Looking for a 0 F Bag that is somewhat light weight (around 4 pounds), under $50, water resistant (no canvas or flannel bags), and fairly rugged as I have a dog. Suggestions welcome! I've noticed Slumberjack's seem to fit my needs.... anyone have one or ever used one?
I have and use a Slumberjack 30 degree bag for summer camping or for wet conditions. It's not water resistant (the shell is fairly thin), but my fill is synthetic so it doesn't lose insulation when wet like down. I like the bag, but depending on just how rugged construction you need it may or may not work for you. Find a place that sells them and look at their demo model, it may help you make the final decision. On the whole, though, I like mine and the quality is pretty darn good for a bag under $50.
When I hear the "S" word I immediately think car camping and not serious backpacking. I have three for my family including a 0 degree model. The loft is adequate but I would not actually use it near 0 degrees because it lacks a draft collar. I think Slumberjack's temp ratings are way too optimistic. But if you don't mind the bulk and you're not going very far they may be for you.
If the dog is going to be IN the bag with you I would avoid a mummy.
I'll repeat what I wrote in an old post: When it comes to sleeping bags you can have light, warm, or cheap.
Slumber Jack does have some bags that seem to fit your needs however, with that being said I think that I would look at a name brand bag so that I would know that I could depend on it when the weather and every thing else around you gets rougher than you expected...Your bag is one of those items that you "have" to be able to depend on....I know years ago I had several fairly good bags ..low temp ratings and all that but when I did encounter bad or at least in climate weather, they just didn't do the job..However, it is up to you and you can get some really good deals on the Slumber Jack name brand. I have a Marmot "never winter" and it goes about 2 lbs. and is a 30 degree bag. I use a closed cell pad, and inflatable pad (Big Agnes). I also have specific clothes that I wear if the weather is really really cold. That greatly increases the temp rating of my bag and usually keeps me nice and toasty too...Hope that helps....sabre11004...
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The first step that you take will be one of those that get you there 1!!!!!
The reason why I chose a 0 degree bag is because 1) I'm a cold sleeper and 2) Most temps will be 18 degrees and above. As far as I'm concerned all bags are rated too low! No my dog is too big and squirmy to sleep IN the bag but she can be rambunctious (especially in the mornings) and jump on me to wake me up so the bag should be able to hold up to her jumping on it (and me ).
I did come across a -20 bag by Ledge called the River that's on sale. It is 7 pounds but considering that my entire cooking and serving set weighs less then a pound, I could handle 7 pounds if it's warm enough!
I do have a Slumberjack rated for 20F and it has served me well, even in Alaska during the fall. I however usually sleep with clothes on so I'm sure that helps in the keeping warm department.
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I did come across a -20 bag by Ledge called the River that's on sale. It is 7 pounds but considering that my entire cooking and serving set weighs less then a pound, I could handle 7 pounds if it's warm enough!
7 POUNDS! I thought my 7 lbs for sleeping bag AND tent was heavy. And they are both crappy and need replacement. I am trying to get that down to 5 with a tarp/bivy/quilt combo, all MYOG.
Edited by finallyME (02/05/0909:18 AM)
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Considering that I will be touring the US on bicycle and living in a tent for the next 4 years I don't think a tarp would suffice for me! Weight isn't that much of an issue since I will be doing 1-2 day backpacking excursions whenever I come across a trail that looks interesting.
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