Glenn, how do you like the alpinlite? I have been dreaming about that bag for a while now. I plan to pull the trigger this January/February around tax return time. I will just tell my 11 yr old daughter that college will have to wait. smile

To the OP. The bag is the most important gear choice you will make. Spend as much as you can. Of course, there are some great 3-season down bags that are under 3 lbs and cost less than $150. REI has the Kelty cosmic down +20 for less than $150 and less than 3 lbs.
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