sleeping bags

[shrek71]

I'm planning a remote hiking trip for August, and I am currently in the process of researching a new sleeping bag.
The area I will be in over the past 5 years has had average lows in August ranging mostly from 0 to 9 Celsius, though one year the low did drop to -4.
I will be sleeping in small wooden huts, or worst case scenario, a 2 person tent with another person.

A -7 Celsius bag was recommended, and that makes sense, but when it came time for me to buy it, I hesitated, because they are quite bulky.
I know I can compress it down with straps, but still, backpack space is at a premium in this case.

Any trekkers out there that can share their experience?
Should I stick with a -7 Celsius bag, or can I get away with a 0 Celsius bag if I am in shelter with a base layer on?

I will be off the grid for 9 or 10 days, so I can't just hop into my car and go get a new bag if I make a bad choice.

Thanks for any advice!

First things first, you will need a decent insulated sleeping pad. Ie not an air mattress. So you are looking at a closed cell foam (blue pads at camping stores) or some sort of self inflating mat. The reason for this is two fold, it will insulate you from the ground and it provides some comfort. Since insulation is useless when it is compressed, the bottom part of a sleeping bag won't provide much of an insulating value. So that is the reason for the pad.

Next, when it comes to compressibility, there is now beating a down sleeping bag. You can get down bags these days with a water repellent down filling. So moisture is less of an issue. Also, if this is a one off trip that you are getting this sleeping bag, I would consider renting a sleeping bag from MEC or any other outfitter. Here you will get some quality gear for a reasonable price.

MEC will sort you out.

A big thumbs up on this.

Cheers

 

[scottonthespot]

Fun thread. For me this come down to two words. Ward and dry, which for me means the minus 7 synthetic. I've used the MEC bag you're referring to for three season packing and canoe trips and have never been let down. I love down but if it gets wet...you're gonna be cold...period and that will will make your trip a nightmare. When camping with my down purist friends I've said "at least I'll be warm" more than once. Have fun! Leave only footprints

 

[scottonthespot]

Fun thread. For me this come down to two words. Ward and dry, which for me means the minus 7 synthetic. I've used the MEC bag you're referring to for three season packing and canoe trips and have never been let down. I love down but if it gets wet...you're gonna be cold...period and that will will make your trip a nightmare. When camping with my down purist friends I've said "at least I'll be warm" more than once. Have fun! Leave only footprints

Not Ward...don't want that guy in my bag...Warm...

 

[Bickle]

Go for a lightweight down bag with about a -3 rating. MEC used to have a reasonably priced bag - the Merlin I think. About 900 g. Closest equivalent now is the Talon. I know down doesn't work when wet - but if you carry it in a waterproof stuff sack it won't get wet. Remember to carry a 3/4 length lightweight sleeping pad as well for insulation from the ground. Bag temperature ratings assume the use of a pad. Thermarest pads are good.

 

[Bickle]

If you want to take your chances on a lighter bag, you can cheat by taking along a touque and woolie socks. They will keep you warm. I am speaking honestly as a guy who has spent many months in a tent in his lifetime - they work.

Timbit

Good tip. I agree.

 

[explorerzip]

Two new cheap sleeping bags are better than one good bag. [/QUOTE]

Yup, did that many a time in the Boy Scouts. "Mummy" sleeping bags were just coming on the market and were damned expensive especially for the Scouts. We used to use 1 sleeping bag, a fleece polyester blanket and a reflective emergency blanket in between. Worked very well and was cheap.

 

[destillat]

First things first, you will need a decent insulated sleeping pad. Ie not an air mattress. So you are looking at a closed cell foam (blue pads at camping stores) or some sort of self inflating mat. The reason for this is two fold, it will insulate you from the ground and it provides some comfort. Since insulation is useless when it is compressed, the bottom part of a sleeping bag won't provide much of an insulating value. So that is the reason for the pad.

Next, when it comes to compressibility, there is now beating a down sleeping bag. You can get down bags these days with a water repellent down filling. So moisture is less of an issue. Also, if this is a one off trip that you are getting this sleeping bag, I would consider renting a sleeping bag from MEC or any other outfitter. Here you will get some quality gear for a reasonable price.



A big thumbs up on this.

Cheers

I'll definitely have a sleeping pad, for sure.

I have looked into the MEC rental option already, mainly for the tent... but it's not worth it, even if it is a one-off trip (which it isn't)... I would need to rent the gear for 2 weeks, so the rental cost will be more than the purchase cost.

 

[destillat]

Fun thread. For me this come down to two words. Ward and dry, which for me means the minus 7 synthetic. I've used the MEC bag you're referring to for three season packing and canoe trips and have never been let down. I love down but if it gets wet...you're gonna be cold...period and that will will make your trip a nightmare. When camping with my down purist friends I've said "at least I'll be warm" more than once. Have fun! Leave only footprints

Thanks for the real world advice... I think I have decided on the -7 synthetic.
I'll just have to compress it as much as I can and work around it in my pack.

 

[Ceiling Cat]

I'll definitely have a sleeping pad, for sure.

I have looked into the MEC rental option already, mainly for the tent... but it's not worth it, even if it is a one-off trip (which it isn't)... I would need to rent the gear for 2 weeks, so the rental cost will be more than the purchase cost.

...............and you neeeever know what is causing the funky smell in a rental tent.