I'm a fairly new backpacker taking my first multi-day trip to isle royale in July. I've decided to just buy a down bag to start as that I know it will get plenty of use and the kelty cosmic is very reasonable. While I obviously won't need the 20 degree rating in July I figured I should just spend the extra 60 bucks for the extra fill and have a true season bag. In July I can just leave it open or use it as a blanket. Does that seem reasonable or should I just stick with the 40?
Thanks
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Kelty cosmic down 20 or 40?
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I have a Kelty 40 degree bag and wish I had a 20. I'm in New England which is pretty similar latitude wise. You won't need it for your July trip but you will have a lot more flexibility with the 20 degree one. You should be able to vent the bag enough not to overheat.
That being said, I am going to be switching to a quilt (probably from Enlightened Equipment) so I can vent it better for use in warmer temps.
Thanks for the advice, I think I'll Def go with the 20. Any idea on sizing? How does yours foot you? Just wondering if I should go regular or long. I'm 5 10 and 195
To offer an opposing perspective, I had the 20 and found myself overheating easily in it. The 3/4 length zip made it impossible to vent my feet without sticking an entire leg out. I too have now switched to a quilt for the lower weight and increased ventilation options.
I got my Kelty used for a very good price, so it was a good purchase as a first down bag. If you're looking to buy new though, I strongly recommend saving up a little more to get something that's lighter and more versatile. I went with a Burrow 20 from Hammock Gear, which is less than $100 more than a new Cosmic Down 20. Buy it right the first time and you'll only cry once.
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