I have $300 for a sleeping bag. What to get?

"make some suggestions!"

I suggest that you do some homework, because we have no idea what kind of sleeping bag you need. Where do you operate? Approximately what temperature range do you think you need for three seasons where you operate? Approximately what is your base weight? There is little point in trying to buy a one-pound sleeping bag if the rest of your base weight adds up to twenty pounds. Are you short or tall? Bags come in different lengths.

–B.G.–

I live in Texas but the only trips I take here are usually in the winter so rarely below 30. In the summers/late spring I will usually be in CO, NM, or something similar so most likely same temps as our cold winters in Texas. My three season base weight is 10-12 lbs depending on some different factors (this bag purchase for one). Im 6'1 and 200 lbs plus or minus 10 lbs.

Love my WM Summerlite, but it's probably on the small side for you

interested in a quilt?

http://www.hammockgear.com/cart/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=2_10&products_id=2

they make some really nice quilts at very reasonable prices for the type of materials + worksmanship. you can easily ask them to make the quilt longer/wider to accommodate your bigger frame. i have a winter underquilt and a summer top quilt from them…

i personally own this quilt and like it a lot.
http://www.warbonnetoutdoors.com/topquilt.php

i use the long/wide…

My advice is you keep an eye on Gear Swap for something.

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I'd be all over this FF swift on gear swap…
http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/forums/thread_display.html?forum_thread_id=62437

Any 30 or 35 degree bag will work well for you. I think if you watch for sales you can get these bags for $250 or less. New, even less if you want to use the gear swap here and buy used.

Western Mounaineering any of there 30 degree bags, take a look at the girths as some are tighter fitting than others

Monbell Super Spiral or Spiral #3 (I have the spiral). These designs allow the bag to stretch more to provide more flexibility when you move.

Marmot seems to make good light weight bags these days, I don't know much about them

There are also quilts to consider if you want to go that way but I don't think you can screw up a down sleeping bag purchase.

Ya I think so as well I was looking at the HighLite but that would be really snug on me I have a pretty broad built which is kind of making me second guess WM bags

Does it have enough wiggle room? I know it has a bit more room than the summerlite and highlite

Anyone have any experience with this bag? It seems like a great deal and Ide have some cash leftover for a MB Exlite down…

http://m.backcountry.com/stoic-somnus-30-sleeping-bag-30-degree-down

I've never felt comfortable in most mummy bags, due to how constricting they can feel to me, but went the route of the Montbell UL Super Spiral/Stretch and have been very happy with the purchase and have added other bags from the same series in various temperature ratings. I use my Montbells as quilts or bags, depending on which bag and what the temps outside are. To each his own, and you should do your own research on this as well, rather than just taking our words/personal opinions for it.

Be sure you don't want a quilt before buying. I say this because $300 is a lot to spend to find you'd rather shave off a few ounces, but don't want to spend another $300. You may hate quilts once trying them, but it's worth a thought before purchasing.

I currently have the SS 1 and I do love the room it has and also the option of a quilt. The SS UL 3 is def my top two or three choices I'm just trying to get some feedback from more experienced people that have used the gear, I can look up specs all day but they do little to give user feedback…