View Full Version : 0 degree compact bag on a budget?
Kshatriya
04-24-2010, 16:15
I need a bag that's going to keep me warm during cold desert nights, camping on the ground with a tent and maybe a thermarest. I'm told to bring something rated 0 degrees, but 20 may be doable (I've never been out west, so I'm unsure). I'm bringing my mosquito hammock, but it's probably not going to be practical everywhere, but the bag will undoubtedly be used with it too.
I've always bought cheap bags that don't last, being a miserly college student. I really don't know anything about quality bags besides in-store browsing, which all seem to be beyond my price range, or not as compact as I'd want. I'm trying to find something cheap as possible, but still durable and warm. I'm more concerned with warmth and size than weight. I'm not able to get anything top-of-the-line like some of the posts I've seen on the forums.
I have three weeks to prepare for the trip (it was suddenly sprung on me), so there's no time to save money or wait for Craiglist/eBay steals. I've been browsing on Campmor, REI, etc but it's hard to get a grasp on how compact the bags are online.
I apologize for the generic question, I couldn't find a thread that seemed to address what I'm needing, and was recent enough to be relevant.
kayak karl
04-24-2010, 16:24
http://www.topsleepingbags.com/ i got some good deals here. 1 week on delivery.
Zero Degrees, Compact and low budget don't go together.
Compact and zero degrees almost certainly means down for insulation. Enough loft to reach sufficient insulation value to provide zero degrees means a lot of down...and therefore higher cost for the construction with baffles, etc.
Even a used zero degree down bag is likely to run $375-$425, provided you can find one. New ones are $500-$700.
If this is a one-off trip, I'd try to find someone who'd loan you a sleeping bag.
If this is a summer-time trip, zero "sounds" to me like overkill, even for a trip at altitude unless you are going to Denali or other similar sites.
kayak karl
04-24-2010, 16:36
http://www.topsleepingbags.com/ i got some good deals here. 1 week on delivery.
on this site i got my Go-lite Adrenaline 0 degree for $265 and it holds true. want 2 buy it:)
kayak karl
04-24-2010, 16:43
this ain't bad http://www.backcountrygear.com/catalog/bagdetail.cfm/GLT1414
Kshatriya
04-24-2010, 17:32
Zero Degrees, Compact and low budget don't go together.
Compact and zero degrees almost certainly means down for insulation. Enough loft to reach sufficient insulation value to provide zero degrees means a lot of down...and therefore higher cost for the construction with baffles, etc.
Even a used zero degree down bag is likely to run $375-$425, provided you can find one. New ones are $500-$700.
If this is a one-off trip, I'd try to find someone who'd loan you a sleeping bag.
If this is a summer-time trip, zero "sounds" to me like overkill, even for a trip at altitude unless you are going to Denali or other similar sites.
Yeah, I'm aware of the difficulties of finding something affordable at 0 degrees, but I'm also looking for something synthetic around 20 degrees, which should be more reasonable. There's no possible way I could gather 200-300 dollars in such a short time, because I'm going to be looking for some other gear too, still under a small budget. This trip is going to last 3+ months and I'd like to have gear that's going to be usable beyond that. I'm not too tough on my equipment, so there has to be something cheap out there. It's easy to find bags for 60-70ish dollars on Amazon, but quality and portability are a question.
This place has some crazy deals, but I've never purchased anything from them, so I can't offer any type of endorsement. http://www.campingmaxx.com/Sleeping_Bags.html
oldgringo
04-24-2010, 18:01
Not compact, but the US government Issue Intermediate Cold Weather bag is cheap and bombproof. Not for tall folks, though.
Kshatriya
04-24-2010, 18:09
This place has some crazy deals, but I've never purchased anything from them, so I can't offer any type of endorsement. http://www.campingmaxx.com/Sleeping_Bags.html
:D
This looks like what I'm needing! Has anybody used this site before? 0 degree down bag for 150 dollars? I need to find out if this is a scam, or just terrible quality, or what?
EDIT:
I just sent them a call on the 1-800 number to ask some questions about the down's sizing, and everything the gentleman said seemed to be scripted, like he wasn't even having a real conversation. He also seemed to assume that I'm a boyscout, and went on about how the prices in China are changing everyday. It all seems very sketchy, but maybe I'm just paranoid.
