Colorado/Mountain Guys: Sleeping Bags

Flygtenstein · 12-02-2003, 12:44 PM

So I was looking for good things to add to my list for Christmas, etc. I have been asking for world peace, end of hunger and similar, but the big guy is not just coming through.

After freezing my tail this summer a couple of times and in hopes that I might be spending more time there in the future, I am curious about what sort of sleeping bags you folks prefer for early spring to late summer mountain camping in Colorado and similarly elevated places?

I have a little 40 degree bag that is all right for most camping around here, but I am looking for something nice to use when the temp dips.

How cold are your bags rated?

What fill do you like best?

Weight is not a big concern, but warmth and fit are. It will be used in tents and similar. I am usually a pretty warm sleeper, but I almost died this summer at 10k in the first part of June.

Thanks,
Adrian

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Robinhood150 · 12-02-2003, 02:56 PM

I figure that if you're not going to be backpacking (weight is not a concern) then you might as well get the cheapest, most comfortable thing out there. I picked up a 0deg rectangular bag from costco for like $40 or something. Plus, it zips together with another one and it has a removable pillow. Come to think of it, it might have been a 20deg bag, I don't remember now...

Bob_98SR5 · 12-02-2003, 03:19 PM

Flygtenstein,

As Robinhood said, if backpacking is not a consideration, the list is wide open. I like mummy-style bags the best b/c they keep the heat in better than the rectangulars.

I did some backpacking (not lately though---bummed!) so I bought a Sierra Designs Dreamweaver. The nice thing about these mummy-style bags is that they stretch. I'm not a particularly big guy like yourself, but having the ability to curl up fetal style in a sleeping bag is GOLDEN! It has one of the most comfortable hoods too.

Some other tips to keep warm:

Mattress pad- if weight is not a consideration, buy the thickest one you can find

Remember to dress in thin, multiple layers. Silk underwear is king, IMHO. socks are good too.

Do some jumping jacks or some quick sprints right b/f you go to bed. Your body will heat up and that heat will get trapped in your bag. Its a no-brainer!

Wear a watch cap or some other type of wool hat. most of your heat escapes out your head at night.

Bob

Darren · 12-02-2003, 03:45 PM

I have a -5 degree rectangular Slumberjack. It was $100 after a 50% off close-out a few years back. It works perfect for me. The coldest it has been when I've been out is 25*. It's the getting out of the bag in the mornings part that kills me.

I tried the mummy style when I was looking around, but dang, I couldn't move an inch. I move a lot at night, so that wasn't going to work at all.

ts1 · 12-02-2003, 03:56 PM

I have a Feathered Friends bag that is rated to -5. It stuffs down to the size of a loaf of bread. An awesome bag for backpacking due to weight and size.

Cebby · 12-02-2003, 04:00 PM

North Face Cat's Meow (his-n-hers)

Darren · 12-02-2003, 04:22 PM

I bet it's pink, too.

Cebby · 12-02-2003, 04:27 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Darren
I bet it's pink, too.

Nah, just your frilly undies...

loosehead · 12-02-2003, 04:41 PM

Having "sized you up" in person, I doubt you'd like a mummy-bag, unless its the over-sized ones.

I think Cabela's has a few nice ones. In general, I prefer the poly-fill (thinsulate and other brands) in a rectangle bag rated for around 0*F.

Edit: Here's a nice one from cabelea's with a couple of different sizes available.

Arsrmk · 12-02-2003, 04:54 PM

I've got a North Face mummy bag rated for -20 deg. It is probably overkill, but I got it as a present so I like it. I do a lot of backpack hunting in the fall up to around 11,000 ft, so I often wake up to snow and I usually wake up pretty toasty. If I was to get one I would say a 0 deg bag would probably be plenty warm unless you plan on alot of winter camping. There are a bunch of different styles and brands available, so I would say try to look around at camping stores and see what you like and what fits you well.

Flygtenstein · 12-02-2003, 05:47 PM

Thanks guys.

