Is Big Agnes on to something with their bag setup?

**east_stingray** · 05-02-2009, 11:28

I've been bombing around backcountry.com looking at the Big Agnes bags lately. I'm intrigued by their idea to not include fill in the bottom third and use a pad sleeve instead. It looks like they're able to cut a good deal of weight out by doing this.

My question is this: is this system sound? It seems like it to me, but I can't figure out why the rest of the sleeping bag manufacturers aren't doing it if it works. I would think the other high-end makers like feathered friends, marmot, etc. would be offering a bag with a pad pocket instead of bottom insulation if this worked.

**Greg Dunlap** · 05-02-2009, 12:59

I use the Big Agnes Cross Mountain bag, in a long left zipper (I'm 6 foot tall) with the Air Core pad and sleeping giant memory foam and I'm snug and warm all night long. Of course I don't go out in the winter either though. Most nights that I'm using it the temperature is in the low 50's.

**Coffee** · 05-02-2009, 13:09

There are pluses and minuses to this one.

Plus less weight. You are laying on it and compressing it anyways.
Minus the bag is more fixed. You can't sit up in it. The bag doesn't roll with you. It may be harder to sleep on your side if that's what you do. I think they are also sized a little bigger.

Another personal preference. Some people love them some people hate them. SAC used to have a lot of them on for cheap.

**east_stingray** · 05-02-2009, 13:16

I have been watching SAC like an addict for about 3 weeks now and I haven't seen any yet. If one showed up, I might have to grab it and try it out.

**chezrad** · 05-02-2009, 15:47

I have a lost Ranger that I have used for several years. It is a rectangular bag. It's light weight and the air mattress is supremely comfortable. The downside that I experience is that I get condensation on the air mattress.

**Coffee** · 05-02-2009, 16:00

Originally Posted by east_stingray

I have been watching SAC like an addict for about 3 weeks now and I haven't seen any yet. If one showed up, I might have to grab it and try it out.

Yes, but what else have you ordered? Ordered a great Merino wool shirt and jacket in that time. Off topic, but addicting.

**east_stingray** · 05-02-2009, 16:38

Originally Posted by Coffee

Yes, but what else have you ordered? Ordered a great Merino wool shirt and jacket in that time. Off topic, but addicting.

No kidding. I ordered a pair of Salomon water shoes for my upcoming river trip, a pair of Vasque trail runners to replace my hot boots for mid-summer hikes, a bc.com shift welder hoody (which is awesome), an icebreaker beast crew shirt and a EXP weight icebreaker.

I also bought my mom's mother's day and b-day presents on there... got her a pair of chacos, a pair of salomon techamphibians (mom is ALWAYS welcome on my trips, so she's getting a guided fishing float a week from today), and a smartwool top.

Dad just called me today in a panic because he and my brother both forgot to get mothers day presents or b-day presents, so I might even be getting her something else "from them" on SAC if I see something I think she'd like.

**east_stingray** · 05-02-2009, 16:39

Oh, forgot to mention that I also picked up a Gregory Z55 pack on there the other day. It's ok... soon I won't have any money left and the addiction will have to end.

**RAW** · 05-02-2009, 17:29

I've been a huge fan of the BA products for quite some time.
But I now prefer the topquilt setup.
Just a personal preference for me.

And so I've got my BA stuff for sale.

Bag
Which I would now sell for $275 shipped

Pad
which I would now sell for $60 shipped

**east_stingray** · 05-02-2009, 18:13

Sorry RAW... after starting this thread I chatted with Brandon a bit more, talked myself into buying a Yeti, then got the payment request for my BB/mambajamba/yeti, which took a nice big chunk out of my wallet. Adding that to all the other gear I've bought lately, I have zero monies left.

It should be noted, however, that pretty much all the rest of the gear I've bought originated in China. I feel much better about sending a wad of cash Brandon's way. I'm afraid I might have scared him away from the doctor's office for good, though...