Winter Sleepin Bag Advice

adkdremn · 08-25-2006, 10:17 AM

Well, September is almost here and that means one thing, WINTER is right around the corner!

Last year was my first time winter camping/hiking and it was truly amazing. Winter has always been my favorite time of the year, but I'm not a skiier or boarder, so I never really felt like I had a way to really enjoy the winter season, other than playing with my kids outside. Truth be told, we don't get near enough snow down here so I head North to find it and enjoy reading all the trip reports from those of you lucky enough to be there more often than me.

This year I'm hoping to make it up with a little more frequency. I have a relatively simple question regarding sleeping bags. Right now all I have is some cheapo from Target. It worked fine last year during some twenty degree nights, but I know full well that I could easily run into temps much colder than that. I'd like to get something right around a zero degree bag. Maybe this Kelty:
This Kelty
Or this Slumberjack:
http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/st...berId=12500226

Does anyone have any opinions on these bags. I've always like Kelty and have felt that they make quality stuff at affordable prices. What about Slumberjack? I don't have the bucks for a $300-$400 bag from MH, TNF or Sierra Designs.

This is getting pretty long, but my main question is about bag length. I'm 6' tall, should I get a regular length bag that fits up to 6' or a long one so I have room to keep my boots at my feet? Will I be losing out on too much insulation with the longer bag?

As always, thanks!

Rusty and the Maniac · 08-25-2006, 11:47 AM

I've got a Kelty 0 and I love it for spring and fall, but I don't know what kind of eskimos they used to come up with a zero degree rating for it, cause it ain't a fun bag to have out under 20 degrees. Go for the slumberjack, that's a company that's not trying to make things light, but make them warm! And, yes the long will give you more room for boots and hot water bottles..

AlpineSummit · 08-25-2006, 12:01 PM

Synthetic, not down.
Too wet here for down sleepin bags.

Fitz · 08-25-2006, 12:53 PM

I have a slumberjack -20 that I've used for a while. Very happy with it. And it's toasty! (Around 20 deg its almost too hot!)

Its not the same as the one you have listed - older model. I don't remember how heavy mine is, but I think it is about the same - it is a little heavy. Weight does become a factor since you have to cary so much more gear in the winter. But as Alp says: too wet for down.

I have several different Slumberjack bags for myself and my kids and have been very pleased with the quality and value.

Definately go long. You'll want that extra room.

arm · 08-25-2006, 01:29 PM

in Winter i use a -5F down bag, with dryloft fabric which is supposed to let perspiration vapor escape, while keeping moisture from getting in (like goretex, how do you keep moisture from getting in, while allowing it to get out ?)

with a thin fleece sleeping bag liner inside, and two sleeping pads, i've spent some toasty nights tenting out in -40F conditions

i'm 5'10" and went with the long bag to store my boot liners in the bottom of the bag ... never noticed any issues regarding heat loss from the extra length

hawk · 08-25-2006, 02:22 PM

I'm 6'0" and weigh 205 pounds. My bags are standard size, not long and my boots (with a hot water nalgenes in my clean socks stuffed inside my boots, which are in a plastic bag) fit in with me fine. It also means that there is less space to keep heated.

I have a bag (synthetic) that is rated t0 +5 degrees. Since I also wear polypro and use a liner, I have yet to be cold in the Adirondacks, and I am out camping in January and Febuary.

hawk

ken · 08-25-2006, 08:22 PM

This looks like a pretty good deal...It's a bit pricier than you spec'd, but looks to be worth it...

http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/st...berId=12500226

Fitz · 08-25-2006, 09:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ken

This looks like a pretty good deal...It's a bit pricier than you spec'd, but looks to be worth it...

http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/st...berId=12500226

I was thinking the same thing - Saving 2 lbs is a real plus though.

ADK-One other thing to mention - be sure to get a good full length sleeping pad. That is essential for bottom insulation.

adkdremn · 08-25-2006, 10:28 PM

Ken-
Thanks for pointing that one out, I saw it as well. When it comes time to make the purchase I think I can swing the extra few $$ and it will be money well spent. Lighter, smaller packing size, etc.

Quote:

Originally Posted by fitz

ADK-One other thing to mention - be sure to get a good full length sleeping pad. That is essential for bottom insulation.

Any recomendations on pads, right now I'm using one of those blue egg crate, closed cell pads from Wally World. Seems to do the job, but what do you think?

Thanks to all, good stuff!

Fitz · 08-25-2006, 11:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by adkdremn

Any recomendations on pads, right now I'm using one of those blue egg crate, closed cell pads from Wally World. Seems to do the job, but what do you think?