I am a pretty big dude, but I don't move much when I sleep except when I sleep in beds oddly.

The sack will get backpack duty if the cold merits it. Weight is not much a concern in that arena since I find myself saddle as a pack mule of sorts most of the time.

Corey posted a REI Big Cat, listed for guys in my size and shape range. Guess I ought to go and get into one to check it out.

Most of you guys have some pretty cold rated bags. Do you find them gross over kill?

I sleep in my drawers so that my body can warm up the bag. I only hit up layers when it is darn cold.

This June, I woke up near 10k and it was snowing. I had on 2 flannels, a Patagonia top, a had and two pairs of jeans. I think that some time around 3 that afternoon my core temp hit 90 again.

Any big guys with specific big bags to check out?

Bob_98SR5 · 12-02-2003, 05:57 PM

Fly,

Also check out the following online retailers:

- Campmor.com
- SierraTradingOutpost.com
- Overstock.com

In that order.

Good luck (big fella),
Bob

Cebby · 12-02-2003, 06:09 PM

I'm not quite your height, but the Cat's Meow I got was the extra long. I'm not even sure they make them anymore. Lemme check...

EDIT: They still make 'em. 20 deg with Polarguard Delta Fill. They also make one called Cat's Meow Expander.

North Face

Sorry, its a flash site, so no direct link...

***kctopher*** · 12-02-2003, 07:19 PM

I'm 6'4 and really enjoy my Mountain Hardware bag. It's something like 600 fill down and rated to 20 (not the coldest) but works for me...

Oh, of course I got the "long" version..

***kctopher*** · 12-02-2003, 07:32 PM

try this linky

Quote:

Originally posted by Cebby
I'm not quite your height, but the Cat's Meow I got was the extra long. I'm not even sure they make them anymore. Lemme check...

EDIT: They still make 'em. 20 deg with Polarguard Delta Fill. They also make one called Cat's Meow Expander.

North Face

Sorry, its a flash site, so no direct link...

sschaefer3 · 12-02-2003, 07:40 PM

Your current bag will be fine in Arizona winters.

While running the "most kick ass trails".

I found another one:

http://www.4x4wire.com/trail/report/...p02/index.htm?

In the "kick ass" catagory.

Babypig · 12-02-2003, 07:48 PM

You could also try www.mec.ca The prices are in canadian so it should be cheaper for you.

jx94148 · 12-02-2003, 09:52 PM

I used to have a Kelty Jalpeno which I always slept well in. On a trip a few years ago my roomate loaded it and 3 others on top of his Cherokee but when we got to camp at 11,000 feet outside of Leadville it was no where to be found. The load shifted and it must have fallen off so I was bagless for 3 nights in the woods.

My roomy felt really bad because my awesome $115 bag was gone, so he bought me a Kelty Cayenne to replace it. In summer I have to be darn near naked to not cook or sweat to death in it. Its rated for +5*. Its a mummy style and it has sort of a built in pillow. Its very comfy, light and packs into a very small area. I sometimes use a twin size air matress below it and sometimes some corrigated foam padding. I have a very hard time sleeping sometimes but I usually sleep extreemly well and wake up ready to face the morning chill in this bag.

Its really pricy but I didn't have to pay for it. It gets 2 thumbs up.

HaveBlue · 12-02-2003, 10:13 PM

I've got an REI bag rated for -15° and another rated for +20°. On our camping/4-wheeling trips, I usually pack the 20° bag. It's great for the summer months and is sometimes a little too warm.

Bob_98SR5 · 12-02-2003, 10:29 PM

damn chris, you're 6'4"!??!

with mec.ca, there are only certain goods that will allow you for the 'canadian/usa discount'. some mfgs will make mec charge the domestic US price. fortunately many years ago, i bought an arc teryx bora 80 b/f they made that rule. it was a 30% discount on a kick butt backpack!

bob

Kings4Runner · 12-02-2003, 11:37 PM

I'll second the Mountain hardware brand. Their products are really second to none. I have one of their tents and a -5 sleeping bag that I love. Their stuff is pricey but you buy it once and then it will last a long time and take a ton of real world abuse. I think the company was started by ex north face employees who wanted to create even better products so they left NF and started hardware. Regardless of what you pick make sure you check out other features besides just temp ratings. Mine is windproof and waterproof (I can dump a glass of water on it and it just beads up and rolls off.) this is a good feature because you dont want a wet down bag.

