I need a Sleeping Bag...What To Look For??

[milmat1]

What defines a good sleeping bag? I see them priced from $20.00 to $500.00 So what makes a good sleeping bag?

What materials are best ?
What Brand names are well known??

I want a quality bag that will keep me toasty warm and comfy, but be as small and light as possible...

[moltenone]

sleeping bag's are rated by weight and temp's,do a google search for the best.


Mark

good luck

[AsSeenOnTV]

http://www.scoutgear.com/cn71701.html

[Loner]

this is not the cheapest or lightest but it is cool it is called an oregon bedroll and it is made by prisoners of the Oregon penal system
http://www.oregonbedroll.com/
really you need to know a few things before you buy
are you sleeping in a shelter ie tent or out in the open
do you sleep cold or hot when your are home do you need extra covers or less?
do you need roll around room or can you sleep snuggled up
that is why some campers can get by with lighter mummy bags and others need regular bags so the can roll around (I use a REI mummy bag)
what is the temp going to be where you are at? you'll need a appropriate range bag to suit the conditons ie summer or three season bag.
some bags are modular they have sections you can take out if is warm and add if it gets cold.
Definitely get a sleeping pad (self inflating are best) and even a cover to keep your bag clean.
stay away from big box cheapies they are for sleepovers and husbands cast out to the couch.

[pquirk]

For the bike I'd go with synthetic rather than down. Down is lighter and more compactible, but if it gets wet it's useless. Something like primaloft will give good warmth to weight and still keep you warm if it gets wet. A 25 degree bag will be plenty warm for most folks. I like Marmot bags I've got two of them among others, but they ain't cheap. Check Sierra Outpost or Campmor for great deals.

[milmat1]

Originally Posted by AsSeenOnTV

http://www.scoutgear.com/cn71701.html

Thats a great Site !!

Thanks,,

[Brad]

Another vote for synthetic rather than down. Consider the temps that you'll actually be camping in. I have two bags - one is rated down to 0º and the other is rated to 40º (it's a summer bag) The summer bag packs tiny and it's what I usually use.

My 0º is an LL Bean
My 40º is a Woods (from Canada)

[rottenralph]

I have a Northface Blue Kazoo I have had for 15 years and it is still a great bag. It is very light, can be stowed with my termarest self inflating mattress in a normal small sleeping bag pouch, and Northface makes stuff that lasts forever or you get a new one. Mine is a three season bag but I have been in pretty cold weather and I was comfy.

[milmat1]

Thanks All !!

I'll have a look at the ones mentioned. I think the Mummy ones are out, Because I cant sleep without moving around .....

[kribit]

Check out this thread: http://xlforum.net/vbportal/forums/s...d.php?t=476051