I use a therma rest . What you saved in weight on the bag will half go into the pad...but its REAL comfy at the end of a long day

. I use the same one, summer and winter. I find it way more comfortable than the old closed cell pad, especially on a leanto floor. But it does weigh more. They cost $60-80 depending on model. You might find a cheaper blem through Sierra Trading Post.

Be sure to get full length so your feet and lower legs dont get cold.

hawk · 08-26-2006, 12:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by adkdremn

Ken-
Any recomendations on pads, right now I'm using one of those blue egg crate, closed cell pads from Wally World. Seems to do the job, but what do you think?

Thanks to all, good stuff!

Therm-a-rest prolite 3, or if you want to go the xtra $$$ the prolote 4. Best insulating pads I've ever used.

They compress down well for packing as well.

ken · 08-26-2006, 06:51 AM

adkdremn- I like my wallyworld pad also. Comfy and CHEAP! $12 IIRC..For winter use adding a inflatable pad on top or another closed cell is a good idea.

1ADAM12 · 08-26-2006, 10:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by adkdremn

Well, September is almost here and that means one thing, WINTER is right around the corner!

Last year was my first time winter camping/hiking and it was truly amazing. Winter has always been my favorite time of the year, but I'm not a skiier or boarder, so I never really felt like I had a way to really enjoy the winter season, other than playing with my kids outside. Truth be told, we don't get near enough snow down here so I head North to find it and enjoy reading all the trip reports from those of you lucky enough to be there more often than me.

This year I'm hoping to make it up with a little more frequency. I have a relatively simple question regarding sleeping bags. Right now all I have is some cheapo from Target. It worked fine last year during some twenty degree nights, but I know full well that I could easily run into temps much colder than that. I'd like to get something right around a zero degree bag. Maybe this Kelty:
This Kelty
Or this Slumberjack:
http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/st...berId=12500226

Does anyone have any opinions on these bags. I've always like Kelty and have felt that they make quality stuff at affordable prices. What about Slumberjack? I don't have the bucks for a $300-$400 bag from MH, TNF or Sierra Designs.

This is getting pretty long, but my main question is about bag length. I'm 6' tall, should I get a regular length bag that fits up to 6' or a long one so I have room to keep my boots at my feet? Will I be losing out on too much insulation with the longer bag?

As always, thanks!

UMMMMMMM dont go winter camping then you dont have to worry about staying warm brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

adkdremn · 08-26-2006, 10:42 AM

C'mon, you know you want to come! No mud, no bugs-you'll love it!

1ADAM12 · 08-26-2006, 10:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by adkdremn

C'mon, you know you want to come! No mud, no bugs-you'll love it!

MAybe I will have to hook up with you for a hike this winter. PReferably an easy one.....like maybe Porter I know you still need that one.

rockysummit · 09-02-2006, 10:38 AM

I'm only 5'9" and have an older Long Slumberjack -5 bag. The extra length never seemed to lose heat even at -15 temps. The only time I felt at the edge was at -35. Could be just me though, I don't feel the cold very easily.

chip · 09-03-2006, 11:50 AM

I have several combinations available depending on the anticipated temps, weather and plans. 2 bags are down, one is synthetic. 2 pads are advisable in winter, it's not possible to be warm if your back is cold. A ridgerest and the blue pad from WalMart is a good, light combo. a bit bulky, but who cares what you look like. I've also used a nylon bag cover, "water-proof" on the bottom and breathable on top to keep the whole package and me together at night.

08-25-2006, 10:17 AM	#1
adkdremn Santanoni Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Emmaus, PA Posts: 1,828	Winter Sleepin Bag Advice Well, September is almost here and that means one thing, WINTER is right around the corner! Last year was my first time winter camping/hiking and it was truly amazing. Winter has always been my favorite time of the year, but I'm not a skiier or boarder, so I never really felt like I had a way to really enjoy the winter season, other than playing with my kids outside. Truth be told, we don't get near enough snow down here so I head North to find it and enjoy reading all the trip reports from those of you lucky enough to be there more often than me. This year I'm hoping to make it up with a little more frequency. I have a relatively simple question regarding sleeping bags. Right now all I have is some cheapo from Target. It worked fine last year during some twenty degree nights, but I know full well that I could easily run into temps much colder than that. I'd like to get something right around a zero degree bag. Maybe this Kelty: This Kelty Or this Slumberjack: http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/st...berId=12500226 Does anyone have any opinions on these bags. I've always like Kelty and have felt that they make quality stuff at affordable prices. What about Slumberjack? I don't have the bucks for a $300-$400 bag from MH, TNF or Sierra Designs. This is getting pretty long, but my main question is about bag length. I'm 6' tall, should I get a regular length bag that fits up to 6' or a long one so I have room to keep my boots at my feet? Will I be losing out on too much insulation with the longer bag? As always, thanks! Last edited by adkdremn; 08-25-2006 at 10:25 AM.

