Sleeping Bag advice for newbie

Sleeping in a cocoon of down is a pleasure….it's also lighter and a more effective insulator. Really, there's nothing like a down bag.

Can't comment on the MB as I don't have one, but if you toss and turn a lot, you could also consider a quilt….sleep like you do at home, in the backcountry!

Google JRBquilts for some ideas. Also Golite has one. Just search the forums here for "quilt' and you'll get lots of information about this option.

(I don't own a quilt but use my bag as one anyway as I find side sleeping with a bag is a PITA)

Oh, and welcome to the forum….found all the information I needed to change my kit here and had fun in the process. Hope you do as well.

I'm also new to this site and I would agree with Nate's post, stick with down. I have the Montbell UL SS Hugger #3 and I love it. I sleep on my side and generally thrash about at night and the elastic baffling handles it just fine. It's enough to keep the bag against you, but you can move around (cross your legs) without being restricted. As for your temperature concerns it'd be hard to guess that for another person. I've had mine down to about 30 and been comfortable and as high as 60 overnight and been fine with it fully unzipped.

-Dave

I am in a similar position. I have a lot of backpacking experience, but all of it 10-15 yrs ago with equipment that is mostly obsolete now, including heavy synthetic bags. I am leaning very strongly toward a Jacksrbetter rocky mountain sniveler quilt. It seems like you get a top-quality down sleep system and a decent down outerwear system (wearing the quilt as a poncho).
Before buying, you might want to listen to the podcasts at practicalbacking.com. There is one with the guys from JRB, GoLite, as well as one with the founder of Western Mountaineering. Some good general info about sleeping bags, quilts and sleep systems in those podcasts.

3) If you plan to keep backpacking, down will be cheaper in the long run – synthetics lose their loft much more quickly with repeated stuffings, and will need replacing earlier.

Thank you all for your advice and help. I ended up buying the
Mont-Bell U.L. Super Stretch Down Hugger #2 regular, (800) at Winterfix.com. I was able to get 20% off by signing up for their monthly deals by entering my email address. The total came to $259.16, with free shipping and no tax. I think I got a pretty good deal. I have 60 days to return no questions asked if I don't like it. I had a tough time deciding between the 30 degree or the 25 degree. I went with the 25 degree bag with the thought that if it gets colder I can always sleep with some layers on or unzip and use like a quilt if it gets to hot. If for some reason I happen to find it for a better price within the next 60 days I'll just return it. Thanks again and I really love this forum, it's full of great advice!!!

Travis,

I have that exact bag, and I think you made the correct choice in the #3 vs #2. I started with the #3 and returned it, because I wasn't warm enough at 30 degrees. The #2 is way warmer, draft collar, lot more down, etc. you also scored a good deal. enjoy the bag.