Double Up Sleeping Bags for Winter Camping

[Michael Moomaw]

I am planning my winter camping try to Dolly Sods in WV. I have several UL down sleeping bags rated in the 30-35 deg F range. I have slept into the 20's with one of these bags and down to 12 near a burning fire (in a place where that was appropriate).

What do you all think about using two 30 deg F sleeping bags, one inside the other, to create a makeshift winter bag? I think I can fit in the two bags without too much compression (of insulation or person).

Thanks.

-Mike

[Jerry Adams]

There are other threads about this

If the outer bag is big enough so it doesn't squish the inner bag it would probably work. Try it at home to see if it's comfortable. Try it when it's not super cold to see how ell it works…

[Michael Moomaw]

Thanks Jerry. Now that you mentioned it, I have found some rich threads on the topic with all the information I need.

http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/forums/thread_display.html?forum_thread_id=50602

-Mike

[Roger Caffin]

> What do you all think about using two 30 deg F sleeping bags, one inside the other,
> to create a makeshift winter bag?
Double bags are quite standard, but I suggest you use the outer one as a quilt, not a bag. That way the inner bag will not be compressed, and you will be warmer. Oh – do use the footbox though: it controls the rest of the outer bag.

Cheers

[Tad Englund]

Check out this thread
Double bag

Or this one

[James holden]

The outer bag will likely see some condensation … As long a you know how to deal with it …

;)

[Eric Blumensaadt]

I've used my WM Megalite 30 F. bag in 15 F. weather inb Colorados' Indian Peaks range with insulated jacket and pants and found I was very comfortable. I also had thick "sleep socks" and a very warm balaclava which helped a lot.

My insulated jacket and pants were strictly "mid" layers with very light nylon shells and DuPont "Thermolite Micro" insulation, which I have found to retain its loft much better than earlier versions of Primaloft.

With this combo I also used the jacket for warmth around camp so it served two purposes, a goal of UL backpacking.

I've camped in the Dolly Sods years ago for a Ski Patrol Nordic Mountaineering course and experienced -5 F. temps overnight. It can get cold there as it is the furthest south true alpine area in the east.

P.S. See the 1st thread recommended by Tad. In it I explain why I prefer a synthetic outer bag or at least an outer down bag with DWR treated down. Double bags are heavy but they REALLY work well and that's why the military uses them.

[Nick Gatel]

Sometimes I use a cuben quilt inside a Nunatak quilt, which works good. The cuben acts as a vapor barrier, which means I cannot wear down clothing in it.

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