Good luck with your purchase and good camping.

12-02-2003, 02:56 PM	#2 (permalink)
Robinhood150 Contributing Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: Wandering around Phoenix Posts: 6,043	I figure that if you're not going to be backpacking (weight is not a concern) then you might as well get the cheapest, most comfortable thing out there. I picked up a 0deg rectangular bag from costco for like $40 or something. Plus, it zips together with another one and it has a removable pillow. Come to think of it, it might have been a 20deg bag, I don't remember now... __________________ Steve. '93 4Runner V6 Auto 4x4 Robinhood's Lair. \|\| Gettin' Off 4wd Club member Lots for sale:5.29 ARB IFS third member... Click Sierra Club policy: [A reason to close trails] ...Physical soil damage, often readily visible, resulting in: a. Erosion, causing soil loss and damage to stream banks, streams, and fish habitat... Lesson...Stay on the TRAIL!

12-02-2003, 03:45 PM	#4 (permalink)
Darren Contributing Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Aurora, CO Posts: 1,031	I have a -5 degree rectangular Slumberjack. It was $100 after a 50% off close-out a few years back. It works perfect for me. The coldest it has been when I've been out is 25*. It's the getting out of the bag in the mornings part that kills me. I tried the mummy style when I was looking around, but dang, I couldn't move an inch. I move a lot at night, so that wasn't going to work at all. __________________ 2002 4Runner MyColorado.org (CO landscapes, destinations & trip reports)

12-02-2003, 03:56 PM	#5 (permalink)
ts1 Contributing Member Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Denver, CO Posts: 253	I have a Feathered Friends bag that is rated to -5. It stuffs down to the size of a loaf of bread. An awesome bag for backpacking due to weight and size. __________________ 2000 SR5 4X4, 5-spd, Locker, SAW-OME Lift, ARB & Rockware Bumpers, SLEE-Sliders, Warn M8000 Winch, Magnaflow Muffler, BFG 285/75R16 AT KO

12-02-2003, 04:00 PM	#6 (permalink)
Cebby Contributing Member Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 11,246	North Face Cat's Meow (his-n-hers) __________________ UZswap.com A site dedicated to sharing info for swapping the Toyota/ Lexus UZ (V8) engines into Toyota Trucks and 4Runners. My 4Runner 1993 4Runner, 1UZ (V8) auto dual ultimate crawler, double locked, 35's on beadlocked SR5 alloys, low lift, hacked fenders, tubbed firewall, custom armor TOOLandFAB.com A discussion forum dedicated to tools, fabrication & workshops. See my JD2 Bender Hydro Conversion BUY THIS 2008 CALENDAR

12-02-2003, 04:41 PM	#9 (permalink)
loosehead Contributing Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Los Alamos, NM Posts: 1,107	Having "sized you up" in person, I doubt you'd like a mummy-bag, unless its the over-sized ones. I think Cabela's has a few nice ones. In general, I prefer the poly-fill (thinsulate and other brands) in a rectangle bag rated for around 0*F. Edit: Here's a nice one from cabelea's with a couple of different sizes available. __________________ Jayson 1998 4Runner SR5 4WD V-6, auto, E-locker

