Sleeping bags and Sleeping Pads

[RoverRideAlong]

I am looking into purchasing a sleeping bag and a sleeping pad. I want everyones opinion on the best ones. I am an occasional camper. When I do camp out though it is usually when I go wheeling. I really am not sure what I would need. I would like maybe a three seasons bag so I can go when its cold and warm. I would like to know how warm it would be in a 0 degree bag during the hot summer. I would like to just get one virtual bag that I can use all season. I really don't think I will ever be in a situation that cold though. I would like it one that can sustain water also. I live in Kentucky around Lexington if that helps any.

 

[JeffM]

Hi Rob - I've got a North Face darkstar but it's four season and use two pads a Thermarest prolite 4 along with a thermarest Zlite. Mostly because I do alot of winter stuff.

Partly it would depend on how warm or cold you sleep and what sort of weather you'd be going out in. Right up until late fall I use a really old Vango 2+ season bag with the Zlite. Just means that you have to sleep with a few more layers if it gets cold in the night. But I haven't frozen yet

AS far as bags go they all seem to be pretty good - Since you are bringing it along in the truck I wouldn't worry much about the whole synthetic or down question. - Down in alot of ways is a better insulator and definitely packs down better - synthetic on the other hand works better in damp conditions.

As far as makes go - probably I'd look at North Face, Mountain Hardware, Ajungilak. You could also take a look at the bags from Cabelas and also the slumberjacks and Marmots. My son has a -20 slumberjack bag which is really bulky but seems to cope well.

The other option for multi season use is to get a good 2 season bag and a thermo-liner.

HTH

Jeff

 

[Roverlady]

North Face, Mountain Hardwear, Marmot....all great bags. Just depends on what you need.

I've got a 0degree Down MHW bag that I LOVE, I'm a woman (and short) so I got a custom fit and it has an expandable panel that allows for more room if needed. Also have a MHW sleeping pad and it is great!! Bulky b/c it's not deflatable, but VERY comfy.

I've heard LL Bean bags are good too-depends on if you are ever uncovered (not in a tent). My MHW has a conduit outer shell, I try to keep it dry, but if it gets wet it should be moderately protected.

There are a lot of options out there. I sleep pretty cold when camping, so I went with 0 degrees even though I'll never need it that cold. Don't like to bulk up when sleeping, so I'm pretty cozy in that rating. They are usually 10-15 degrees off, depending on your humidity/dampness in the area.

Just look at lots of options, get in them if you can and talk to people who have had theirs for many years. My husband's North Face Blue Kazoo has been a great bag for him.

 

[Eric N.]

I have two sleeping bags that I use depending on what the weather is.. I have a Cabels Rectangular 3-D bag and a Cabelas Outdoorsman II . I like them both as they have some room to move around in since I'm not a litttle guy.. I also use an air mattress or various sleeping pads depending on what tent I'm using and the weather as well.. If I'm using my larger tent then I use my Cabelas Ultimate Comfort Bed and if I'm using my little one person bivy then I use my little therma rest and a cheap-o egg carton looking foam pad under it.

Can you tell that I like Cabelas!!! : )


edit: Also if it's in the summer and hot/humid I ussually just use a big fleece blanket since even a little skimpy sleeping bag is just too hot...

 

[bri]

Go to a local place that knows a lot about gear and get in them. You have to in order to make sure that it fits and is comfy. In general large stores like REI know nothing. So if there is a local privately owned shop. Go there and get in them. Vritually all marmot products kick ass, their bags are no exception.

 

[GregH]

I throw in my 2 cents-

If you're only going to use it while wheeling don't worry about weight-no need for down just get a comfy poly fill bag and thickest thermarest pad available.

However, since I use my bag for wheeling AND backpacking in different conditions I like a decent lightweight down bag. I currently have a relatively cheap MHW Universe SL 0 degree bag and in the last 15 years have only owned MHW, Marmot and Feathered Friends bags all with down and rated at least 0 degree's or less.

Any of these manufacturers make quality bags but what you pay depends more on high loft down (warmer for weight) and better quality shells (like gortex or proprietary water-resistant breathable shells etc.) A bag with high quality 750+ cubic inch loft down will be warmer for it's weight but more $. Down's loft and warmth goes when wet while cheaper, heavier poly fill like polarguard, etc. will retain some of it's warmth and loft when wet.

We are talking mummy bags here but if you like room (and use it for wheeling not backpacking) then get a rectangular. My wife has a rectangular down feathered friends bag and likes it for car camping. I've seen a nice LL Bean one too.

I have a medium-thick thermarest for backpacking and a thicker one for wheeling.

 

[marc olivares]

greg's hit on a really good point.
there's a big difference between car camping gear and backpacking gear.
for car camping, i use a Kirkham pad (local SLC tent maker) and a mountain hardware 0 degree bag or columbia 40 degree bag.

for backpacking , i'm all about light.... thermarest and a Mountain hardware ultralight 20 degree bag.

the point is, for car camping, you can affort more weight and bulk for more comfort.
i'm way more comfy on my Kirkhams pad and Columbia bag anyday. but i would NEVER want to lug this stuff on my back....

