Cold weather sleeping bag recommendations needed, please

I am usually the first guy to recommend sticking to quality gear, but I'm taking a different approach now with sleeping bags.

I purchased a new sleeping bag two weeks ago.

Since I no longer backpack I didn't need to go ultra light, and I refuse to own another mummy bag ever again. I looked at several old rectangular bags that I still have on the shelf, most in need of a zipper repair or replacement, and noticed that the cheap bags have lasted as long as the pricey ones.

My epiphany: I don't need a high end sleeping bag. If I treat sleeping bags like bedding rather than "hi tech gear," and if I stick to inexpensive or moderately priced bags that I can retire after a season or two without shedding a tear, I can own several brand new bags during the years I would have to make a single "heirloom sleeping bag" last in order to amortize the cost.

This is what I bought. I got the XL because it is wider than most and I'm tired of sleeping bags that roll over with me when I change positions. However, it is long. I didn't care because I also purchased am XL sleeping bad and the combination is the same length and just a tad narrower than a XL twin mattress. I've decided that I'm getting older and if I'm going to continue camping into my 70's I deserve to be as comfortable as if I were in my bed at home. For anyone 5'10" or less the regular size would be just fine. The price fluctuates. I caught Amazon on a good day and paid $42.

613DkPCxQwL._SL1500_.jpg


Regular size:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005EPRMMU/?tag=wranglerorg-20

XL:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B006J7ZLPC/?tag=wranglerorg-20

My new ALPS Mountaineering Outback Mat:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01L2MEY56/?tag=wranglerorg-20
 
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Mr. Bills said:
I am usually the first guy to recommend sticking to quality gear, but I'm taking a different approach now with sleeping bags.

I purchased a new sleeping bag two weeks ago.

Since I no longer backpack I didn't need to go ultra light, and I refuse to own another mummy bag ever again. I looked at several old rectangular bags that I still have on the shelf, most in need of a zipper repair or replacement, and noticed that the cheap bags have lasted as long as the pricey ones.

My epiphany: I don't need a high end sleeping bag. If I treat sleeping bags like bedding rather than "hi tech gear," and if I stick to inexpensive or moderately priced bags that I can retire after a season or two without shedding a tear, I can own several brand new bags during the years I would have to make a single "heirloom sleeping bag" last in order to amortize the cost.

This is what I bought. I got the XL because it is wider than most and I'm tired of sleeping bags that roll over with me when I change positions. However, it is long. I didn't care because I also purchased am XL sleeping bad and the combination is the same length and just a tad narrower than a XL twin mattress. I've decided that I'm getting older and if I'm going to continue camping into my 70's I deserve to be as comfortable as if I were in my bed at home. For anyone 5'10" or less the regular size would be just fine. The price fluctuates. I caught Amazon on a good day and paid $42.

View attachment 108692

Regular size:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005EPRMMU/?tag=wranglerorg-20

XL:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B006J7ZLPC/?tag=wranglerorg-20

My new ALPS Mountaineering Outback Mat:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01L2MEY56/?tag=wranglerorg-20
Click to expand...
Well, that is definitely one way to approach it! Thanks for the input! :)
 
Usually up the Alaska Highway in October. Can be hot or cold. A sleeping bag with a smooth nylon shell is almost impossible to have a blanket over it. They just slide off.
If you're in a tent or shelter, a blanket on a thick open cell foam is nice to sleep on. Backpacking, a thinner closed cell foam works great. Mummy bags are awful.
 
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Head Lice said:
Usually up the Alaska Highway in October. Can be hot or cold. A sleeping bag with a smooth nylon shell is almost impossible to have a blanket over it. They just slide off.
If you're in a tent or shelter, a blanket on a thick open cell foam is nice to sleep on. Backpacking, a thinner closed cell foam works great. Mummy bags are awful.
Click to expand...
Never thought about the nylon factor. Excellent point! ;)
 
Squatch said:
Well, that is definitely one way to approach it! Thanks for the input! :)
Click to expand...

I cheaped out on sleeping bags but blew the budget on an expensive new tent. I have been using a Kodiak Canvas swag tent, but as much as I like it there is much to be said for more room.

Swag tent:

Campsite near Bear Trap Basin, Stanislaus National Forest, Calaveras County CA - July 2019.jpg


New Kodiak Canvas Flex-Bow VX 8.5' x 6' x 4' high 2-person canvas tent, received today and set up on what's left of my front yard after the Carr Fire:
Kodiak Canvas Two Person Tent 2.jpg
 
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Mr. Bills said:
I cheaped out on sleeping bags but blew the budget on an expensive new tent. I have been using a Kodiak Canvas swag tent, but as much as I like it there is much to be said for more room.

Swag tent:

View attachment 108701

New Kodiak Canvas Flex-Bow VX 8.5' x 6' x 4' high 2-person canvas tent, received today and set up on what's left of my front yard after the Carr Fire:
View attachment 108702
Click to expand...
Nice! Your tent is better housing than what I actually live in! :LOL:
 
Last edited:
Mr. Bills said:
I am usually the first guy to recommend sticking to quality gear, but I'm taking a different approach now with sleeping bags.

I purchased a new sleeping bag two weeks ago.

