Summer Sleeping Bag

Depends on your priorities. A 40+ bag can weigh less than a pound and can compress to the size of a Nalgene, but it will cost you 3X what you proposed. A quilt is a good alternative if you only need summer use. Quilts are smaller, lighter, and generally cheaper than the equivalent mummy bag, but again probably cost 2X what you proposed. So it's really just priorities.

Ken,

Not with either of those Lafuma bags.

I bought a Lafuma 32* (29 oz.) 2 years ago because of the price ($80 USD). I have slept in it in 28* – 29* weather but have to layer up: lightwieght thermal top and bottoms, light (10.7 oz.) cashmere sweater, light nylon pants, wool socks, and a wool watch cap – on a full lenght pad.

Since I sleep cold (I often wear light weight thermals and the watch cap in the Sierras in summer, in the same bag) I'm not suprised that I had to add some clothing to get just below freezing.

The Lafuma replaced a 3.25 lb. bag at a cost I could afford. And it stuffs down to a much more reasonable size. But it's also something that I know I will eventually replace (to get lighter still).

So, as Jason points out, it all depends on your priorities. You can definitely go lighter. But if cost is your primary focus, I've been happy that I bought my Lafuma bag.

Steve

Steve:

Good information – I had read that Lafuma's temp ratings were optimistic, so would plan on wearing insuating layers as well. If the temp ratings are optimistic by 5-10 degrees, then not a major problem for the price because I'll have the insulation layers with me anyway. If the temp ratings are way off, it could be a problem because I am a cold sleeper like you.
-Ken

That is quite a list of stuff that I needed to wear around freezing. I didn't think it was too bad until I had typed it all out.

Yes, I'd have to agree that the rating is optimistic by 5 – 10 degrees. But the bag still meets what I wanted for the price.

Steve

You get what you pay for.
These are cheap.

Take close look at Deuter Dreamlite.

This bag is really perfect. Bought one at altrec.com about month ago. Comfort 13-15C extreme 3C according to standard which means true.

I have a gr 1000 which is 30 degree rated and 2lb 5 oz. I agree that it's optimistically rated, but it's still decent. I think 5 to 10 degrees is a good estimate, but as you know it depends on a lot of other factors. I haven't used it extensively, but it's quite thin and doesn't loft much at all. But it was $35, and it packs pretty small. It is an older model, and I wonder if it had been jammed in the stuff sack for a couple of years and might have lost loft. Maybe a newer model will be closer to the rating?

conclusion: not junk. probably worth the money, optimistic temp rating, one day you will buy something nicer

Am familar with the Lafuma 40 degree 600 wht. down bag,5 ounces of down, it is 21 ounces, comes w/compression sack, pretty small compressed. I used it last year warm weather spring and summer( 6-7 nights or so), sold it on this board to help pay for a Jacks R Better Shenandoah 45 degree 800 wht.quilt( 15 ounces)I bought used. You can find that Lafuma bag new as cheap as $75 or so! From my experience the Lafuma bag was really a 50 degree bag,for me a 40 degree bag with a good liner, or midweight johns/socks. I think on synthetic Lafuma you might get a warmer bag the 650 which probably is close to a 40 degree bag( see http://www.backcountry.com, ect.)and at about $75 still cheap, pretty light and warmer than than the 45 degree 600 bag you mention. I much prefer the Shenandoah 45 degree quilt the Lafuma 600 wht. down bag, have used it in a 2 wall tent with 1/2 inch foam pad and liner right at 30-32 degrees with socks/johns/backluva. YMMV.