I am thinking of going on a 4-7 day hike, probably somewhere in the Inyo National Forest, in the spring.
Being a novice at this, what sleeping bag would be REALLY light to carry, yet REALLY warm to sleep in?
I was thinking of taking a trip to my local REI store, but figured I would ask here first.
I know the answers can be a little subjective, but I figured the expert campers here could guide me in the right direction. I would rather spend an extra $100 on a good bad and be warm, then freeze at night.
Sleeping bags are rated by the outside temp at which it is supposed to be keep you warm. If you think it will be 0 degrees at night then you probably need a bag rated down to 0. Some bags go down to -30 or more but the lower the rating the more it costs. A lower rating will likely weigh more too. The other main choice is synthetic vs. down (feathers) material. I’ve always had synthetic and it works fine. I think down costs more.
It’s also important to get a good sleeping pad to put under you because that will also keep you warm.
EI is your friend. It depends on where you are going in Inyo. Specifically, the altitude. The higher, the colder at night. It also depends on when in the spring you go. Talk to the people at the store. They will have probably hiked the area you are going, and will know the conditions you are likely to encounter. That said, spring for good Generation3 synthetic fill and a GOOD pad.
Good ground insulation is probably at least as important as what covers you. As silenus mentioned, a ground pad should be part of your bed.
For REALLY light and REALLY warm in the same product, good quality down can’t be beat. Drawbacks, as mentioned above, are price and being adversely affected – to a significant degree – if it gets wet. A good synthetic fill may well be light enough and warm enough for your needs.
I agree with adirondack_mike on only going for a night or two if you haven’t been before. Otherwise, I have had synthetic bags and now am the proud owner of a down bag. It did cost more but cut pounds off my weight and is still very warm. If you keep your bag in a stuff sack that is waterproof it shouldn’t get wet (unless you are one of those brave bivy people ~ I gotta have a tent!) so I wouldn’t worry too much about that.
I would also suggest a trial outing for 1-3 days to gauge your energy and enjoyment. While synthetic bags are cheaper and better in wet conditions they are also bulkier and heavier than a down bag. I have always owned the latter. Do check out down bags with a Gortex shell–pricey but will last you 25 years. REI will give you excellent advice. Marmot makes very good gear. Feathered Friends, in Seattle, makes the best down sleeping bags.
If you’re a novice, the bag is a relatively minor worry. Check out websites for EMS, REI, Campmor, Cabela’s, LL Bean etc. for detailed descriptions of bags, fillings, warmth ratings, how to choose etc.
But do you know how to go on a hike for a week? Can you read a map and compass, and/or use a GPS? If you’re going alone, will someone know where you’re supposed to be, day by day? Can you build a fire? Safely? Are you carrying a stove? Many parks don’t allow campfires. Are you prepared for all kinds of weather? Do you have a tent? Seems like if you’re asking about bags, you might need some other tips too.
First of all, I want to thank everyone for their advice and warnings.
This will be my second trip to Inyo. I did do a 2 nighter last August. With a Garmin Vista GPS, and maps. We tried to go light, but also on a budget since it was a last minute thing. I didnt have time to shop for a light sleeping bag. Alot of the stuff we took, such a little lightweight stove, was from my gf’s father. I probably had about 60-80Ibs on me (this is a guesstimate), and for the next trip, I wanted to try to shed as many pounds of equipment as I could.
I think one of my MOST important lessions…that swiss army knife swiinging around in my pocket, banging my legs, is going to get a belt holder next time.
Now, one of my co-workers was telling me that one of the negatives to down is that it can bunch up. But he also admitted that he hadnt bought one in years.
Does current “technology” keep the bunching to a minimal today on a down bag?
I mist admit that I did research camping threads on here before I went last Aug. and I did learn alot. A good walking stick is something I also missed. Overall, our food, water, and warmth at night were excellent. My ONLY complaint was just the total weight on my back. Part of it was that we OVER-supplied ourselves. Better safe than sorry, right?