What is a good winter sleeping bag?

**mguenzel** · 12-03-2010, 12:47

Wow, great response from all. Thanks for all the valuble insight. I have been hiking and camping for a long time but have always used either a small tent or what we called a "hooch" in the military. I'm just getting into the hammock camping and am looking to upgrade to a lighter weight kit as I'm gettin a little older and tired of sleeping on the ground.

**sr1355** · 12-03-2010, 13:55

For sleeping bags I have always used Kelty.... Great value and a great company... You can pick up their 0* Cosmic Down Bag at REI $160...Have no personal experience with the Cosmic but do own a LightYear bag and love it...

**Hangin'Yankee** · 12-03-2010, 16:54

Originally Posted by beep

I'm a fan of the Western Mountaineering bags, but I have always bought them used on eBay. Buying used bags saved me roughly one-third off the price of a new one. They are super well-made, last "forever", and in my experience are accurately rated for temperature.

I'm with Beep. I love my WM 20 degree bag. I use it in the "quilt mode" and have been well below 20 degrees. I picked up an "experienced" bag as well.

With that said, there are a lot of options out there. You have to find what works for you. Test close to home to make sure things work for you before heading out to the woods.

Randy

**Dblcorona** · 12-03-2010, 17:11

Can't believe Mont Bell hasn't been mentioned. Really nice bags.

http://www.backcountry.com/montbell-...g-bag-0-degree

**Take-a-knee** · 12-03-2010, 18:50

Since you are posting on hammockforums I would assume you want a bag for use in a hammock? There is only one really, and that is the Feathered Friends Rock Wren, well actually there is another, the Winter Wren. All others pale in comparison for hammock use. That bottom opening, center-zip is the ticket, ease of entry and exit (even from a Hennesy's birthing slit) is unparalleled.

**DuctTape** · 12-03-2010, 19:49

I have never had issues with getting in/out of a sleeping bag in my hammock. I think the historic issues with the people having difficulty are related to the Hennesy line with the bottom entry.

Thus, in the extreme cold, I do use a bag and save my quilts for the above 0*F nights. My bag is a North Face Solar Flare. It is rated at -20*F.
http://www.thenorthface.com/catalog/...r-flare_2.html

**bob2guns** · 12-03-2010, 22:15

no one said WIGGY's yet ? ? this is a good time to get a deal.....30% off & free ship..... i got a lot of stuff from them since the early 90's...

**SmokeHouse** · 12-03-2010, 22:45

My 1st choice for the cold is Western Mountaineering down bags. 2nd choice is Marmot down bags. If temps are above 30, I use a TQ...

**thegreatjesse** · 12-03-2010, 23:12

I use a Marmot Medicine Bow 20Deg bag in my hammock. Temp rating is generous, incredibly compressible, and relatively inexpensive. I got mine for under $100 at Sierra Trading Post, with a coupon code. I plan on making a TQ next summer, but this bag is still my go-to for 3 season temps.

**skyclad** · 12-03-2010, 23:19

I love my Mont-Bell U.L. Super Spiral Down 800, rated at 15 degrees. One of the best features of this one is it's stretchy. I'm 6'00', 240 lbs. and it fits - just. If I was any taller I'd need the long bag.

sky