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Sleeping Bag Question.


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  • #1258778
    bryan hamilton
    Member

    @wookie

    I need the help of more experienced backpackers.

    I live in Los Angeles and I will be backpacking often in the local mountains and in the Sierras mostly from Spring to Fall.

    What temp rating sleeping bag should buy for these ares?

    #1608946
    James Naphas
    BPL Member

    @naphas13

    Locale: SoCal

    Depends if you sleep hot or cold, are comfortable boosting with clothing taken along, are in a tent or bivy, the R-rating on your pad, and how high you are going in spring and fall. A conservatively rated 30F bag (WM, the Sierra Designs Nitro, maybe Marmot Hydrogen) will work if augmented with a puffy layer and you're using a pad with maybe a 5+ R-rating. A 15F bag is maybe a little safer choice, but likely too warm in mid-summer.

    #1608950
    Jim W.
    BPL Member

    @jimqpublic

    Locale: So-Cal

    15 or 20 degree rated (what most people find comfortable a bit warmer) down bag with full zip is ideal for the Sierra 6 months of the year. Weight can be under 2 pounds. I find that down bags of the same temp rating have a wider comfort range than synthetic. Full-zip (to the beginning of the footbox, not around the bottom) lets you use it as a quilt in warmer weather.

    If you will be spending more time in So-Cal than the Sierra, and most time midsummer rather than May or October, going with a 25-30 rating might make sense to you… But I've seen 5 degrees in early October so I'd stick with the lower rating.

    You could save a pound by going lighter (higher temp rated), less zipper, lighter materials, and/or a quilt. You might find need for a second bag though. If it's your first backpacking bag I suggest a moderately priced, moderate weight down bag and then learn from your experiences using it before spending several hundred on a top quality item.

    I'm fairly happy with my REI Sub-Kilo 15 that I "stole" for $83 on double-clearance sale last year. The current REI Halo 25 is similar and probably more accurately rated.

    #1610231
    bryan hamilton
    Member

    @wookie

    ty for the info, im on the right track :)

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