Side Sleeper Bag Recommendations (I already have a quilt)

[Phong D]

At one point I gave my bag away to my nephew because I thought I would never stop using my quilt.  Well, I’m softer than I used to be and can only handle my quilt down to 30 degrees or so.  Its still my preferred sleeping solution for warmer months, but in the cold I’m thinking of going with bag primarily because it keeps my arms in check.  With my quilt my arms are always flinging around which is great normally, but when its cold my arms freeze when they are off the pad, and forcing me to keep my arms next to my body which takes effort.  This is even through my puffy which I always wear with my quilt.  If I’m gonna be bundled over my sleeping pad anyway maybe a bag makes sense again?

I’ve heard ALOT of great things about the Western Mountaineering Teralite but its expensive.  I have found a used one here that I am think of.  But before that, I need to ask if anyone has other suggestions?

It will have to be 2 pounds or under or I will break my pathetic back.  I think the Teralite is rated as 25 degrees but people say its quite a bit warmer.

I am also curious about the zipperless designs that are kinda quilt like.  Let me know if you side sleeper/tossers like those.

Thanks!

EDIT: Intented use: inside a light bivy like the MLD superlight, either outside or under a tarp or paramid.

[S Long]

I really like my Feathered Friends Tanager. I’m 5’10” and around 150 pounds, and I find the shorter size perfectly adequate (68″, I think it is?). Mine weighs just shy of 19 ounces (18.73). I pair it with a 50 degree synthetic quilt (12.66 ounces) when it gets colder. For REALLY cold weather, I have my Western Mountaineering Puma.

[David Sugeno]

If you find a decent price on a used Terralite, buy it.  I have a Versalite, and all I can say is that WM deserves their reputation for quality.  Another great option might be a FF Swallow, I have a 20 degree version and it is a fantastic bag.  Yes, they’re expensive, but well worth it.

[Phong D]

Confused.  Is that Feathered friends Tanager a quilt?  It has no zipper.  Is it like a giant sock?

[nunatak]

Yes, it’s a giant sock! A hoodless and zipper less mummy. Conditions consistently below 25-30°F a similar product is my go-to. Very comfy for the weight.

Then below 12-15 I switch to a full mummy.

[David D]

Bags in your target weight range often save weight by using less insulation in the underside because they figure you’ll just compress it anyway.

This causes a problem for active sleepers or side sleepers.  There’s no way to not expose some of the thin underside when the bag twists while side sleeping with the hood in use, creating cold spots on your back.  That’s my experience, and these cold spots wake me up even with the rest of me warm.

The lightest & warmest option would be a hoodless bag you can turn in, and something like a Torrid hood.

[Bob K]

Big Agnes Sidewinder SL

[Charlie Brenneman]

I’m an active side sleeper. It adds a bit of weight but I like a bag with extra girth so the Swift if I was going Feathered Friends (compared to Hummingbird or Swallow). I just picked up the REI magma bag because of the shoulder dimensions and the ridiculous sale price. A wider bag allows me to more easily shimmy and roll myself onto my sides inside the bag without moving it with me.

[DWR D]

I like my zPacks bags… light weight, no hood, various model designs…

I have the 3/4 zip model in wide… use it like a quilt, but if the night gets cold I zip it up…

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