 

[GregH]

BTW-If it's truly hot at night I usually sleep on a thick pad and don't even use a sleeping bag, just a military surplus poncho liner-very light and comfy.

 

[SCSL]

greg's hit on a really good point.
there's a big difference between car camping gear and backpacking gear.

x2. Rover camping vs backpacking is one of the big divides. Honestly assess which direction you lean & you could save yourself a TON of money. Like anything else, you can spend far too much money on very expensive sleeping bags that don't add much value to your main usage.

The other big divide is EAST vs WEST. I remember,,,,as a kid growing up back east,,,camping with the old man. It was like,,,Ranger training. There were days & nights of Sturm und Drang. Always wet,,,often rainging,,,freakin' bugs out the yang! Mosquitos! The humidity & sweat in summer! The damp biting cold in winter. Your gear was always coated with rain or dew or frost or sweat. I'm scarred,,,

In Colo on the other hand, in comparison, I think camping is a big joke,,,in a good way. You can start a fire at will (the key is not starting a fire,,lol). It rarely rains & is never damp. No bugs to speak of but the occasional spider or centipede. Hell, camping here in the summer you can pretty much just drink a few beers & lie down on the pine needles. ZZZzzzzzz

So anyway, if I was camping back east I would get a synthetic bag. If I was backpacking out west I would get a down bag that compresses to the size of a tootsie roll. If I was Rover camping I would get a big comfy square bag from Cabela's with a fat freakin' air matress & live large. If I was backpacking I would get the best foam pad I could buy & roll that sucker up. Yeah, it looks dorky,,,but I'm not a fan of Thermarests. Busted two of 'em over the past few yrs. Also, make sure you are comfortable sleeping in a mummy back before you go that direction. Many are not. There are square bags with comparable features.

Anyway, those are all my thoughts,,,I need to get a cup of coffee to get out of this stream-of-consiousness post.....cheers

 

[montanablur]

x2. Rover camping vs backpacking is one of the big divides. Honestly assess which direction you lean & you could save yourself a TON of money. Like anything else, you can spend far too much money on very expensive sleeping bags that don't add much value to your main usage.

The other big divide is EAST vs WEST. I remember,,,,as a kid growing up back east,,,camping with the old man. It was like,,,Ranger training. There were days & nights of Sturm und Drang. Always wet,,,often rainging,,,freakin' bugs out the yang! Mosquitos! The humidity & sweat in summer! The damp biting cold in winter. Your gear was always coated with rain or dew or frost or sweat. I'm scarred,,,

In Colo on the other hand, in comparison, I think camping is a big joke,,,in a good way. You can start a fire at will (the key is not starting a fire,,lol). It rarely rains & is never damp. No bugs to speak of but the occasional spider or centipede. Hell, camping here in the summer you can pretty much just drink a few beers & lie down on the pine needles. ZZZzzzzzz

So anyway, if I was camping back east I would get a synthetic bag. If I was backpacking out west I would get a down bag that compresses to the size of a tootsie roll. If I was Rover camping I would get a big comfy square bag from Cabela's with a fat freakin' air matress & live large. If I was backpacking I would get the best foam pad I could buy & roll that sucker up. Yeah, it looks dorky,,,but I'm not a fan of Thermarests. Busted two of 'em over the past few yrs. Also, make sure you are comfortable sleeping in a mummy back before you go that direction. Many are not. There are square bags with comparable features.

Anyway, those are all my thoughts,,,I need to get a cup of coffee to get out of this stream-of-consiousness post.....cheers

SCSL-

That post just made very sad that I was so busy this summer I didn't get to camp in Colorado this last summer, the first time in 10 years...

Making money sure can cut into your lifestyle....

 

[kellymoe]

greg's hit on a really good point.
there's a big difference between car camping gear and backpacking gear.
for car camping, i use a Kirkham pad (local SLC tent maker) and a mountain hardware 0 degree bag or columbia 40 degree bag.

for backpacking , i'm all about light.... thermarest and a Mountain hardware ultralight 20 degree bag.

the point is, for car camping, you can affort more weight and bulk for more comfort.
i'm way more comfy on my Kirkhams pad and Columbia bag anyday. but i would NEVER want to lug this stuff on my back....

Hey Marc,

Are you on the yahoo.canyoneering site? Saw your name on there.
Back to pads and bags.

Thermarest used to make a great and inexspensive pad that was closed cell foam on the outside and open cell on the inside. It was well over an inch thick and very comfy. It was pretty light for it,s size but not compact at all, although I did use it for short backpack trips I forget the name of it but if anyone knows of any closeout sales on Thermarest products please let me know I want to get afew more.

