Synthetic warmer weather bags?

When it comes to weight the MLD Spirit Quilts are hard to beat. They feature Climashield Apex and come in 28, 38, and 48 temp ratings. You can also order the quilts in different sizes. The Spirits are extremely versatile in that they can be unsnapped and used as a blanket (so the 48 wouldn't get too hot for you). Weighs about a pound depending on size. $205. Go to mountainlaureldesigns.com

Heck, with the temps you're talking you could probably get by with a Sea to Summiit Thermolite Extreme Reactor bag liner. Weighs 14 oz. MSRP $66.95.

"My camping conditions are nights with lows in the low-50s to upper 70s."

If the night temperature was in the upper 70s, you should not need much of a sleeping bag at all. Maybe made of tissue paper.

–B.G.–

can you sew in a straight line? MYOG Apex 2.5 quilt with M90 in your size would be like 14oz? and under 100 bucks in materials.

not tight at all and i use mine down to 40F and all summer.

http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/forums/thread_display.html?forum_thread_id=64909

You might look into a Snugpak Jungle bag. They are rated to the 40s, only cost around 80 dollars, have a built in bug net, and weight about 30 ounces. They also pack remarkably small.

I've actually been on the market for the same thing. Considering getting the jungle bag to use in shelters and/or under a tarp. The bug net is a nice touch.

Ah, one more thing, the snugpaks have a square footbox, so you should have a bit extra room. Surprised more people don't use them. In full disclosure, I've never seen one in person, but they are relatively well-reviewed online.

Enlightened Equipment's Prodigy quilt is $160 for 50F long length / regular width and total weight under 15oz.

+1 for the EE Prodigy. I have the 40F reg/reg. 17.7oz on my scale.

The foot box can be zipped open and the foot drawcord un-cinched so that it becomes a simple flat blanket. Being synthetic, it handles moisture very well, as I have experienced a few times.

Big thanks to all who replied – this was my first question on BPL and well worth the $5 to post it.

I'm going to pick up an EE Prodigy 50 degree for $170 shipped at 14.78oz, and layer as needed.

Last July 4th we hit a low of 44 degrees in Cherry Springs State Park overnight and so temps like that aren't out of the question for my camping plans.

I'll be pairing this with an already purchased Big Agnes insulated Air Core 15 degree pad (20x72x3.25 / 22oz), and will just layer as necessary if the temps drop too much.

Right now the coldest trip for next season will be a late spring trip into the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail, where it is warned that the ridge temps run 10-15 degrees cooler than the valley temps.

Looking at last year's May temps it lows out between 60 – 37 degrees so that's a wide swing. Since I'll only be doing 3 day trips I should have a pretty good forecast going into it and will layer accordingly.

http://www.wunderground.com/personal-weather-station/dashboard?ID=KPAMARKL1&scrollTo=historyTable#history/s20130501/e20130601/mmonth

Thanks again all who replied. There were a lot of good ideas posted, and I really wish I could sew custom stuff – maybe next off-season I'll learn!

If anyone has any thoughts on comparable liners to the Sea to Summit Reactor Thermolite Mummy Bag Liner (7'x 3', 8.7oz) for added warmth please let me know!

wearing a hat, socks and my insulation is usually enough for me to bump mine down to low 40s. mine is 2.5 apex so pretty comparable to the EE 50 and use a normal Neoair.

Enjoy the EE quilt though, my shoulder season is an EE Revolution 20 and love it.

How long do you want it use ? A year ? Two years ? …

Woubeir,
Is that query due to it being synthetic as opposed to down, or did you have other durability concerns with the EE Prodigy?

I'll be lucky to clock 20 nights in a season and generally when I buy stuff like this I plan to use it indefinitely (unless something lighter and still affordable hits the market).

Thanks!

Synthetics vs. down. Synthetics are definitely cheaper when purchased, but in my experience you need one again after only a few years where as down is more expensive when purchased but lasts and lasts :-)

Ah, well I didn't really want to get into it but I'm in an area where I have the luxury not to use down and given that luxury I avoid it on ethical grounds. I'm OK with replacing synthetics after a while (this quilt should last quite a few seasons given my days/season ratio) if it means not buying down.

Thanks for the reply, though!

I think that newer synthetics like Apex hold up a lot better than the old Primaloft and stuff anyway. there is no bunching or clumping up since it is all meshed together in one sheet

Saw this after you made your decision but the synthetic montbell super spiral sleeping bag would have met your needs. I have the down and it is very comfortable because of the stretchy design.

Thanks guys. Yea I'm looking into apex – really I'm looking into options still – right now the incumbent is the prodigy quilt but I've not laid out any money yet. I'm a fan of other montbell stuff so I'll definitely look into the montbell bag.