a fairly mild area, but when it does rain, I won't be staying home. The temps might duck in to the 30's, but 40's is most typical in the summer.

I'll be alternating between a hammock and bivy sack, using a tarp-shelter if I expect rain.

Some options I've been considering so far:

Vaude Sioux UL 100 - 19oz, 55 degrees (tough to find)
Lafuma Extreme 600 - 20oz, 45 degrees (tough to find)
MHW Ultralamina 45 - 20oz, 43 degrees (a bit more expensive)
Jacks R Better Sierra Stealth - 17oz, 40 degrees (a bit more expensive)

What other suggestions do you folks have? Thanks!
Posted by: DTape

Re: Warm weather Ultralight Bag on a budget - 04/19/13 06:22 AM

I have a JRB Stealth quilt (before the slight name change). This is my summer quilt for use in my hammock. With the "head hole" it also is my around camp insulation for those mornings it is frosty out. I wear my windjacket over it to protect it a bit during those times. I have no experience with the others.
Posted by: OregonMouse

Re: Warm weather Ultralight Bag on a budget - 04/19/13 12:32 PM

At those elevations, the temps can and do drop to the low 30's F, especially in June and in late August. I've seen snow above 6,000 feet in the Cascades in July.

Check out quilts from Enlightened Equipment, too. They have both down and synthetic. I assume, since you're a hammocker, you'll want a quilt rather than a sleeping bag.
Posted by: finallyME

Re: Warm weather Ultralight Bag on a budget - 04/19/13 12:36 PM

Here is one I found at campmor. You can look there for others.
I have never used this one.
Mountain Hardwear Phantom

Posted by: aimless

Re: Warm weather Ultralight Bag on a budget - 04/19/13 01:36 PM

The temps might duck in to the 30's, but 40's is most typical in the summer.

That's a fair assessment, but it doesn't quite cover the extremes. The coldest summer temps tend to happen after several days of cool weather (upper 40s with rain or heavy clouds) followed by a night where skies turn fair and clear. With those conditions you can easily get into the mid 20s at 6000 ft. and above.
Posted by: billstephenson

Re: Warm weather Ultralight Bag on a budget - 04/20/13 02:32 PM

You already broke my bank, so I can't offer any help at all cry
Posted by: zwinters

Re: Warm weather Ultralight Bag on a budget - 04/21/13 07:04 AM

I ended up going with the Enlightened Equipment RevelationX 30 degree (6' Reg).

20 ounces is a little on the heavy side but I think the 30 will be much more versatile than the 40. A steal at $200 if you ask me.

Now I play the waiting game.
Posted by: BarryP

Re: Warm weather Ultralight Bag on a budget - 04/22/13 03:58 PM

Tell us how you like it.
Thanx,

-Barry
-The Rockies and IL bogs were made for Tevas