12-02-2003, 03:19 PM	#3 (permalink)
Bob_98SR5 Contributing Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 10,092	Flygtenstein, As Robinhood said, if backpacking is not a consideration, the list is wide open. I like mummy-style bags the best b/c they keep the heat in better than the rectangulars. I did some backpacking (not lately though---bummed!) so I bought a Sierra Designs Dreamweaver. The nice thing about these mummy-style bags is that they stretch. I'm not a particularly big guy like yourself, but having the ability to curl up fetal style in a sleeping bag is GOLDEN! It has one of the most comfortable hoods too. Some other tips to keep warm: Mattress pad- if weight is not a consideration, buy the thickest one you can find Remember to dress in thin, multiple layers. Silk underwear is king, IMHO. socks are good too. Do some jumping jacks or some quick sprints right b/f you go to bed. Your body will heat up and that heat will get trapped in your bag. Its a no-brainer! Wear a watch cap or some other type of wool hat. most of your heat escapes out your head at night. Bob

12-02-2003, 04:22 PM	#7 (permalink)
Darren Contributing Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Aurora, CO Posts: 1,031	I bet it's pink, too.

12-02-2003, 04:54 PM	#10 (permalink)
Arsrmk Registered User Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Albuquerque, NM Posts: 87	I've got a North Face mummy bag rated for -20 deg. It is probably overkill, but I got it as a present so I like it. I do a lot of backpack hunting in the fall up to around 11,000 ft, so I often wake up to snow and I usually wake up pretty toasty. If I was to get one I would say a 0 deg bag would probably be plenty warm unless you plan on alot of winter camping. There are a bunch of different styles and brands available, so I would say try to look around at camping stores and see what you like and what fits you well.

12-02-2003, 05:47 PM	#11 (permalink)
Flygtenstein Registered User Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Fort Collins, CO Posts: 4,246	Thanks guys. I am a pretty big dude, but I don't move much when I sleep except when I sleep in beds oddly. The sack will get backpack duty if the cold merits it. Weight is not much a concern in that arena since I find myself saddle as a pack mule of sorts most of the time. Corey posted a REI Big Cat, listed for guys in my size and shape range. Guess I ought to go and get into one to check it out. Most of you guys have some pretty cold rated bags. Do you find them gross over kill? I sleep in my drawers so that my body can warm up the bag. I only hit up layers when it is darn cold. This June, I woke up near 10k and it was snowing. I had on 2 flannels, a Patagonia top, a had and two pairs of jeans. I think that some time around 3 that afternoon my core temp hit 90 again. Any big guys with specific big bags to check out?

12-02-2003, 05:57 PM	#12 (permalink)
Bob_98SR5 Contributing Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 10,092	Fly, Also check out the following online retailers: - Campmor.com - SierraTradingOutpost.com - Overstock.com In that order. Good luck (big fella), Bob

12-02-2003, 06:09 PM	#13 (permalink)
Cebby Contributing Member Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 11,246	I'm not quite your height, but the Cat's Meow I got was the extra long. I'm not even sure they make them anymore. Lemme check... EDIT: They still make 'em. 20 deg with Polarguard Delta Fill. They also make one called Cat's Meow Expander. North Face Sorry, its a flash site, so no direct link... __________________ UZswap.com A site dedicated to sharing info for swapping the Toyota/ Lexus UZ (V8) engines into Toyota Trucks and 4Runners. My 4Runner 1993 4Runner, 1UZ (V8) auto dual ultimate crawler, double locked, 35's on beadlocked SR5 alloys, low lift, hacked fenders, tubbed firewall, custom armor TOOLandFAB.com A discussion forum dedicated to tools, fabrication & workshops. See my JD2 Bender Hydro Conversion BUY THIS 2008 CALENDAR Last edited by Cebby; 12-02-2003 at 06:13 PM.

12-02-2003, 07:19 PM	#14 (permalink)
*kctopher* Co-Founder/Administrator Staff Join Date: May 2002 Location: KC-MO Posts: 1,489	I'm 6'4 and really enjoy my Mountain Hardware bag. It's something like 600 fill down and rated to 20 (not the coldest) but works for me... Oh, of course I got the "long" version.. __________________ Chris KC-MO 2000 SR5

