Looking for a sleeping bag upgrade for the the current army 5 piece kit. Something light but durable without breaking the bank. So with that said what are my options?
#137465 - 08/09/1008:01 PMRe: Best ultralight sleeping bag for the money
[Re: humblefan]
Trailrunner
member
Registered: 01/05/02
Posts: 1835
Loc: Los Angeles
You may get more exact answers with a more exact question. What is your idea of "light"? For some it's 15oz, for others it's much more. How much money does it take to break the bank? $70? $200? There is a lot of leeway in your question.
You left out one very important requirement: How warm does it have to be? What kind of temps will it be used in?
Are you looking for down or synthetic? IMO down is required to make a bag truly ultralight but others may think differently.
As for durability, it generally rises with weight. Personally I think any bag can be durable with proper care.
As I have written about sleeping bags a few times before:
Light
Cheap
Warm
Pick any two. It's not hard to find a cheap warm bag but it won't be light. Sounds like you have that now. If you want a light warm bag it won't be cheap. And if you want cheap and light it won't be very warm.
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Registered: 08/11/09
Posts: 82
Loc: Illinois(I just live here)
Campmor has a down bag that's a good starting place that's a 20 Degree Mummy currently on sale for 119. I've always heard that it's the best starter value for the money. Weighs in at 2lbs 4oz. It will be my next gear piece unless my dutch uncle shows up.
My plan is to use this pack within Texas only. So looking for something lightweight thats good to say 50 degrees F, but not too warm to use during the summer, good for keeping the critters out (where I go snakes are a big big issue) and above all light, possibly usable without a pad. Looking for 2lbs or less and very very compact. $200 is my top range but would be glad to get something for less if possible. Looking for typical camping colors of tans, OD green, etc.
Originally Posted By Trailrunner
You may get more exact answers with a more exact question. What is your idea of "light"? For some it's 15oz, for others it's much more. How much money does it take to break the bank? $70? $200? There is a lot of leeway in your question.
You left out one very important requirement: How warm does it have to be? What kind of temps will it be used in?
Are you looking for down or synthetic? IMO down is required to make a bag truly ultralight but others may think differently.
As for durability, it generally rises with weight. Personally I think any bag can be durable with proper care.
As I have written about sleeping bags a few times before:
Light
Cheap
Warm
Pick any two. It's not hard to find a cheap warm bag but it won't be light. Sounds like you have that now. If you want a light warm bag it won't be cheap. And if you want cheap and light it won't be very warm.
Ok after reading a little more (amazing what a little search function does for a newbie right?) I found what I need is an ultralight bivy sack with head shelter. Recommendations ladies and gents?
Maybe start with the REI minimalist bivy then work to the Black Diamond Lightsabre Bivy?
Originally Posted By finallyME
Here is my 3 season "Texas" bag I bought whilst in Texas. Minaret
It is pretty light, but I bet you could get a better deal and warmer/lighter option with a fleece blanket.
For insulation, suggest Marmot Pounder. They make a down version (if you want it to last longer), but the Pounder is cheap (about $100 on sale), light (1lb), and meets your temp requirements.
IRT bivy sacks, my (surplus) military one won't keep bugs/critters out. Saw a neat north face one at Blue Ridge Mountain Sports, but it won't help when I roll onto my side - my hips touch.
#138034 - 08/25/1004:43 PMRe: Best ultralight sleeping bag for the money
[Re: humblefan]
BarryP
member
Registered: 03/04/04
Posts: 1574
Loc: Eastern Idaho
for something lightweight thats good to say 50 degrees F, but not too warm to use during the summer, Looking for 2lbs or less and very very compact. $200 is my top range but would be glad to get something for less if possible.
#138044 - 08/26/1001:30 AMRe: Best ultralight sleeping bag for the money
[Re: BarryP]
TomD Moderator
Registered: 10/30/03
Posts: 4963
Loc: Marina del Rey,CA
Why would you not want to use a pad? You can buy the ubiquitous blue foam pads at virtually any sporting goods store, plus Target or probably Wal-Mart for about $10.
What do you get for $10? A pad that will add comfort to your sleeping, can be used in an emergency to make a leg or arm splint, will add several degrees of warmth to the effective rating of your bag by insulating you from the ground and help keep your bag clean. A bargain at twice the price. For more money, you can get a Ridgerest or Z-Rest. They weigh very little, can be strapped to the outside of your pack or in some packs, be used like a frame.
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