08-25-2006, 11:47 AM	#2
Rusty and the Maniac Consultant Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Plattsburgh Posts: 174	I've got a Kelty 0 and I love it for spring and fall, but I don't know what kind of eskimos they used to come up with a zero degree rating for it, cause it ain't a fun bag to have out under 20 degrees. Go for the slumberjack, that's a company that's not trying to make things light, but make them warm! And, yes the long will give you more room for boots and hot water bottles.. __________________ "Maybe, just once, someone will call me 'Sir' without adding, 'You're making a scene.' " -Homer Simpson Last edited by Rusty and the Maniac; 08-25-2006 at 11:50 AM.

08-25-2006, 12:01 PM	#3
AlpineSummit Northern Lights Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Winter Sooo Suks.......... Posts: 1,320	Synthetic, not down. Too wet here for down sleepin bags. __________________ Walk Softly

08-25-2006, 02:22 PM	#6
hawk Commander Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 862	I'm 6'0" and weigh 205 pounds. My bags are standard size, not long and my boots (with a hot water nalgenes in my clean socks stuffed inside my boots, which are in a plastic bag) fit in with me fine. It also means that there is less space to keep heated. I have a bag (synthetic) that is rated t0 +5 degrees. Since I also wear polypro and use a liner, I have yet to be cold in the Adirondacks, and I am out camping in January and Febuary. hawk __________________ To Boldly Go where no trail marker has gone before........... It ain't your daddy's Trail Food!!...HAWK VITTLES Redhawks Lodge

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08-25-2006, 12:53 PM	#4
Fitz Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Cincinnati, Ohio Posts: 37	I have a slumberjack -20 that I've used for a while. Very happy with it. And it's toasty! (Around 20 deg its almost too hot!) Its not the same as the one you have listed - older model. I don't remember how heavy mine is, but I think it is about the same - it is a little heavy. Weight does become a factor since you have to cary so much more gear in the winter. But as Alp says: too wet for down. I have several different Slumberjack bags for myself and my kids and have been very pleased with the quality and value. Definately go long. You'll want that extra room.

08-25-2006, 01:29 PM	#5
arm and hammer Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: New Hampshire ... A: posthole emergency gear Posts: 44	in Winter i use a -5F down bag, with dryloft fabric which is supposed to let perspiration vapor escape, while keeping moisture from getting in (like goretex, how do you keep moisture from getting in, while allowing it to get out ?) with a thin fleece sleeping bag liner inside, and two sleeping pads, i've spent some toasty nights tenting out in -40F conditions i'm 5'10" and went with the long bag to store my boot liners in the bottom of the bag ... never noticed any issues regarding heat loss from the extra length

08-25-2006, 08:22 PM	#7
ken Member Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 64	This looks like a pretty good deal...It's a bit pricier than you spec'd, but looks to be worth it... http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/st...berId=12500226

08-26-2006, 06:51 AM	#12
ken Member Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 64	adkdremn- I like my wallyworld pad also. Comfy and CHEAP! $12 IIRC..For winter use adding a inflatable pad on top or another closed cell is a good idea.

08-26-2006, 10:42 AM	#14
adkdremn Santanoni Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Emmaus, PA Posts: 1,828	C'mon, you know you want to come! No mud, no bugs-you'll love it!

09-02-2006, 10:38 AM	#16
rockysummit Commander Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: NJ and Delaware Cty.NY Posts: 1,551	I'm only 5'9" and have an older Long Slumberjack -5 bag. The extra length never seemed to lose heat even at -15 temps. The only time I felt at the edge was at -35. Could be just me though, I don't feel the cold very easily.

09-03-2006, 11:50 AM	#17
chip Senile Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Western Connecticut Posts: 159	I have several combinations available depending on the anticipated temps, weather and plans. 2 bags are down, one is synthetic. 2 pads are advisable in winter, it's not possible to be warm if your back is cold. A ridgerest and the blue pad from WalMart is a good, light combo. a bit bulky, but who cares what you look like. I've also used a nylon bag cover, "water-proof" on the bottom and breathable on top to keep the whole package and me together at night.

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