Thanks for the help. I guess when I say early spring to late fall I should elaborate. I generally wouldn't go when the lows are below freezing. That's where I was caught with the temp rating and where to go because the vast majority of my backpacking would be during the warm season. Renting is a good idea, I should check into that. Price is no matter. Well I want to be realistic, but if I also know that if I'm gonna spend the money on a new bag, then that bag will last me years.

I'm also thinking of a no go for Big Agnes. I'm not fond of having a mat shoved in the special pocket. I'd be nice to sit up in my bag