Sleeping bag for the Sierras

For 3-season use, I think a 30F bag will suffice. Two brands — Western Mountaineering and MontBell — are well worth a look.

Sierra temps can rise / fall dramatically from day to day — esp. higher up. I use my insulation layer (MontBell Thermawrap jacket and sometimes Thermawrap pants) as a 10-15F insurance.

About Montbell bags…I'm 5'11" so it looks like I have to get a bag that's longer than ideal. Is the stretch and marginal added weight worth it? Also do you know if the Montbell pant is also tailored for 5'10" guys like the bags?

I'm 5'9" and weigh 150 lbs. The MontBell standard-length bags and Medium clothing fit me perfectly. Their clothing come in different sizes.

Since I am on the slim side, I opted for the "non-stretch" down bags to save a couple of ounces. At 5'11", you should go for the longer size.

Dennis, I do alot of backpacking in Yosemite, Emmigrant and Toyabe and I would really look at Western Mountaineering bags. I have the Ultralite and Highlite sleeping bags and both are wonderfully warm bags. Ben is right, temps do change alot, especially the higher you go. A good pad will help keep you warm as well as using your insulation layers if used correctly.

Pretty much everyone will agree that Western Mountaineering make some of the best bags out there. Pricey? Yep, but the best!

MontBell and WM…

It should be noted that lately — from reading user feedback — MontBell has suffered some quality control problems — namely "empty or near empty" baffles!

HOWEVER, while buyers should exercise care, inspect their bags, and be sure to exchange any defective bags… IMHO, I don't see a "hands down" win of WM over MB — or vice versa. Both brands make superb bags.

One thing to point out: MB's shell/lining material is noticeably softer and more comfy to the touch than WM's — such as WM's Summerlite and Ultralite bags.

Secondly, for bigger folks who crave UL but feel overly constricted inside WM's UL slim-cut bags — MontBell's superstretch bags represent a great option over buying fuller-sized / heavier bags.

I like a twenty deg. Alpine lite super from WM. I like this bag and for about 1/2 lb.more(compared to a 30 deg bag) you have a great shoulder season bag also. If it gets too warm it has a full length zipper and you can use it like a quilt, but you definitely won't get cold. How many different bags for different situational do we need? Also it is a good idea to measure your shoulder and arm girth with a sewing tape measure so you get a nice fitting bag if you go with something other than the monte bell super stretch. I am
5'11" and the regular monte bell was too short so go with the long.
Josh

I'm a pretty cold sleeper, but in the summer I used a 20* Moonstone Lucid. I try to sleep above 9000ft so even July nights can get below freezing. For 3 season use at those elevations, I would get a solid 20* bag. A good 15* would be better, IMO.

Great feedback! Just to make certain, will the elastic on the Montbell SS bags compress the high loft layers that I'm wearing underneath thus rendering them useless? If so, it sounds like WM or a nonstretchy Montbell are the winners.

Dennis:

No, the super stretch will not compress loft at all — either its own or the extra layer you wear. However, it will allow for bigger body size when needed — you can even do sit up's inside! Visit Montbell's website for a more detailed explanation on how this design makes for very efficient and light weight bags.

Ben,
Regarding the Montbell Superstretch –

Do you know if the bags are "differerntial cuts" – the inside circumference being smaller than the outside circumference?

Thanks in advance.

Hi Dennis,

Being a slightly cold sleeper and 3 season hiker in the Sierras, have found the WM Megalite, a 30º bag, comfortable well into the fall. Occasionally I have put on a Montbell UL Down Inner Jacket in the low 20s and upper teens and have slept without a chill. You being a normal sleeper should sleep warmer in this bag.

Greg:

Sorry, I don't know the answer.

In addition to WM and Montbell, do consider the high end bags by Marmot like the Helium or Hydrogen models. These two models are perfect for the Sierra and true, if not conservative, to their temp rating.

Greg,

I own the mb ulss #2. I think to answer your question on differential cut, the answer is yes, the inside layer is smaller than the outside. The elastic is on the inside layer, close to your body. So if you don't need stretching, it stays close. If it needs stretching, the inside stretches, and does so without compressing the loft, given you don't strech it hugely. Not very scientific, but it works, IMO. I am 6' even and the long fits me perfectly. Really like this bag, but also think Marmot, WM, FF, you can't go wrong. Spend the $, you will get something good. Fit is crucial, try them on if possible. I don't like the WM slim cuts, and I am 170#, they just don't work around my knee area, and i scruchy/flip flop sleep. That is y the MB was my choice, and the fit is perfect for me and the way I sleep.

I had a fine season in the sierras this year with a 12oz 40-degree quilt, including high-altitude nights in the low 20's. This was "comfortable" because of my clothing system, which I consider integral to my choice of bag.

I use Marmot and REI bags, but WM or FF are likely even better (just more expensive). No experience with MB bags.

I would feel comfortable with my 30 degree Marmot Hydrogen in those conditions, but in spring and fall I would always have my Patagonia Micropuff vest or MB Alpine Light Down jacket to wear underneath, and I sleep in a bivy that adds warmth and wind protection.