Hi everyone. I've searched high and low on the forum to get an idea of what people are using for sleep systems. With that said, I have not found info based on my range throughout the year and hiking preferences. I'd like your opinions. I hike mainly in the northeast year round and camp out usually 1-3 nights in 3+ seasons. Considering 4.
I live in the Boston area and before I moved here I did most of my hiking in Harriman, NY. I had a TNF 35* down bag (which I still own) and a 0* bag for winter which I sold years ago thinking I wouldn't overnight in the winter anymore. As I've gone ultralight over the years I have purchased an arsenal of bags for every microclimate. I think it's getting out of control.
My TNF 35* bag was purchased in 1994 and has been great. I'm an average to warm sleeper and have had it to 24* under a tarp with no bivy and calm, dry weather. Finding it too warm for the summer, even with venting, I picked up a Montbell alpine burrow bag(?) #7. Rated to about 50 degrees and synthetic it has been a great piece of kit. Having lost the loft in my down a few times in damp, rainy weather I'm a big fan of synthetics. Especially with the advances over the last decade. Now I'm up in MA and NH in the White Mountains where I have been hiking/climbing year round for the last 5 years. Wanting a bag for the late, late fall and early, early spring I picked up a MH Ultralamina 15* bag. I've been very happy with it. Light and seems to be close to it's rating. In the midst of all this I bought a MLD Spirit 30 a few years back to try the quilt thing. While it's a well made piece of gear I have not been happy with it. Maybe it's cause I'm a side sleeper and toss and turn usually, but I'm always cold even with layers and a bivy.
My girlfriend and I closed Galehead hut this year and hiked through a downpour to get there. While my 35* down bag was dry, just the dampness and humidity affected the comfort of the bag. I was warm, but it seems to be a sponge for whatever moisture is in the air. This is where I start to feel I have a problem. I saw last years Ultralamina 32 on sale and on a whim I got it to replace the 35* down for wet, damp weather. I feel it's a bit redundant cause I could use the Montbell and wrap the quilt over that. The Ul'er in me feels that's too bulky and adds a few too many ounces.
I had a spectacular trip to Bondcliff last week and the Ultralamina 15 was more than enough. This got me excited to do more winter overnights. I don't feel the 15* synthetic and quilt will be enough even in a bivy and with extra clothes. Soooo, another sleeping bag!?! It's conceivable I'll eventually try a winter pemi loop or presidential traverse and want to keep it to only one more bag. I'm thinking something in the -15 range like the MH Lamina -15. I've been very happy with their gear. I suppose down is an option as well at these cold temps because rain is not a concern and I'll only be out for a few days at the most.
I've got the temp ranges covered, but can't help this system could be a bit simpler. I also own a ton of other gear that could supplement a sleep system including the Montbell Thermawrap, Patagonia DAS parka and other stuff; bivies, bag inserts, etc. I'd love to hear what everyone thinks. And yes, I'm a bit long winded.
Cheers!
jfro
