Budget ultralight summer sleeping bag

I usually use a Therm-a-Rest ridgerest if that’s important

The Ridgerest’s new, standard R-value of 2.8 is kind of low to rely on EN bag ratings, which are based on R 5 pads. I would look for 20-30 F bags, or add another layer of foam to your Ridgerest, or upgrade your pad. And “summer” is different everywhere, focus on temperatures not seasons.

The Kelty Cosmic 20 appears on many short lists for warm, inexpensive, and not too heavy.

Consider a quilt to save some weight, like the myriad options from Enlightened Equipment or some of the smaller cottage makers.

— Rex

My suggestion would be to stay on the lookout for a used Marmot Hydrogen (30*) or Atom (40*) or another similar down bag that’s a couple of years old the Mountain Hardwear Phantom 32* or 45*.  All are excellent bags and can often be bought used for less than $200.  For example my father was looking for a couple of bags a couple of years ago and I was able to snag a Hydrogen off gearswap for $150 and an Atom for $100 – both bags were in fantastic shape.

If you prefer a quilt, you may stay on the lookout for some of the older Golite quilts like the original Ultra 20 (more of a 25-30* quilt).  Golite’s last quilt (the Z30?) seemed like a great value as well but I don’t see them pop up very often.

If you want new, the REI Magma 30 sleeping bag would be in your budget if you wait for a sale.  A Magma quilt is also in your price range.

Check out Enlightened Equipment’s Enigma.  It will satisfy both requirements with room to spare.

I just went on Facebook and saw someone posted a Marmot Hydrogen (30*) for $165 in the “Backpacking Gear Flea Market” group.   I don’t know the seller, but the bag looks in good shape and that’s a pretty good price.

Thanks! I’ll check it out