This isn't for me, but my brother in Dallas. He has been helping out the scouts in his area and just realized they go camping a lot. Sometimes.....even backpacking. He also realized his bag is too heavy (not surprising considering he bought it at wally world). Anyways, I don't need a bag recommendation, only a Temperature recommendation. He will use it spring, summer and fall in Northern Texas. When I lived in San Antonio, my 60F bag worked great. But I am not sure about the northern part of that massive state. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated, thanks.
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Registered: 12/27/05
Posts: 931
Loc: East Texas Piney Woods
He can pick up a Slumberjack 20F over at BassPro for around $80 if he watches for sales. SportsAuthority across from VistaRidge Mall also has a few good bags.
I wouldn't go with anything less than 20F. If he uses a 30F, he'll have problems in Dec/Jan when those norther's roll through. But depending if he is a warm sleeper or cold, he might could get away with it and use insulated clothing and a liner. Obviously the 30F would weigh less and pack smaller. And it wouldn't be as hot during summer months.
My son and I started out with the SJ's and they did fine. He picked up a NorthFace Cat's Meow at the Scout Buck auction and started using that. It is also rated at 20F, but he is a blazing inferno when it come to sleeping warm or cold. The NF is too narrow for me.
Now, I use a Ray Way quilt (with alpine upgrade) and it takes me down to 20's with insulated clothing.
He can go by REI off of 635 & Marsh and try out several different brands and styles.
Let me know if that helps or if you need more info.
Tango61
Edited by Tango61 (04/22/1009:41 PM)
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Will it drop below 60 in June, July, August and September?
Not likely. In fact it usually doesn't drop below 90f. I sometimes go to a fleece blanket. My go-to Texas bag is a 20deg NF Chrysalis semi-rectangular. I think Campmor puts their name on those now. You can shake the down to the bottom side of the bag to cool it off.
Registered: 12/27/05
Posts: 931
Loc: East Texas Piney Woods
+1 to what Dryer said.
December - Feb it can down into the low 20's at night, although usually it is in the mid 30's - 40's.
March - May things start warming up and night time temps will be 40 - 60.
June - Aug/Sep it is not unusual for temps to stay up into the 80's until 3-4am. Sometimes it will drop into the 60's if a front moves through.
So just as with clothing, you often have to layer your sleep system. I carry a fleece blanket sometimes during summer and I also have a Sportsman's Guide 50F bag that I use as a quilt.
As a general, overall recommendation I would go with a 20F bag knowing that most of the less expensive brands are generous with that rating.
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