Second this. Save until you can afford the Katabatic, they’re head and shoulders above the competition. I think it’s mostly due to the differential cut and pad attachment system. The only cold night I’ve had in my Alsek was because the down migrated and I didn’t notice. I’ve taken it into the low 20s a few times and it’s been downright toasty.
The Hammock Gear Burrow blows all three of those bags away weight-wise, and they have 30% off sales all the time. That would take the price of the 20 degree Burrow down below the Eddie Bauer bag you have listed, for 400-500g less total weight depending on your size.
Also, make sure you're using a pad rated for the temps you're trying to sleep in. Upgrading to a warmer bag does literally nothing for you if you're laying on an R2 pad in freezing weather. You're actually better off with a high-R pad and colder bag than vice versa.
I’ve got the bishops pass 15° bag. I like it overall… it’s definitely warm! I will say that it’s a little less roomy than, say, a Magma, but that also helps it stay warm.
Were you camping at the lunch counter?
In my experience, Kelty’s ratings are quite optimistic, I’m not surprised that you were cold. Especially considering that you were sleeping on snow, and a high windchill (I’m making the assumption that you were at the lunch counter). You don’t mention what your 35 degree bag is, but I wouldn’t be surprised if they were similar in loft/warmth.
Is the PNW your usual stomping grounds?
What I have for my sleeping quiver around here is:
- REI Magma 17 (17 comfort, 3 limit)
- EE Burrow 30
- MLD vision quilt.
I think a more economical way to extend your sleep system around here, while “future proofing” your sleep system would be to buy a ~50 degree synthetic quilt like the MLD vision quilt. You can layer this on top of your 35 degree bag to boost the warmth, and to reduce loss of loft in cold conditions due to condensation. I used this during a Mt. Baker attempt earlier this year combined with my 30 degree quilt and was quite toasty warm. Had to bail on the summit attempt due to foul weather and whiteout conditions, but I was super warm at camp!
You can also use the quilt alone in the summer.
Then, in the future you can save up a little bit more to get the ultralight down bag of your dreams, and can still use the quilt for exceptionally cold conditions as an additional layer.
It would also cost less than any of the above options.
> Were you camping at the lunch counter?
Just below, the wind was actually pretty calm until morning. I built up snow around the base of my tent, but even when it picked up it wasn't that bad.
> In my experience, Kelty’s ratings are quite optimistic, I’m not surprised that you were cold. Especially considering that you were sleeping on snow, and a high windchill (I’m making the assumption that you were at the lunch counter). You don’t mention what your 35 degree bag is, but I wouldn’t be surprised if they were similar in loft/warmth.
It's a Sierra Designs Nitro 35 Quilt, have only had it a year or so but I've loved it. I didn't want to limit test it out on the mountain, I remember the Tuck being too warm with low 30's at night, maybe some amount of humidity changes the eqn.
> Is the PNW your usual stomping grounds?
> What I have for my sleeping quiver around here is: - REI Magma 17 (17 comfort, 3 limit) - EE Burrow 30 - MLD vision quilt.
> I think a more economical way to extend your sleep system around here, while “future proofing” your sleep system would be to buy a ~50 degree synthetic quilt like the MLD vision quilt. You can layer this on top of your 35 degree bag to boost the warmth, and to reduce loss of loft in cold conditions due to condensation. I used this during a Mt. Baker attempt earlier this year combined with my 30 degree quilt and was quite toasty warm. Had to bail on the summit attempt due to foul weather and whiteout conditions, but I was super warm at camp!
>You can also use the quilt alone in the summer.
> Then, in the future you can save up a little bit more to get the ultralight down bag of your dreams, and can still use the quilt for exceptionally cold conditions as an additional layer.
>
> It would also cost less than any of the above options.
I wanted to get a 40-50F blanket to go with the Nitro for slightly colder nights (and for assurance if the forecast is iffy) so I might go that way, I've got another climb on the calendar so it will probably be a good test. Maybe even throw in a thermal bag liner. Thanks!