12-02-2003, 07:40 PM	#16 (permalink)
sschaefer3 Contributing Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: Tempe, Arizona Posts: 5,494	Your current bag will be fine in Arizona winters. While running the "most kick ass trails". I found another one: http://www.4x4wire.com/trail/report/...p02/index.htm? In the "kick ass" catagory. __________________ Steve Schaefer *WWW.SonoranSteel.Com* Suspension Lift Kits * Rock Sliders * Straight Axle Conversions * 4Runner/FJC Rubicon Express Lower Links * Accessories * Daystar Products Dealer * TJM Bull Bar Dealer * Deaver Leaf Spring Dealer * Tokico & Bilstein Shock Dealer * ViAir Dealer * Total Chaos Dealer * TOYTEC Dealer * and like everyone else a Trail Gear Dealer

12-02-2003, 07:48 PM	#17 (permalink)
Babypig Registered User Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Calgary Posts: 1,091	You could also try www.mec.ca The prices are in canadian so it should be cheaper for you. __________________ Ironpig2 is a 1990 4runner SR5 95 3.0V6, ARB front bumper, Hella H4 conversion, Hayden Trans cooler, Aisin manual hubs, Drilled headlight bezel, Clinometer, Altimiter, Assorted Camera mounts, JVC double din head unit, Hilux Surf emblems, Bridgestone Revo's, OME 901's , N72f's "Stay calm, Be brave, Wait for the signs."

12-02-2003, 09:52 PM	#18 (permalink)
jx94148 Banned Join Date: May 2002 Location: Colorado Springs Posts: 2,617	I used to have a Kelty Jalpeno which I always slept well in. On a trip a few years ago my roomate loaded it and 3 others on top of his Cherokee but when we got to camp at 11,000 feet outside of Leadville it was no where to be found. The load shifted and it must have fallen off so I was bagless for 3 nights in the woods. My roomy felt really bad because my awesome $115 bag was gone, so he bought me a Kelty Cayenne to replace it. In summer I have to be darn near naked to not cook or sweat to death in it. Its rated for +5. Its a mummy style and it has sort of a built in pillow. Its very comfy, light and packs into a very small area. I sometimes use a twin size air matress below it and sometimes some corrigated foam padding. I have a very hard time sleeping sometimes but I usually sleep extreemly well and wake up ready to face the morning chill in this bag. Its really pricy but I didn't have to pay for it. It gets 2 thumbs up. Last edited by jx94148; 12-02-2003 at 09:54 PM.*

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12-02-2003, 10:13 PM	#19 (permalink)
HaveBlue Contributing Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Colorado Posts: 2,667	I've got an REI bag rated for -15° and another rated for +20°. On our camping/4-wheeling trips, I usually pack the 20° bag. It's great for the summer months and is sometimes a little too warm. __________________ Alan *1996 Supercharged 4Runner Limited* Hi Altitude 4Lo A 4WD club for Colorado and surrounding states

12-02-2003, 10:29 PM	#20 (permalink)
Bob_98SR5 Contributing Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 10,092	damn chris, you're 6'4"!??! with mec.ca, there are only certain goods that will allow you for the 'canadian/usa discount'. some mfgs will make mec charge the domestic US price. fortunately many years ago, i bought an arc teryx bora 80 b/f they made that rule. it was a 30% discount on a kick butt backpack! bob Last edited by Bob_98SR5; 12-02-2003 at 10:30 PM.

12-02-2003, 11:37 PM	#21 (permalink)
Kings4Runner Registered User Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Granada Hills Ca. Posts: 34	I'll second the Mountain hardware brand. Their products are really second to none. I have one of their tents and a -5 sleeping bag that I love. Their stuff is pricey but you buy it once and then it will last a long time and take a ton of real world abuse. I think the company was started by ex north face employees who wanted to create even better products so they left NF and started hardware. Regardless of what you pick make sure you check out other features besides just temp ratings. Mine is windproof and waterproof (I can dump a glass of water on it and it just beads up and rolls off.) this is a good feature because you dont want a wet down bag. Good luck with your purchase and good camping. __________________ 1996 white 4Runner SR5 4x4 bilsteins 265/75/16 Revos (love em) K&N FIPK =P

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