Since I no longer backpack I didn't need to go ultra light, and I refuse to own another mummy bag ever again. I looked at several old rectangular bags that I still have on the shelf, most in need of a zipper repair or replacement, and noticed that the cheap bags have lasted as long as the pricey ones.

My epiphany: I don't need a high end sleeping bag. If I treat sleeping bags like bedding rather than "hi tech gear," and if I stick to inexpensive or moderately priced bags that I can retire after a season or two without shedding a tear, I can own several brand new bags during the years I would have to make a single "heirloom sleeping bag" last in order to amortize the cost.

This is what I bought. I got the XL because it is wider than most and I'm tired of sleeping bags that roll over with me when I change positions. However, it is long. I didn't care because I also purchased am XL sleeping bad and the combination is the same length and just a tad narrower than a XL twin mattress. I've decided that I'm getting older and if I'm going to continue camping into my 70's I deserve to be as comfortable as if I were in my bed at home. For anyone 5'10" or less the regular size would be just fine. The price fluctuates. I caught Amazon on a good day and paid $42.

View attachment 108692

Regular size:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005EPRMMU/?tag=wranglerorg-20

XL:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B006J7ZLPC/?tag=wranglerorg-20

My new ALPS Mountaineering Outback Mat:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01L2MEY56/?tag=wranglerorg-20
Click to expand...

+1, I've used a Teton Xxl bag for a couple years now and it's been great.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001D6TB8W/?tag=wranglerorg-20

The dimensions make it sound huge but it's actually the exact same size as a Coleman packaway cot, the size is about right.Theres just enough room beneath my feet to store a jacket and a hot water bottle.Put something inside of it to fill in the dead air space and it works great.You can zip 2 of them together and use them with a queen size air matress.

I use this compression bag to store it in.Theres a little extra room in it, enough for the sleeping bags cotton liner and a travel pillow.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0026JNXIE/?tag=wranglerorg-20
 
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This is THE review site for everything outdoor gear. It's widely respected in the backpacking, trekking and hiking community. Unbiased reviews from world class hikers and trekkers. That review all the products after extensive field testing. By people that know what to look for and why.

https://www.outdoorgearlab.com/t/sleeping-bags
Having posted this. My sweat spot for sleeping bags is Kelty. Whoever said down is crap when wet has not looked at a down bag for some time. Look at Dridown from Kelty. (And many other companies with a similar product name.) It's waterproof down. That's been treated. You can pick up a 0F bag for around $150. In the 5lb range. And it will pack down very small.

Especially cheap if you look around for their last years model of dridown bag. www.gearx.com is a good place for that too.
 
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I would highly recommend a USGI bivy bag for each sleeping bag you get. It's a goretex bag that you slip the sleeping bag into. It's waterproof. Keeps the rain off you. And helps keep the bag looking new. You could very effectively sleep outside in the rain with this and a tarp over head.

This isn't the cheapest price you can find. Look on google. But here's one to look at. Woodland pattern is usually cheaper. Around $30-$35.

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-...0001&campid=5337789113&icep_item=113815920893
 
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moab said:
I would highly recommend a USGI bivy bag for each sleeping bag you get. It's a goretex bag that you slip the sleeping bag into. It's waterproof. Keeps the rain off you. And helps keep the bag looking new. You could very effectively sleep outside in the rain with this and a tarp over head.

This isn't the cheapest price you can find. Look on google. But here's one to look at. Woodland pattern is usually cheaper. Around $30-$35.

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-...0001&campid=5337789113&icep_item=113815920893
Click to expand...
Thanks for the tip, @moab. There's a lot more to sleeping outdoors than I ever would have imagined! ;)
 
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Okay, so Mrs. Squatch ended up ordering a Wiggy's Hunter Antarctic Rectangular Sleeping Bag, which is rated at -60 degrees (She really doesn't wanna be cold!). Just wanted to let folks know that I looked into every recommendation made on this thread, and shared the most promising ones with my wife. I thank you all for your input, as you opened the door to brands and things to consider that we never would have known about. Kudos to you all!

So, as I stated, we went with Wiggy's. Weally! ;)
 
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-60*!!! Wow, I have a 0* and can’t even imagine using the one she picked out.

Good for her.
I hope she’s as happy with the bag she picked out as I have been with mine.
 
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When weight didn’t matter I always had good luck with my REI bags, I’m on to a lot more cottage industry stuff for backpacking nowadays but that gets expensive.

As others mentioned down is useless if wet, most bags you need 10 degrees lower than you plan on being in or you can get a sleeping bag liner which will gain you about 10*

I like quilts better for tossing and turning (less restrictive) although can be drafty if not buttoned down and more rare, definitely not for everyone, good weight savings though.
 
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The bag weighs 8.5 lbs., if I recall correctly, so definitely not something to be used for backpacking. The price was $294, and is U.S. made. The owner/founder does a series of videos that are definitely unscripted. He's highly opinionated, somewhat crotchety at times, and pulls no punches when it comes to what he thinks of the competition's overseas produced products. I was actually somewhat concerned that his videos would turn my wife away from his products, but it actually had just the opposite affect. She came to believe he knows his stuff. His tearing apart (literally opening up) a top of the line competitor's bag and pointing out its shortcomings was what convinced her that this was the brand she wanted to go with, and I was happy to agree with her. (y)
 
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