Thoughts on this bag for 3 season bay area camping

[lori]

I go to the coast in fall and winter, and high elevations in spring/summer. In the deep canyons a few miles inland, it gets into the low 30s in late winter/early spring. I use a 20F JRB 3 season quilt year round for anything 20F and above, up to the 50s - at which point I still have the quilt but leave the footbox open and stick a foot and arm out to equalize. I just got back from Big Basin - slept on the ground with the quilt (no hammocking) quite warmly.

I had a 30 degree cheap bag previously and wish, how I wish, I had spent the extra money back then. I got cold in low 50F temps. I would not buy a $34 bag for anything except maybe going hostel to hostel. If you are as cheap as I am, do the research and buy the quilt you want first, instead of playing around buying things that MIGHT work.

[kthompson]

Sage advice there Lori. Spend once on quality.

[lori]

AAAAAaaaaand... if you get the quilt, and decide you don't want it, don't like it, etc. or have to stop backpacking for some other reason... having gotten a quality item you will then be able to turn around and sell it for a good price.

It took me forever to resell the sleeping bag(s) - not a huge market for no name, no warmth products - but I was determined to get something.... Took a huge loss. A Jacks R Better or Crowsnest quilt will sell, especially on this forum, for not a lot less than you paid.

[injun51]

If you are car camping i would suggest a good old army surplus 100% wool blanket. They are super warm and can be had from an army surplus store for under 30 bucks.