PNW Winter Gear?

[Brad W]

Planning on dipping my toes on some short winter overnight trips in PNW and am in need of a winter sleeping bag or quilt. Trips would be below tree line. Low temps are generally 15f-30F. This will be paired with a Xtherm pad. I would love to hear about what bag you use.

1-Is synthetic material preferred or needed?

2-Can I utilize my REI Magma 30 quilts in a winter system?

[Paul S]

I’ve lived in WA state for 30+ years. I have always used a down bag/quilt with absolutely no problems, all four seasons. There is just no way that a synthetic bag/quilt warm enough for winter (say comfort  rated to 20 degF ) is going to be light weight and small enough (packed size) compared to down.

I have used a Western mountaineering bag rated to 25 in nights down to 16degF with no problem because: 1) in the tent is is about 5 degrees F warmer than outside and 2) I wore either some extra clothes in the sleeping bag, or used a Sea to summit sleeping bag liner (their lightest one). 3) I sleep right next to my wife, and I think that makes one side of my bag/quilt not as exposed to the cold.

I keep my down clothing and bag in a waterproof pack liner. Got to keep it safe and dry.

I think a 20 degree comfort rating is sufficient for bag (and/or quilt), enhanced, if needed (for really cold nights, especially in the wee hours of the morning before the sun comes up), with extra clothing. The sea to summit bag liner is nice when it is down to 15 deg F or so (it weights about 1/2 Lb).

I currently use a nunatak quilt , 20 degree rating (with 2 oz extra fill). No problems. And it being a quilt (instead of a bag) has not posed any problems.

Good luck!

 

[Brad W]

I’ve lived in WA state for 30+ years. I have always used a down bag/quilt with absolutely no problems, all four seasons. There is just no way that a synthetic bag/quilt warm enough for winter (say comfort  rated to 20 degF ) is going to be light weight and small enough (packed size) compared to down.

I have used a Western mountaineering bag rated to 25 in nights down to 16degF with no problem because: 1) in the tent is is about 5 degrees F warmer than outside and 2) I wore either some extra clothes in the sleeping bag, or used a Sea to summit sleeping bag liner (their lightest one). 3) I sleep right next to my wife, and I think that makes one side of my bag/quilt not as exposed to the cold.

I keep my down clothing and bag in a waterproof pack liner. Got to keep it safe and dry.

I think a 20 degree comfort rating is sufficient for bag (and/or quilt), enhanced, if needed (for really cold nights, especially in the wee hours of the morning before the sun comes up), with extra clothing. The sea to summit bag liner is nice when it is down to 15 deg F or so (it weights about 1/2 Lb).

I currently use a nunatak quilt , 20 degree rating (with 2 oz extra fill). No problems. And it being a quilt (instead of a bag) has not posed any problems.Good luck!

 

Thanks Paul. I was looking at the synthetic quilts and man are they bulky. Down it is.

[Jerry Adams]

I do a lot of PNW winter camping.

I’ve tried synthetic but it’s too bulky

I use down without problem.  You have to be more careful not to get it wet.

I wear insulation inside my bag to lower its comfort rating.  DIY

[George H]

Same as Paul: Down is the way to go, good tents add warmth, plan for efficient sleep layers. Experience can give you a few degrees too, lol. I use an over-bag, while Paul do a liner. Both good choices. With a reputable brand and the methods mentioned I have no problem pushing a comfort rated bag/quilt up 10 degrees.

I’ve never had a down disaster to the point of longing for synthetic, from Scandinavia to the Olympics

[jscott]

Dry bag stuff sack for the sleeping bag; schnozzle makes an excellent WP liner for all other down items. And then very very careful site selection. For example water cascading down unexpectedly from a trail above can quickly overwhelm your tent, bag and all else. Don’t ask me how I know. Now I give myself time before camping to find a proper site. In winter, using down, staying dry is everything–to state the obvious.  Happily a plush sleeping pad brings your bag well off the ground in case of accident.

[David D]

Have a 20 degree (30 comfort) EE synth apex quilt and it’s a pig to pack

Going primaloft or similar drops size but then weight shoots way up

Down is the way if you can use it

[Brad W]

Ok, synthetic is out. My 55L pack is pushing it as it is with my down quilt.

 

[David D]

Good call.  I only have a 55L pack because of the 20 deg apex quilt and with a lot of food (7 day), its not a simple packing job.  In summer the bag is way oversized

[Brad W]

Good call.  I only have a 55L pack because of the 20 deg apex quilt and with a lot of food (7 day), its not a simple packing job.  In summer the bag is way oversized

 

Mine is the Arc Blast. With the way it’s shaped, after is packed-42L body, 2.5L bottle pockets and 8L mesh, the 8L outer mesh pocket is not that usable.  I have never found it too much in summer. Usually just right.

[john mcalpine]

61 year old here and I’ve been winter hiking the PNW Cascade Mountains for 40.

I sleep cold.   I currently use the Western Mountaineers Antelope at 5 degree.  I use the Xtherm along with a closed cell accordion pad under that.   I sleep in thermals and wear a hat.

I like a synthetic jacket.   My jacket always gets moisture on it.  The moisture will kill down.

I store my wet pants, flove, socks, etc in a dry bag and store that in the bottom of my 6’6″ bag.   I’m only 5’9″.

I currently sleep in the Tarp Tent Li Dipole.

I use Brynje as a base layer.  Love them…..

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