EDIT: Actually, since I put it up here, he runs a shop through Amazon.com at http://www.amazon.com/gp/shops/storefront/index.html (just search for "sleeping bag" at the top) and has got pretty positive feedback. Good luck!
The guys name is Ryan Shulman 949-646-3000. This is his line. I bookmarked the site several weeks ago, and just figured I'd research it if I ever got ready to buy something.
Kshatriya,
10 lbs, 14 lbs too much weight to backpack. Too much volume, too.
I have camped in The Arizona Strip in Winter. I did not need a zero sleeping bag.
I camped on San Francisco mountain, near Flagstaff, and was glad for my 20 F sleeping bag. I camped on the North Rim, Grand Canyon in Winter and was glad for my 20 F sleeping bag.
Desert and trees for a hammock. It is against the law to harm a Sagaro cactus.
I would think, if you are going to ground-sleep in the desert, you would do well to have an OR Bug Bivy, or equivalent, to keep out somethinh poisonous that bites. Spend $ on that. Shake out your boots, shake out your clothing, before you put them on.
I can't think where you would need a 0 F sleeping bag this time of year?
tgreening
04-24-2010, 23:40
Zero Degrees, Compact and low budget don't go together.
Compact and zero degrees almost certainly means down for insulation. Enough loft to reach sufficient insulation value to provide zero degrees means a lot of down...and therefore higher cost for the construction with baffles, etc.
Even a used zero degree down bag is likely to run $375-$425, provided you can find one. New ones are $500-$700.
If this is a one-off trip, I'd try to find someone who'd loan you a sleeping bag.
If this is a summer-time trip, zero "sounds" to me like overkill, even for a trip at altitude unless you are going to Denali or other similar sites.
Not necessarily. I just picked up a like new condition Big Agnes 15 deg down bag off FleaBay for $88. I picked up BA zero degree pad for $33. Deals are there if you can be patient and a bit flexible. Obviously a 0 degree bag is going to be more, but the OP might consider going for a cheaper and more common bag like the one I bought, and prepare for the temp difference via clothing.
You might want to talk to MacEntyre about an Insultex-based solution. Do some searching here on the forums, people are getting crazy warm results from this material. It is also light, cheap, packs pretty small, and is durable.
How about Campmor
http://www.campmor.com/outdoor/gear/Product___40067
Kshatriya
04-25-2010, 16:05
How about Campmor
http://www.campmor.com/outdoor/gear/Product___40067
I've been looking through Campmor for deals, but somehow missed this. I'd feel much safer ordering from Campmor than CampingMaxx, and this is the same price. It could also save me some shipping since I need to get some other gear too. Thanks.
They are supposed to be honestly rated, but I have never used one.
They do not have DWR though.
wisenber
04-25-2010, 17:43
The 550 down will not be helpful in terms of bulk either.
LyttleBryan
04-26-2010, 08:40
If you're considering synthetic, look at the Ultra Lamina from MH. I have their 15 degree bag and it kept me warm all the way to the top of Kilimanjaro.
Check out:
http://www.snugpak.com/
http://www.lafumausa.com/
http://www.lafumagear.com/
http://www.slumberjack.com/Default.aspx
Gander Mountain carries Slumberjack and these really pack small. Same with Lafuma.
Snugpak is a little more pricey but great quality and packs to the size of a football.
Ebay has them all as well
hows this look ? i recently ordered from bob wards and got this bag . 50%off
retail 300 your price 150 .. free shipping! they also have it in the long.. for 150 somthing..
750 down with a water resist outer shell..
http://www.bobwards.com/products2.cfm/ID/32183/c/three-season-sleeping-bags-camping/brand/KELTY
Some good prices there :)
check out wiggys.com
they have a alot of different bags to pick from, i dont have any first hand experience with them, heard about the company from a survivalist website, the guy there swore by them, and all there bags are 20% off.
the 0 degree bag comes out to 174.40
JBRanger
04-30-2010, 08:47
I've got one of the High Peak 0 degree bags. I have tested it down to 5 degrees back in January. This was with a tent and a 3/4 Thermarest inflatable.
For the price (around 65$) the bag does what it says it does. Weighs about 3.1lbs. and packs down to a lil larger than a nalgene.
