Cheaper summer bags

I bought a LaFuma for $39 at one time, weighed under 2#. Great summer bag, if you're concerned about money.

I loved my phantom32 before switching to quilts. For me it was very hot for most summer conditions and soaked me a lot. The 45* might be a better summer bag unless you summer in Antarctica:)

I also used a LaFuma bag (600 fill down) 45* rating for summer and found it perfect, well for a bag, and for 600 fill down. It was as good as one could hope within those 2 restrictions from commercial gear.

-Tim

I was doing some reading about the 45, and it initially had my attention until I was reading about sewn through baffles. Since the 45 is only rated at 50, I am actually looking at as warm a 3-season bag (as my Ultralamina 15 was a Xmas present from my now fiancee).
I sleep warm, and wouldn't care too much if I was just laying on top of my bag, and I usually just sleep next to a firepit or outdoors if not needed.

I may consider quilts here in a year or so, may try tarp camping as my next ultralight-ish technique. (do appreciate your help, Tim.)

Lafuma Warm 'N Light +40 Down II Sleeping Bag for $70 at REI 2007 model seems like a possibility under 2 lbs.

I am going to do 4 days backcountry at Big South Fork in March, and then plan on doing 50 mile hikes on the Knobstone Trail in Indiana this spring/summer.

Thanks for the input and keep ideas coming (for new readers)

Summers in Indiana are HOT AND HUMID… I would think that a bag liner would be sufficient for this trip and would save you a lot of weight. That being said, make sure you have adequate bug protection because they will eat you alive. I'd love to to do the Knobstone Trail, when are you planning on going? How many days?

Like a lot of the previous posters, I use a cheap Lafuma bag for summer. Mines a Lafuma x650 pro, which i got on sale for $60. Weighs 1lb 8oz when used with the stock stuff sack. Could bring the weight down more if I got a nicer stuff sack, as the stock one is complex and heavy for what it is. Brings me down comfortably to mid 40's so long as im wearing a thin top/bottom baselayer. I couldn't justify spending money on down if the temperature wasn't going to be that cold, so the lafuma was perfect for me

If you're interested here is a lightly used,and very cheap one on geartrade.com being sold by backcountry
http://www.geartrade.com/item/116848

Here is another extremely cheap and effective one. My buddy uses this one and takes it down to 50.
http://www.rei.com/product/767276

I think with Lafuma bags, the general rule should be to expect their temperature rating to be 10 degrees overstated.

I was a Lafuma dealer for a couple seasons. I would not recommend a Lafuma down bag. They do not use nearly enough down in the baffles; hold one up to the light and you're almost hard-pressed to find a place that isn't nylon on nylon. The synthetics are pretty hard to mess up, and can be found cheaply.

Of the bags you specifically mention, the MH P. 32 would probably be my #1; I've been impressed w/some of the Rab gear I've seen, but honestly don't remember anything about the Q250 specifically…

I live in Columbus IN (40 minute drive to the KT) and have been hiking sections of the KT since I found out about it in November.

Most of my backpacking prior to this was at Deam Wilderness in HNF. I realize that I don't even need a sleeping bag but with those in CO/CA and other high altitude places would get my drift more for my 3 season needs.

I mainly want a lighter/cooler bag than my UltraLamina 15 and down (for longevity).

I have, and quite like, the Phantom 32. Mine weighs in at 23.3 oz, and double layer loft measures a bit over 3" after a year's use. It's warm to its rating, and well beyond with a bivy, VBL and extra clothing.

The Phantom 45 is baffled, I believe, not through-stitched. EN T-limit is 32 F on the P45, while the P32 is only 3 degrees warmer at 29. At 17 oz (advertised wt) the P45 might be my first choice for a moderately priced 2+ season down bag.

You might also look for a lightly used BPL Cocoon 90 or 180 quilt, supplementing with a hat and an insulated torso layer.

Nathaniel, I had a MH Phantom 45 and only sold it because I have gone to a hoodless design. I had used that bag to 5C without cold spots using a BMW Torsopad (R2.5?). If I layered in with midweight underwear I could get to freezing without issue. It really packs down small and only weighed 17.4oz on my scale. If you will rarely see freezing and will be inside a bivy or tent, the 45 is a decent option.

I just ordered me one of these. Not Down but great price.
Lafuma Extreme 600 +45 Sleeping Bag – Long – Special Buy
Item # 767276 20 ounces $29.93

http://www.rei.com/product/767276

Just picked up a Phantom 45 and a Granite Gear Nimbus Meridian so I think my gear spree has came to an end. After I get my Cloudburst 2 next week and everything weighed I'll post some gear lists for comment.

Nathaniel, you won't be disappointed. I have the MH Phantom 15, 32, and 45, and I highly recommend them. The 45 is my favorite 3 season bag.

Hope the OP doesn't mind us piggy backing on the thread. My wife and I are also looking for lightweight 3 season down bags or quilts with closed fabric back to keep out drafts as we're side sleepers.

Meant to be used mostly 3 season in N California, and sometimes in NW and NE. We intend to pick up 0 degree down bags for winter.

However, we want the ability to open the bag or quilt all the way to the footbox for warmer nights, so you can the bag or quilt as a blanket and not a bag. I'd melt on warmer nights without the ability to open the footbox. I'd rather be able to drape the open bag over my feet than just stick my feet out from under the closed footbox. Doesn't matter if opening uses a zipper or velcro, just that it can open all the way.

Can anyone recommend any makes/models that fit the bill?

I did see a Nunatak closed-back quilt called if I remember right the Catabatic that looked interesting, but we'd want something like this with a footbox that can open up.

Golite 40 degree Venture sleeping bag (1 lb. 5 oz.) at Sierra Trading post for $162.50:

http://www.sierratradingpost.com/p/319,2102V_GoLite-40-F-Venture-Sleeping-Bag-Mummy-800-Fill-Power-Down-For-Men.html

Thanks Joseph, nice bag, do you know how far the zipper goes down?

EJ, you should look at my Jacks R Better quilt when we are at Henry Coe next month… 20F 3 season quilt that opens flat or you can close up the footbox. I am a side sleeper, too, but not everyone likes quilts.

I am not sure.

Lori that sounds interesting. I have been thinking that if we go with a quilt for 3 seasons, we'll do best with one that has a breathable fabric back, like the Catabatic. I'm just starting to research 3 season bags and quilts (we sold our old synthetic bags when we moved to N California).

Maybe someone who owns the bag will chime in.

Joseph

Ahh they must have just added this yesterday. I will not suffer from buyers remorse! Have seen the women's on clearance at quite a few places.

Anyone have any experience with this bag? Never used GoLite and I'm wondering if they are rated accurately or if there are any issues.

My girlfriend needs a new bag and this one seems like it might be a good deal.

Hello

I have this bag. It is very roomy through the shoulders. 66" I believe.Opens to make a nice quilt.DWR is good. Face opening takes some getting used too. Overall I like it.

Jim

"I have been thinking that if we go with a quilt for 3 seasons, we'll do best with one that has a breathable fabric back, like the Catabatic."

I missed this last night at midnight – duh.

So not one that opens up flat?

I would be afraid I'd roll on my side and expose the fabric back to the cold. I moved away from mummy bags due to claustrophobia, based on not being able to move independently of the bag. Of course, I've since found bigger bags that stretch (Montbell) or are roomy enough to slide around in, but I like my quilts okay…

I really really wanted the Nunatak Backcountry Blanket. The quality's really impressive.