which of these bags should i buy?

first a bit about me, i rarely do any serious hiking, so weight isn't a major concern for me. i do like a relatively small pack size, since most of my camping is done via motorcycle. i'm 6'1" and my current bag (which says it sleeps to 6'2") is a bit too short. i rarely camp below freezing, i think the coldest night i've spent out was 30 degrees F. i'm also on a budget and don't want to shell out the money for down. so, of these bags listed, any recommendations? any other bags i should consider in this price range? thanks!

Marmot Trestles 30 Degree Long:
http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores...mberId=12500226

Slumberjack Super Guide 30 Degree Long:
http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores...mberId=12500226

The North Face Wasatch 40 Degree Long:
http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores...mberId=12500226

They all in one way or another scream "bogus".

The Slumberjack for sure is junk and the North Face also does not specify loft so there is no way whatsoever to evaluate warmth claims.

The Marmot specifies 2" loft -- at least they admit what their loft is. However, I have a bag rated 25* that is 4" of loft and that has half the loft but is rated 30* ?!?!? <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />

You can do a search on other bag discussions using the search feature (just be sure to specify more than last week for the time parameter). If you look the discussions over, a pattern will emerge -- wildly unrealistic temperature claims by the cheap bags . . . accurate temperature claims for the more realisticly priced bags.

Think about it . . . if cheap bags really worked, why would anyone pay more?

If you're on a tight budget, I'd suggest looking at Campmor's down bags. I think they are more likely to actually keep you warm. Or, snag something on ebay. I picked up an older Western Mountaineering bag for about $75. Just don't go for the garbage bags on ebay, though.

well the bag i currently own is a cheapo coleman mummy, rated to 25. i understand the ratings are far from accurate. my coleman is probably more like a 45, and i'm okay with that. i really don't intentionally camp in cold weather and if it happens to be cold i don't mind sleeping in extra clothing. thanks for your advice though, i'll check into campmor's down bags.

oh, and the marmot lists the Trestles 30 Deg bag as 4" loft.

>"oh, and the marmot lists the Trestles 30 Deg bag as 4" loft."
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Huh?? <re-checking link> OOps!! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" /> You are quite right! in that case, the Marmot would be the clear favorite in your list. And quite likely to meet your needs.

It's common practice by folk here to use clothing to extend the practical range of their bags. The Marmot is probably a good buy, but you still might have a gander at the house brand down bags, though.

Happy motorcycling!! -- and welcome to the board! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

thanks keith. i keep meaning to make a trip up to the UP. i hear its beautiful up there.

The TNF Wasatch that you picked out would also be a good choice. It earned an honest 41F Lower Limit rating for "the standard man" in independent European tests conducted on copper manikins. A poster over at the Backpacker gear forums is putting together a web page collecting these independent (EN 13537) ratings. You can find it here. The number for Lower Limit is the one in the yellow zone.

The Marmot Trestles 30 bag looks like it's closest to the Wave 11, sold in Europe. The size long weighs 3 lb., 5 oz. and gets a EN 13537 Lower Limit rating of 32F.

There's no objective information on the Slumberjack bag that I know of but Slumberjack generally has a reputation for very optimistic temperature ratings.

I had the Marmot 30 ( 2006 model) for 2 weeks,tested it out in my backyard(Forget it below 40 deg) unless you use a silk or fleece liner.

If you can and are a REI member or know someone you can get a 20 Kilo deg bag for about the same price as one of these bags at a used gear sale.
or check the REI-outlet.com for bags

Also Lafuma made a 25deg bag - the patrol 3.25 lbs packs small.


Good luck,

Mike

And to make your choice more confusing <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />:
That Slumberjack looks like it will compact the smallest. I own 2 Slumberjacks and they have held up well. Just add 10 degrees to the rating and realize they’re heavy for the rating. But, for you, cost is more important.

-Barry

CD, you have actually gotten it down to three pretty decent bags for what you want to do with them. Keep in mind that if a bag is rated at 20 degrees it is actually a 30 degree bag. There are some things that you can do to increase the temp rating. You can sleep in the bag with a fleece liner and it ill increase the rating about 7-12 degrees depending on what type of liner you have and how thick it may be.. You can also increase the temp. rating on the bag by using a sleeping pad (closed cell foam) under the bag. The will keep cold air from entering through the bottom of the bag.Hope this helps..
Happy Trekking....sabre11004...

The first step that you take is one of those that will get you there !!!!! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

Oh man,stay away from the Slumberjacks! I wish someone had warned me. I bought one shortly before Xmas...then promptly went camping. Mild 30F or warmer, I nearly froze my backside off. I had a full length Thermarest underneath, Mid-weight thermals, heavy wools socks, 100wt. fleece bottom and top and a wool cap. Still very cold. Yep, they're cheap, lightweight,crummy zipper only goes down about 1/3 of the way, compact relatively small but they're cheap though...for a reason.
BTW, mine is the Slumberjack Ultimate...stay away, wat far away!
<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" />
But then again, YMMV

i went with the Marmot. should be here in a couple days. figured what the heck, and ordered some Vasque hiking boots too. can't wait for spring!