Doing a 3 dayer this weekend, overnight lows, 57, 63, and 56 degrees. I'm an overkill guy and an trying to make a decision, 30 degree bag or 40 degree LaFuma bag. The warmer one is compressible but the weight savings would be nice. I've got an UQ too. Logic tells me 40 degree but insecurity tells me better with the warm one.
Think the 40 will be adequate? I'm learning, slowly.
YMMV but my experience is that IF the sleeping bag temp rating is "accurate", then it works fine as top insulation down to its rating...provided that the UQ is also up to the demands of the temperature/wind/weather. My backup plan is to have more clothing (jacket/hat/longjohns/etc) to wear if conditions are worse than planned or I'm feeling chilled.
Figuring some of this stuff out (trial-and-error department) in your backyard or at a local park is a good plan since you need to find out what works for YOU!In those settings, if you have to bail out, there isn't much downside risk or hassle.
"The more I carry the happier I am in camp; the less I carry the happier I am getting there" - Sgt. Rock
I just spent my 1st night in my new hammock. It was in the mid 50's and I was too warm with a 30 degree bag for a TQ and a Yeti UQ. I could easily have used a blanket for cover and been fine. I was also in shorts and t-shirt.
as long as you've got good under insulation, that 40 degree sleeping bag in the temps you're expecting should work just fine. And like Beep said, pack some sleeping clothes.
As a side question.... what is your under insulation?
TinaLouise
I use my sleeping bags as quilts...zip about 18" and create a footbox.
Mulitple times, I have used a 30*F down sleeping bag into the teens. (I would have never tried this on the ground as a sleeping bag)
The theory is the additional width of the unzipped part of the sleeping bag creates "additional" top insulation. (a typical mummy style bag laid out is 64" or so wide, you only need 46-50" in a hammock)
BTW, I am a warm sleeper and YRMV
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I'd say go for the lower temp one because you can always vent.. and you'd be prepared in case of freak situations... I've been on multiple trips where temp has dropped 10-15 degrees lower than expected
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JRB Nest with WarBonnett tarp. Both real nice, by the way.Originally Posted by TinaLouise
Going with the 30* bag, I'm sub 19 pounds, before water/food. About 28 pounds out the door, not bad, I'm pleased with that. So I'll take the extra warmth. Now to control the desire to add stuff, which is the best reason to have the smallest pack you can get your stuff into.
Heading to the Foothills Trail in SC. Looking forward to it and I've gotten some good info from Swampfox. Thanks.
You are going to have a great time. Temps are going to be just good camping weather.
I am so jealous.28 pounds out the door
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I really like my Lafuma Down 30* bag. I have yet to be able to fully zip it up and not have to open it back up again because it was too hot. Hopefully this weekend will give my setup a nice workout as it's supposed to drop into the low 40's.
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