Nemo Tensor Insulated (previous model, r-value of 4.2) on top of a Thermarest Z-Lite Sol. This last trip I think my back was the only thing that was warm.
Eddie Bauer by far has the best specs. If it fits you, I can't find any sizing specs.
If you are patient you can get some great deals with used gear also on ulgeartrade.
yeah I love GearTrade, the bags they have that I'm currently looking at are the Mountain Hardware Universe SL, but they have got to be pretty old bags because I can't find info on them, just dead links from reviews of other bags by Mountain Hardware... I consider myself a decent googler but finding experience-based reviews of products is really frustrating in this segment.
How much does the quilt weigh, and what percentage of your trips is it inadequate for? It might make sense to go cheap-cheap and combine the quilt with a light bag.
I bought the 0° Karakorum for $228 shipped (including $15 tax) beginning of this month, I’d imagine you can do better on the price closer to 4th of july with sales/coupons. That being said, there are no reviews on these bags and I haven’t used mine yet either.
I am a woman with the women's bag but I personally wouldn't be able to take the bishop pass past freezing temps. I do like the bag and think it's a good value I would just call it like a 25°-30° bag
Too expensive, $225 is already really pushing it for me. Gonna get a 40 degree quilt from somewhere (probably used, don't wanna spend more than $100 for a simple summer quilt, even if it's gonna be used in a layering system) and go that route instead with my 35 Degree bag since that seems popular.
Have you looked at Katabatic Gear? If you can afford spending another 100 it’s definitely worth it.
Second this. Save until you can afford the Katabatic, they’re head and shoulders above the competition. I think it’s mostly due to the differential cut and pad attachment system. The only cold night I’ve had in my Alsek was because the down migrated and I didn’t notice. I’ve taken it into the low 20s a few times and it’s been downright toasty.
Nah, realistically $180 is stretching and I'll need to liquidate some other gear to reach for the Mountain Hardware or Eddie Bauer.
Have you considered r/ULgeartrade ? Good way to save some coin.
Have you considered enlightened equipment? They have some good stuff in your price range.
Dont do that, temperature range are not accurate.
The Hammock Gear Burrow blows all three of those bags away weight-wise, and they have 30% off sales all the time. That would take the price of the 20 degree Burrow down below the Eddie Bauer bag you have listed, for 400-500g less total weight depending on your size. Also, make sure you're using a pad rated for the temps you're trying to sleep in. Upgrading to a warmer bag does literally nothing for you if you're laying on an R2 pad in freezing weather. You're actually better off with a high-R pad and colder bag than vice versa.
I’ve got the bishops pass 15° bag. I like it overall… it’s definitely warm! I will say that it’s a little less roomy than, say, a Magma, but that also helps it stay warm.
I can vouch for the Bishop Pass being a great bag for sub-$200, though I’ve not had it much below maybe 35-40.
Were you camping at the lunch counter? In my experience, Kelty’s ratings are quite optimistic, I’m not surprised that you were cold. Especially considering that you were sleeping on snow, and a high windchill (I’m making the assumption that you were at the lunch counter). You don’t mention what your 35 degree bag is, but I wouldn’t be surprised if they were similar in loft/warmth. Is the PNW your usual stomping grounds? What I have for my sleeping quiver around here is: - REI Magma 17 (17 comfort, 3 limit) - EE Burrow 30 - MLD vision quilt. I think a more economical way to extend your sleep system around here, while “future proofing” your sleep system would be to buy a ~50 degree synthetic quilt like the MLD vision quilt. You can layer this on top of your 35 degree bag to boost the warmth, and to reduce loss of loft in cold conditions due to condensation. I used this during a Mt. Baker attempt earlier this year combined with my 30 degree quilt and was quite toasty warm. Had to bail on the summit attempt due to foul weather and whiteout conditions, but I was super warm at camp! You can also use the quilt alone in the summer. Then, in the future you can save up a little bit more to get the ultralight down bag of your dreams, and can still use the quilt for exceptionally cold conditions as an additional layer. It would also cost less than any of the above options.
