Best, lightest sleeping bag for back packing?

[razorsharptokill]

Wondering what you sleepingbag/bivie hunters use. I have a wiggy but is fairly bulky and I FROZE in 20's temps. I want something in the 2.0lb range. Mine will keep you alive at 20 degrees but you will be miserable.

[slivrslingr]

If you want one that light, look a the Big Agnes down bags.  Using down is of course a double edged sword, they are light and warm but useless when wet.

[razorsharptokill]

Thank you.

[Elkchaser]

I have and love my Marmot Helium. It is "rated" to +15 but I've slept colder than that. Just need some long johns and a beenie.
2.2 lbs and packs into a 6 x 12 stuff sack (I really like that).
They aren't cheap (no good bag is) but I watched for a sale at REI and got a pretty decent price.

[JimB]

Western Mountaineering are very high quality and light.They are known for temperature ratings that aren't exaggerated.I own a Kodiak and it is very light at 3 lbs but way too warm for most Summer and early Fall trips,even in the mountains.

I like the fact that they have some mummy models like the Kodiak that are a fuller cut and for me,these days,those slimline mummies are just too confining.They have those too.

The Kodiak is a 0 degree bag.I'm planning on buying another,lighter one and am looking hard at the Sycamore MF.It weighs just 2 lbs and is rated for 25 degrees.Check those out.

[wigeon]

Montbell super spiral higher is the bag I use you can look up the specs on there website. Packs down. Small and is warm but they are expensive

[wigeon]

Meant  montbell super spiral hugger

[beendare]

The down bags will always be lighter and the higher the loft- typically 800,650,and 550 fill- with the 800 being the lightest but also the most expensive.

The very lightest bags will a less durable shell so its a bit of a tradeoff.

It helps to know what type of a sleeper you are when selecting these bags. For example, I'm a warm sleeper that cooks in a quality 15-20 degree bag in moderate temps. My Montbell 30 deg bag is perfect for me down to about 15 deg if I'm in a tent. Most guys go with a 20 deg rating. All rating are not equal. I had a cheap down bag with 20 deg rating that was good to maybe 50 deg.

You have to have a good insulated pad when using a down bag due to the loft being essentially nothing on the underside.

The best manufacturers of quality down bags are Valendre, Western Mountaineering, Feathered friends, Montbell, Marmot and maybe a couple others. There is no such thing as a good cheap down bag.

Some of the ultra light bags only come with a 1/2zip. I like the full zip to vent in warmer conditions.

Down does loose its insulating properties when wet and then some of the waterproof outer shells don't breath as they should creating a buildup of moisture that cannot escape. I've heard good and bad with these goretex style outer shells.

Many of those good bags can be found on sale in the off season for 40-50% off on sites like Campmoor, Campsaver, Backpacking light, etc

[razorsharptokill]

Would winter or summer be the off season?

[Kevin Hansen]

The VERY BEST bag I've ever owned is my Kifaru. I have the 20 degree model and it is all that and more if I add long johns, beanine, socks, etc. They are spendy, but the quality makes them worth every penny. I don't recall the weight, but it is extremely light, so light that I've had friends ask if I was sure I had enough bag along.
Kifaru's customer service is also top notch. The thing I like about Kifaru gear is that is field designed and field tested by outdoorsmen. It is also made in the USA...right in CO. Check 'em out at  www.kifaru.net
Hope this helps!

[highplains55]

western mountaineering and mountain hardwear,i have taken my 20* bag down to 3 degrees no problem.

[knobby]

My son and I have Big Agnes Lost Rangers rated to +15. They may be light, but they're certainly not warm. The weight savings comes from not insulating the bottom of the bag. The inflatable pad is the insulation beneath you. Theoretically, it sounds like a viable concept. Realistically, it's a shivering disappointment.

[Steve O]

Interesting.  I had a Lost Ranger and now a Deep Creek from Big Agnes.  I Love the BA SYSTEM with the insulated air core pad.  Always warm and comfy cozy in the backcountry.

I am looking for a new pad that will fit in my BA sleeve.  Maybe a NeoAir or an Exped, but may end up with another BAIAC pad before I am done.

[Peckerwood]

Montbell x 2

[Lost Arra]

Western Mountaineering Badger    

[caihlen]

Montbell X 3

[snag]

I'll second the Western Mountaineering bags. The 0 degree will keep you warm in just about any hunt you'll do. The fabric is durable as well. Hard to find a better bag.

[David Yukon]

Feathered Friend, the best of the best!!!

[Killdeer]

To answer the question posed on the previous page, winter is the off season. The majority of campers start thinking about the outdoors when the weather warms.

We, however, camp when there are few bugs and all the snakes are asleep.   :D
Killdeer  

[fisherick]

I have a BA Lost Ranger bag rated at 15*, but froze my butt off at 25*. I also have a Marmot Helium bag rated at 15*and have been find at 18*.The Helium bag weights 34 oz. and the Lost Ranger weights 40 oz. Both were used with a BA IAC pad.