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)
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.
Registered: 02/03/06
Posts: 6800
Loc: Gateway to Columbia Gorge
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.
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May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view--E. Abbey
Registered: 02/05/03
Posts: 3293
Loc: Portland, OR
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.
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