I'm fairly new to backpacking and have only been on moderate temperature trips. I'd like to expand my potential season and I think a good place to start is my bag. Also, I'm going out to the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness for a week in September and I have a feeling I'll need something more substantial than what I've got! :-)
I currently have a Montbell UL SS #3 which is comfortable for me down to around 40-45 degrees with a light base layer on. I'd like to extend my backpacking into the 20's so I assume I should be looking for a 0-10 degree bag.
In preparation I've been reading loads and loads of reviews on this site and others and seem to find that Western Mountaineering, Mountain Hardwear, Marmot and Montbell are the most popular brands. Would you agree with that? I need some kind of focus to my search. Within those brands are there particular bags you would suggest?
Just to toss out a few more details I'm 5'10", skinny and use a TarpTent Double Rainbow (probably going to buy a Contrail or SMD Lunar Solo soon).
Thanks for any suggestions!
-Dave