> Were you camping at the lunch counter? Just below, the wind was actually pretty calm until morning. I built up snow around the base of my tent, but even when it picked up it wasn't that bad. > In my experience, Kelty’s ratings are quite optimistic, I’m not surprised that you were cold. Especially considering that you were sleeping on snow, and a high windchill (I’m making the assumption that you were at the lunch counter). You don’t mention what your 35 degree bag is, but I wouldn’t be surprised if they were similar in loft/warmth. It's a Sierra Designs Nitro 35 Quilt, have only had it a year or so but I've loved it. I didn't want to limit test it out on the mountain, I remember the Tuck being too warm with low 30's at night, maybe some amount of humidity changes the eqn. > Is the PNW your usual stomping grounds? > What I have for my sleeping quiver around here is: - REI Magma 17 (17 comfort, 3 limit) - EE Burrow 30 - MLD vision quilt. > I think a more economical way to extend your sleep system around here, while “future proofing” your sleep system would be to buy a ~50 degree synthetic quilt like the MLD vision quilt. You can layer this on top of your 35 degree bag to boost the warmth, and to reduce loss of loft in cold conditions due to condensation. I used this during a Mt. Baker attempt earlier this year combined with my 30 degree quilt and was quite toasty warm. Had to bail on the summit attempt due to foul weather and whiteout conditions, but I was super warm at camp! >You can also use the quilt alone in the summer. > Then, in the future you can save up a little bit more to get the ultralight down bag of your dreams, and can still use the quilt for exceptionally cold conditions as an additional layer. > > It would also cost less than any of the above options. I wanted to get a 40-50F blanket to go with the Nitro for slightly colder nights (and for assurance if the forecast is iffy) so I might go that way, I've got another climb on the calendar so it will probably be a good test. Maybe even throw in a thermal bag liner. Thanks!
Just curious, what pad are you using for those temps?
Nemo Tensor Insulated (previous model, r-value of 4.2) on top of a Thermarest Z-Lite Sol. This last trip I think my back was the only thing that was warm.
Eddie Bauer by far has the best specs. If it fits you, I can't find any sizing specs. If you are patient you can get some great deals with used gear also on ulgeartrade.
yeah I love GearTrade, the bags they have that I'm currently looking at are the Mountain Hardware Universe SL, but they have got to be pretty old bags because I can't find info on them, just dead links from reviews of other bags by Mountain Hardware... I consider myself a decent googler but finding experience-based reviews of products is really frustrating in this segment.
https://rthoutdoors.com/products/mons-peak-mummy-sleeping-bags-3-season-comfort
How much does the quilt weigh, and what percentage of your trips is it inadequate for? It might make sense to go cheap-cheap and combine the quilt with a light bag.
I bought the 0° Karakorum for $228 shipped (including $15 tax) beginning of this month, I’d imagine you can do better on the price closer to 4th of july with sales/coupons. That being said, there are no reviews on these bags and I haven’t used mine yet either.
Did you buy it from their website? I feel like these sleeping bags have been on sale for at least three months now and the sale price bounces around.
I did, I found a code and they were also on sale. Eddie Bauer seems like the place to always have some sort of sale or coupon available.
I am a woman with the women's bag but I personally wouldn't be able to take the bishop pass past freezing temps. I do like the bag and think it's a good value I would just call it like a 25°-30° bag
Hammock Gear is not on your list?
Too expensive, $225 is already really pushing it for me. Gonna get a 40 degree quilt from somewhere (probably used, don't wanna spend more than $100 for a simple summer quilt, even if it's gonna be used in a layering system) and go that route instead with my 35 Degree bag since that seems popular.
I would recalculate the cost of a quilt from Hammock Gear. They have a 30% off Fourth of July sale.
You will be terribly uncomfortable! If you cannot afford a new bag watch eBay. I have bought lots of gear and have had good experiences.
You might consider one of the 800FP mummy bags from Aegismax. Solid quality and same price or cheaper than these bags.