Light sleeping bag/quilt for 10yo child

I made two simple down quilts last year, one sewn through and one baffled, for my boys (9 and 5) b/c I couldn't find anything light on the market and didn't want to pay adult prices for the little guys.

The quilts were surpisingly easy to make, and have worked great–very warm and very light.

Just an idea… not sure how tall she is, but how about a half bag she can grow out of?

It’s not the lightest, but the Mountain Hardwear Mountain Goat +20F (rated +25F; 34.4oz + 1.8oz stuff bag) is a sturdy bag. They also make a +40F version, which I wouldn’t choose for the 32-40F range. We got ours for about $45 on sale.

The Ray-Way Quilt kit comes with everything you need except a sewing machine and thread (thread is also available), is not that difficult to make (it could be a fun project for both of you), and you can size it exactly as you wish. The Standard 1-Person Quilt Kit with 1P Alpine Upgrade is about $70. I usually recommend the Deluxe version, but you could just make the Standard quilt a bit bigger to accomodate growth rather than adding the DraftStoppers and Gorget features which distinguish the Deluxe version from the Standard.

This BPL article might give you ideas on converting one of your old bags. It doesn’t require a professional. There are some articles about stitches in the BPL MYOG section. Ray-Way also has good sewing tips.

On the more expensive side (about $175) the Western Mountaineering Tamarak (19.1 oz) is a 60-inch “elephant foot” or half-bag that should fit for a few years, and if she outgrows it the addition of a puffy down jacket will continue its usefulness. Oddly, WM still lists it as New for 2006 and doesn’t yet have it listed under Products, although the specs are available here. It’s rated for +30F and IMHO that’s it’s limit. I’m 6’2″ and I used it with a Patagonia Micropuff pull-over, but it’s a full-size bag for my mom.

Something to remember:
Kids are brutal on gear.

While my son has mostly very light gear, his bag is one area I just didn't worry about-I bought him one that can be used 9-10 months a year, and yes, synthetic. (I use down, but I am more careful!)

My son's pack, with water is 9-13 lbs loaded. So you can go light, even with heavier duty gear!

The North Face Tigger and the REI Zig Zag are both well made and affordable bags, in the 15-20* range. Kids tend to wander all over in the night, rolling off sleeping pads, scrunching down, etc. Quilts don't work so well, as kids come out of them, and can easily end up on cold ground.
The two bags I listed are not overly heavy as bags go, in the 2 lb to 2.4 lb range. Lightweight, maybe not-but they will last and have a good resale value.

Now, if you hike on hot areas, ignore what I said ;-) But if in the mountains, take a look!

PS: Also, don't forget that girls, like many ladies, sleep colder than men. So having a 20* bag may be a better choice than a 40* bag for her.

Some kids get into backpacking, others don't. Buying a $200-300 adult bag may end up being a pricey buy. My son does love backpacking, and has been on somewhere between 40-60 trips in his life…but, due to the fact that kids are stinky, I chose to go synthetic: I can wash it! I have told him he gets down when he hits teens (and crosses 5 ft tall, he is 4'7" now).

I also have a ten year old. A few years ago I got him a synthetic kids bag at about 2.5 pounds and $50. It's something he's taken car-camping and short backpacks, but also to sleep-overs, school trips and summer camps. It works because it fits him, its warm enough, and it was cheap enough that I wouldn't go bananas if he spilled a milk shake on it.

However this summer when he "graduated" to a backpacking trip where he carried all his own gear (bag, pad, clothing, water and snacks) he chose my lightweight 30 degree down bag. "Mummy this one is really nice." His 4'6" body was totally happy in a six foot bag. I don't think I'm ever getting that bag back. But its reserved for backpacking, he still brings his synthetic for sleep-overs.

So what I'm saying is – Get your daughter a good quality adult size bag. She'll never grow out of it, and she won't feel like she's being treated to second best.

Oh, one more thing. Let her be part of picking it out. Color matters more to a ten year old than it might to the older set. Good luck.

The montbell bags aren't cheap but they do have some great
features. The draw cord in the foot area would help shorten the bag. The relatively tight fit would be great for helping a smaller person stay warm. The stretch would help with getting used to a mummy bag's close fit. If she isn't likely to be taller than 5'10" she probably won't out grown it. I'd go with down for longevity if for no other reason. With proper care a down bag will last a very very long time, its far more economical in the long run. The #3 or #5 in the 650 fill might be a great choice.

Exactly, David. And now that the 800 fill Montbell bags are out, the "old" 725 fill power ones should drop in price. Use Froogle to find the bargains. The temperature ratings have a reputation of being right on, so instead of thinking which one is a "three season" bag, go by the lowest temperature expected in the tent/tarp.

I agree with everything Sarah said. My daughter has been using a North Face Tigger for several years. The other thing I would add is that a synthetic bag will likely wear out (lose loft) about the same time the kids outgrow the bag which will provide a natural transition to an adult bag.

Thanks for all the feedback. She has 6 yo twin brother and sister, so growing out of it is not a big issue. The night time movement may, indeed, make a quilt of less use so I'm now inclined to stay away from the quilts.

I went back into the garage and dug up a nearly 20 year old North Face bag I had forgotten about. I figured it was heavy and meant for much higher temperatures. It turns out I was wrong. Thanks to the wonders if the internet, I discovered this 2#5oz down bag is rated to 25F! [Imagine, 20 years ago, I was thinking about going light!] While stored in a loose bag, I suspect the rating may have gone up a little. I measured the total thickness varying from 3.75 to 4.5 inches after a gentle fluffing up. From my reading, that sounds like it will match my WM Phantom 32F bag. Anyone care to give a temp estimate?

Thanks for all your advice. I think my problem is solved without any new gear. Of course, now I kind of feel stupid for having asked my question, but the advice you have all given is still well appreciated. Backpacking is still fairly new to me and going with a child is completely new territory.