Hi All,
I’ve used this forum as a resource for many years as a lurker, but I got a rather specific question I can’t find an answer to anywhere and figured this was the best place to ask.
Bit of background: I live in DC but head up to the Adirondacks every year for a winter backpacking trip. The last two winters I’ve gotten by with my MH Flame 15 – the weather was mild for the season for both trips (lows around 10) and I added some warmth by sleeping with clothes on (Merino 250 base layer / Patagonia R3 Fleece / MH Ghost Whisper Puffy). The Flame is a tight bag though, and my layers were getting to the point that the decrease in loft was canceling out the increased insulation.
This year’s trip looks likely to be colder, and I’m thinking I should get a proper winter bag. The problem is they are incredibly expensive, and it’s hard to justify that sort of cost considering I only see temps below 10 about once a year.
I saw that the NEMO Sonic 0 got good reviews and seems pretty reasonably priced at $350. From what I’ve read the bag is rather roomy but also isn’t a true zero degree bag, and might be more reasonably be considered a 5 or a 10.
So on the one hand, I’m thinking the roominess might mean I can layer to my heart’s content (maybe even add on my Atom AR) without fear of decreasing loft, and push this bag into below zero territory. On the other hand, I’m worried that I’ll spend $350 to get a bag that’s just barely warmer than my Flame 15. The place I’d buy from doesn’t have a great return policy, so this purchase would be a commitment.
FWIW, the Flame has 20 oz of 800 fill. The Sonic has 23.6 oz of 850 fill.