KerMegan
04-30-2010, 09:04
no one has mentioned, but if there is an REI near you, you can rent an excellent bag for a week (or two?) and it is not excessive- otherwise- think about borrowing something from the folks that sprung the trip on you..or their friends who can't go, or something like that.
have a great time!KM
MOWOGO '72
04-30-2010, 09:56
:D
This looks like what I'm needing! Has anybody used this site before? 0 degree down bag for 150 dollars? I need to find out if this is a scam, or just terrible quality, or what?
EDIT:
I just sent them a call on the 1-800 number to ask some questions about the down's sizing, and everything the gentleman said seemed to be scripted, like he wasn't even having a real conversation. He also seemed to assume that I'm a boyscout, and went on about how the prices in China are changing everyday. It all seems very sketchy, but maybe I'm just paranoid.
Don't know anything about the site but my son and I have been using the
Extreme Pak 0 deg 3.1 lb bags for about 2 yrs now. Price is about the same as what we paid. They are synthetic and have gotten us through temps in the 20's easily. Pretty good for 3.1 lbs and a low price. We have been comfortable as low as 17 deg with insulated coveralls on.
Those High Peak bags, where did you pick it up from? I think I've seen these some where?
MOWOGO '72
04-30-2010, 10:27
Those High Peak bags, where did you pick it up from? I think I've seen these some where?
Got mine on ebay. Just do a search for High Peak Extreme Pak.
I believe they are a discontinued item but I still see them occasionally.
JBRanger
04-30-2010, 14:32
They are not discontinued as I just picked up a blue/black one. :) That is the exact same model in January I had down at 5 degrees. Cold night that one was... LOL! But yea, the bags work great for the money. I see also they are now offering a down version. 0 degree and weighs about 1 lb.
MOWOGO '72
04-30-2010, 14:49
They are not discontinued as I just picked up a blue/black one. :) That is the exact same model in January I had down at 5 degrees. Cold night that one was... LOL! But yea, the bags work great for the money. I see also they are now offering a down version. 0 degree and weighs about 1 lb.
Where did you see the O deg 1 lb bag?
I have a brand new, in box Gander Mountain 0 drgree bag that i'll sell you. I bought 3 when they were on special for $30, I used one and it worked for me down to just 0 dregrees (with thermos on). It weighs about 4lbs. I can get more details later.
I just PM'ed you.
Deadeye008
05-03-2010, 14:43
Where did you see the O deg 1 lb bag?
It actually weighs 2lb 11oz. It's called the "Viper" you can find it on Amazon for $125.
JBRanger
05-03-2010, 15:00
http://blue-mtn.net/clear/c1.htm
Near the bottom. 129$, 1 lb.
woodstock64
05-03-2010, 16:58
If you can get by with a 15 degree bag. I just picked up a Marmot Aspen 15 degree bag at Dicks. 600 FP goose down weighing 2lbs 8oz. Made exclusively for Dicks but Marmot stands behind this bag.
Leifo5343
05-03-2010, 18:58
http://blue-mtn.net/clear/c1.htm
Near the bottom. 129$, 1 lb.
The "Net fill" is 1 lbs. The actual weight is 3.1 lbs. I sometimes get the two confused...:eek:
~Leif
JohnSawyer
05-03-2010, 22:37
I may have missed this, but WHERE in the desert are you going that you'll need a 0 degree bag?
During winter, I almost LIVE in the local high-desert, and we never see 0-degrees...
That, and a good thermarest and tent make it much warmer.
That said, I have a US Army issue arctic bag (-20) I'll sell... It's 7lbs, comfy, and only used once despite it's 50+ years old...
JBRanger
05-04-2010, 10:43
The "Net fill" is 1 lbs. The actual weight is 3.1 lbs. I sometimes get the two confused...:eek:
~Leif
DOH! Thanks for the tip.
Snugpak
http://www.extremeoutfitters.us/search.aspx?manufacturer=145
Peter_pan
05-04-2010, 18:31
Quilts work as well as bags, less weight at any given temp rating comparision too...
JRB Old Rag Mtn easily into single digits, possibly zero for some...on sale about $ 250...packs to 8x8x10...25 oz
Pan
wisenber
05-04-2010, 19:58
Quilts work as well as bags, less weight at any given temp rating comparision too...
JRB Old Rag Mtn easily into single digits, possibly zero for some...on sale about $ 250...packs to 8x8x10...25 oz
Pan
Pan,
What did you use up at Mount Rogers this past January? I didn't get a chance to tour everyone's set up.