Water-repellent shell on sleeping bag - disgusting sweaty mess?

**joehasbeard** · 10-29-2011, 14:12

Hey guys, since I missed that awesome sale on the RAB top quilt you all seem to have picked up and made me very jealous with I've decided to go on the hunt for a better top insulation than my terribly cumbersome Coleman 30deg bag (weighing in at a scant 6 lbs and only taking up my ENTIRE PACK!).

With only a $100 budget to work with I know I won't be able to find something that will be perfect (compact, warm, inexpensive - only two apply right?) but I found this sleeping bag for the right price and the rating is correct but I'm scared by this water-repellent shell it's boasting. It says it's made from Polyamide - how breathable do you think this will be? Does anyone have experience with this fabric?

Also, if anyone knows of a cheap top quilt that'll get me through 3-seasons I'm all ears but the reason I'm going sleeping bag is because I'll probably be using it for both backpacking and for cabin/car camping and I'm basically looking for a new workhorse. So, sorry for the long rambling post and any advice you guys have is, always, appreciated.

**zukiguy** · 10-29-2011, 14:54

I've nearly been lured by similar bags several times, especially from Sierra Trading Post. I don't think the Lafuma bags are junk but the reviews aren't terribly kind. I think their temp ratings are pretty optimistic.

For the same money you can probably pick up a really nice secondhand bag/quilt here or ebay. I managed to pick up a brand new Sierra Designs Arrow Rock 30F bag on ebay last year for $57 delivered (around $200 new). If you're patient then a good deal will come along.

**DemostiX** · 10-29-2011, 14:55

Joehasbeard asks
" It says it's made from Polyamide - how breathable do you think this will be? Does anyone have experience with this fabric?"

Nylon is one polyamide.

**Bic** · 10-29-2011, 15:03

You should look into the Kelty Cosmic Down sleeping bag. I picked one of those up for about $100...I think you can get them on campmor.com for around $80 or $90. It's about the same weight but is rated lower. I've tent camped with mine with lows in the 30's with just some cheap long underwear and was totally fine. I personally think the bag is a great value, and I'm surprised I haven't seen it mentioned here before.

http://www.campmor.com/outdoor/gear/Product___43185

**Bic** · 10-29-2011, 15:08

Forgot to say that I did purchase an e-vent dry compression sack to go with it. The bag comes with a fairly small stuff sack, but with the compression sack I can get it pretty small.

**G.L.P.** · 10-29-2011, 19:06

Originally Posted by joehasbeard

Hey guys, since I missed that awesome sale on the RAB top quilt you all seem to have picked up and made me very jealous with I've decided to go on the hunt for a better top insulation than my terribly cumbersome Coleman 30deg bag (weighing in at a scant 6 lbs and only taking up my ENTIRE PACK!).

With only a $100 budget to work with I know I won't be able to find something that will be perfect (compact, warm, inexpensive - only two apply right?) but I found this sleeping bag for the right price and the rating is correct but I'm scared by this water-repellent shell it's boasting. It says it's made from Polyamide - how breathable do you think this will be? Does anyone have experience with this fabric?

Also, if anyone knows of a cheap top quilt that'll get me through 3-seasons I'm all ears but the reason I'm going sleeping bag is because I'll probably be using it for both backpacking and for cabin/car camping and I'm basically looking for a new workhorse. So, sorry for the long rambling post and any advice you guys have is, always, appreciated.

if you sew you can make a nice Synth TQ thats wide... that way it will work for all your needs would cost under $100 to make something like that
$15x3 for Climashield 5oz good to 30F -$45
5 yards 1.1 ripstop from DIY around $4 a yard -$20
+ odds and ends say $10
so around $75 + the shipping.....

i just got my power back on from the snow storm.... i started typing this 4 hours ago HAHAHAHHA

**joehasbeard** · 10-29-2011, 21:47

Originally Posted by hikingdad

You should look into the Kelty Cosmic Down sleeping bag

http://www.campmor.com/outdoor/gear/Product___43185

Funny you mention that, I had two bags picked out to choose between, one was the Lafuma, the other, Kelty.

Originally Posted by G.L.P.

if you sew you can make a nice Synth TQ thats wide...

Ah, yes, if I could sew. I'm probably gonna get a "thread-injector" for Christmas but who knows how long it'll take for my skills to improve to the TQ level y'know? Although the idea is enticing...

Thanks for the feedback guys. I think I like zukiguy's suggestion of looking on the forums and maybe ebay (or craigslist). Think it's time to make a post in WTB

**DemostiX** · 10-30-2011, 10:43

Wool, ordinary wool, in one or multiple layers, doesn't get its due here as a local insulator and climate regulator. Silk and synth silk sometimes do.
Need 10F more than your quilt or bag delivers? Wear a light wool sweater. Get up dawn and wear it for the next hours, too. Itches? Wear that synth under it for even more temp regulation.

**joehasbeard** · 10-30-2011, 12:37

love the wool sweater idea. I'm a big fan of hitting up the thrift shops around here (and there are plenty) for gear on the cheap. Got a nylon rain jacket for 3 bucks over the summer. Wool-hunting season has begun!

**FLRider** · 10-30-2011, 14:06

When you say "3-season", what sort of lows are you looking at? If it's 40 F or above, I definitely recommend a poncho liner as a topquilt.

Relatively light (~22 oz) and really comfortable, they can be had at your local Army/Navy store for the $20-$30 range.

Simply tie the foot-end ties together for a footbox, and you're good to go down to around 40 with light supplemental clothing (a long-sleeve and some lightweight pants), and decent bottom insulation.