Thanks,

Kevin

 

[marc olivares]

Hey Marc,

Are you on the yahoo.canyoneering site? Saw your name on there.
Back to pads and bags.

LOL...yep that's me!
good to see a fellow canyoneer on the Dweb!
i typically follow Rich's ACA site, but Shanes' yahoo.Canyoneering site usually has good beta. if people are willing to give it up....lol
have to admit, i'm more obcessed w/ canyoneering more than Rovers...

 

[kellymoe]

I just started getting into a few years ago. Only done stuff in Zion so far, Pine Creek, Keyhole, Mystery, Subway, Orderville etc... I used to do alot of rock climbing and this just came naturaly. I took my 5y/o on the Keyhole last week. We ended up bailing after the longest rappel because the two other kids that came with us started getting hypothermic. I shimmied up a log to the canyon rim and set up a 3:1 advantage and raised everyone out. It,s fun to put rope skills to use. My next adventure is to hopefully kayak down throught the Narrows next spring. I have kayaked from teh Temple of Sinewava to the Park boundry and now want to give the Narrows a go.

Sorry for the Hi-jack

 

[marc olivares]

I just started getting into a few years ago. Only done stuff in Zion so far, Pine Creek, Keyhole, Mystery, Subway, Orderville etc... I used to do alot of rock climbing and this just came naturaly. I took my 5y/o on the Keyhole last week. We ended up bailing after the longest rappel because the two other kids that came with us started getting hypothermic. I shimmied up a log to the canyon rim and set up a 3:1 advantage and raised everyone out. It,s fun to put rope skills to use. My next adventure is to hopefully kayak down throught the Narrows next spring. I have kayaked from teh Temple of Sinewava to the Park boundry and now want to give the Narrows a go.

Sorry for the Hi-jack

email me when you come out, we'll hook up

 

[The Limey]

KILL HIM FOR ME MARV......KILL HIM GOOD

sin city eh?....
cool flick

marcus

 

[GregH]

I forget the name of it but if anyone knows of any closeout sales on Thermarest products please let me know I want to get afew more.

Thanks,

Kevin

Try Campmor

http://www.campmor.com

They have cosmetic blems for relatively cheap.

 

[barefoot]

ive got a north face 4 season, a spiiffy waterproof sierra designs 3 season a cheap ass wally world 30 degree mummy and a short ridge rest inflatable.

9/10 i go for the wally bag w/the ridge rest...unless its dead cold winter and im in the hammock up in atree w/the wind...i get really hot in the other 2!

remember...a tent raises ambient a good 10 degrees!

oh yeah...put the thermarest inside the sleeping bag...it works much better that way!!

 

[Roverlady]

However, since I use my bag for wheeling AND backpacking in different conditions I like a decent lightweight down bag. I currently have a relatively cheap MHW Universe SL 0 degree bag and in the last 15 years have only owned MHW, Marmot and Feathered Friends bags all with down and rated at least 0 degree's or less.

I've got the same bag Greg, and I recommend it highly. Packs pretty small, but not tiny and is VERY warm/comfortable.

Good point about car camping/backpacking. We haven't had much time in the past few years to hike in/camp/hike out anywhere, so most of our camping has been from the car. Hence the decision to get a thicker sleeping pad, etc. The MHW one I have is HUGE and bulky so you wouldn't want ot pack it in....but it's very comfortable.


Again, just examine what your usage will be and go to the store to try lots of them out. THEN look online for great deals. I got my MHW bag from Travelcountry.com at a great price with free shipping!

 

[apg]

As Greg mentioned, weight really isn't an issue when car-camping. As these bones get older, I've gotten away from the Thermarest pads and ultra-light, down sleeping bags of my youth. Bought a double sleeping bag/air matress combination from Cabela's a while back. (It uses a 4 D cell air pump for inflation.) Felt quite secure at the MAR: not only did it keep us up off the tent floor (though the big Eureka tent leaked maybe a total of ten drops), if figured if the flood got *that* bad, I could just float away....

Since weight isn't an issue, I've just bought a Sankey trailer to haul all the crap. ;-) Filled it, too.

Cheers

 

[mr_katanga]

I agree with the comments on bags - think about your application. For the type of use that I see (mountaineering, high altitude pack hunting), any inflatable pad like thermarest is the worst possible thing in the world. Step on that baby with crampons, or get a leak, and it's done. The lightest pads, which happen to be my favorite, are the ridge rest pads. I believe they are made by the same people as thermarest, but are just made out of foam rubber. Nothing to break, weighs like 1/2 of what a thermarest weighs and super cheap and long lasting. The only beef is that they don't pack down small, but I always figure the light weight trumps small size any day (at least when you have to carry it). This would also be good for car camping, because it's inexpensive, durable, and in my opinion, comfortable. Or, if all you're going to do is car camp, I second Steven's nomination:

If I was Rover camping I would get a big comfy square bag from Cabela's with a fat freakin' air matress & live large