Which sleeping bag should I take?

[Brad Fisher]

I'm heading to the Ritter Range area in mid September and I'm trying to decide which sleeping bag to take. I'm assuming we will camp between 9,000 and 10,000 feet.

Gear:
– Gossamer Gear One
– Capilene base layer (top and bottom)
– Hiking pants (Arcteryx Rampart)
– Rain jacket/pants (Arcteryx SL)
– Patagonia R1 hoody
– Patagonia Down Sweater
– Wool hat and socks

I'm trying whether to take my Marmot Hydrogen 30 degree or my Montbell SS 1 (15 degrees).

I used the Montbell on another trip to Mt Whitney about the same time of year and was plenty warm. I have use the Marmot and similar clothing into mid 20's in NC/VA without any trouble.

I've only been to the Sierra's a few times, so any feedback would be suggested. Maybe the best option is to take both bags out and just check the weather. Thanks in advance for any ideas.

[Charles Grier]

You would probably be OK with the Hydrogen as long as you don't mind sleeping in a lot of your clothes. It can easily get down to 25° at night in mid-September in the Sierra above 10,000' and I have seen it get colder. When I go there that time of the year I take my Marmot Helium and I sleep sufficiently warm without too much in the way of added clothing. I have used a lighter bag with extra clothing clear into October but got a little chilly as the morning approached. Of course, I am in my early 70's and don't sleep as warm as I once did.

[Anonymous]

" When I go there that time of the year I take my Marmot Helium and I sleep sufficiently warm without too much in the way of added clothing."

+1 with a WM Summerlite.

Oops, I goofed. I confused Charles' Helium with his Hydrogen. I was voting for the 30* option. Sorry.

[Brad Fisher]

Thanks guys. I'm starting to think that is the safest bet.

[Brad Groves]

Just to make sure everyone's on the same page… Helium is 15*F, Summerlite is 32*F…

A lot of it is so personal… Kind of depends on how you like to sleep, too. I hate being cold at night and tend to error on the side of a warmer bag. Recently, though, I've used a 30*F bag even for temps around freezing. With a down vest or jacket it's been fine.

Also kind of depends on solo vs traveling with someone; slightly more safety margin with another in the mountains. (Not meant as a solo-travel flame, I've done a lot of it, too.)

I think if you're uneasy about whether or not the 30* bag is warm enough, then you should probably bring the warmer bag. If it's more of a "Hmmm, I wonder…" question, I'd probably roll with the 30* bag. Personally I'd probably take the warmer bag on a trip in the mountains.

My half-cent.

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