Sleeping bags

[Bananabandit]

I know there are plenty of campers here. Ive camped for a number of years, not using any special or fancy gear. But, when it is freezing and all you have is your sleeping bag, it better be good.

So...any recommendations on a sleeping bag rated for cooler weather? Or all around good quality.

 

[Toecutter]

Last year I went camping in 30 degree weather , the sleeping bag I had was I the wrong storage bag and I spent the night in a bag made for the spring. It wasn't fun.

 

[Bananabandit]

Exactly what Im trying to avoid, especially when shtf

 

[Different Drummer]

"Big Agnes"
If you are 100% sure you will be dry, Down is nice. Otherwise a modern synthetic is probably a better choice.
If space is available I always have something made of wool available as supplemental insulation.

 

[Bananabandit]

Thanks for the info DD. It wont be for a BOB, just to keep with my supplies.

 

[Acer-m14]

your going to pay pay pay .. check out the mountaineering sights ... the sleeping bags n gear they use when climbing Everest or K2 ..

 

[Doc8404]

I bought one of these to save space on deployment.
Always worked great. No idea which one
Snugpak Sleeping Bag Range

 

[Doc8404]

Great article. LMAO

The USMC 3-Season Sleeping Bag: A Year in Review | Breach Bang Clear

 

[Jackalope]

I've been using a military surplus sleep system, for temperatures down to zero. You can't beat the price, plus if you purchase the entire package you get a goretex bivy bag. For temperatures below zero I use a LL Bean synthetic fill bag with an additional bivy bag. And yes, I've slept in that package in temperatures down to -20 F.

 

[Criticalt]

I camp in the dead of winter all the time, from my back 40 to Alaska.
Get a decent small tent, no bigger than 3 man. Dress in layers and sleep in a decent 0 degree bag from Walmart for 30 bucks. I swear to freaking god thats all you need for temps even below zero. I have extensive experience in cold weather camping and have learned a small tent is far more important than the bag.
If you have no tent, the same goes, layer cloths, and 0 degree bag. Except find a little cubby to sleep in, out of the wind and snow. Dig a snow bunker, make a lean-to, dig a hole, just get out of the elements as much as possible.
There are far more expensive bags you can buy but Ive had them all. The Coleman Zero degree mummy bag from Walmart is AS warm as most.

 

[Doc8404]

I was always taught to sleep nude and not in layers in the bag. Maybe it was a cruel joke the Marines played on us Docs

 

[GOPerfect]

I have a few of the Army bag systems. They worked great when I went to the field in the Army and they work great camping.

US Military Surplus ECWS Modular Sleep System, 3 Sections, Used - 135580, Sleeping Bags at Sportsman's Guide

You can find them a bit cheaper, this was the first site that popped up in a search.

 

[Frankly]

You can also work backwards and determine how much space and weight you want to allow for your sleeping bag. If you have to carry it then you'll definitely want to spend more on less ;-p Usually you end up looking to vent heat, it's easy to get too warm. You can also vary your temperature tolerance quite a lot depending on what you wear inside the bag. And what you use for a sleeping pad makes all the difference, I rather have a good pad and a mediocre bag than vice versa.

 

[Criticalt]

I was always taught to sleep nude and not in layers in the bag. Maybe it was a cruel joke the Marines played on us Docs

he military plays all kinds of cruel jokes, I know, ive planned some of those cruel jokes......and fell victim also.
My advice comes from hundreds of nights spent in -30 to 100 degree temps.
Warm bag, layers of cloths, something under you and out of the elements and you will not only survive minus 30 degrees but youll be cozy warm.......until morning, then you will wish you were dead.
Which brings me to the importance of keeping a fire going all night or having fire starting materials ready when you get out of the bag. Its no fun looking for kindling and wood when its sub zero.

 

[mickw]

I have two bags I use for camping...both from LL Bean. One of them I use for summer camping and is a goose down rectangular 40 degree bag, the other is a goose down mummy 0 degree bag for early spring and late fall camping. The mummy shape is nice to keep the warmth in, but a bit restrictive...as long as you don't mind it, it does the best at insulating. I like LL Bean for the quality of their products as well as their guarantee...it' pretty much bullet proof for the customer. More or less, if you are EVER unhappy with the quality of your product (even 20 years down the road), they will take care of you either by repairing, replacing or crediting your account. Stellar company IMO.

 

[livingston]

http://www.wiggys.com/sleeping-bags/
The quality of these bags are very good .

 

[Mk44]

My friend brought a USGI modular 4piece sleeping system for SHTF.

I have/use my 20' rated sleeping bag from camping trips. nothing special.

 

[Greywolf224]

I camp in the dead of winter all the time, from my back 40 to Alaska.
Get a decent small tent, no bigger than 3 man. Dress in layers and sleep in a decent 0 degree bag from Walmart for 30 bucks. I swear to freaking god thats all you need for temps even below zero. I have extensive experience in cold weather camping and have learned a small tent is far more important than the bag.
If you have no tent, the same goes, layer cloths, and 0 degree bag. Except find a little cubby to sleep in, out of the wind and snow. Dig a snow bunker, make a lean-to, dig a hole, just get out of the elements as much as possible.
There are far more expensive bags you can buy but Ive had them all. The Coleman Zero degree mummy bag from Walmart is AS warm as most.

I'm with you on this. I have a 25 yr old fiber filled bag rated for 30 degrees. Think I bought it at JamesWay. Bulky but comfortable. I use a wool liner if I need more warmth.

 

[Phauxtoe]

USGI modular four piece i have heard is great!