30 degree sleeping bag

Awaiting Flair
1

I live in Georgia, USA and want to go camping in a couple of weeks. I have a 30-degree sleeping bag, and I’m wondering if I need a liner or a wool blanket? I’ve also seen people recommend a fleece liner which I have, but I’ll also be hiking so I’m thinking about weight.

2

Atlanta is in the low 20s next week - are you going up to the mountains?, because it may be even colder there. You need to make sure you can isolate yourself from the ground with a good pad (or 2) - that’s just as important as the warmth rating of the bag. If necessary you can take a liner and/or sleep with your parka over you as a blanket, but depending on where exactly you’re going it could be a cold night.

3

@Remi
I was planning on hiking the BMT trail. I have a sleeping pad that’s comfortable but it’s an off-brand cheap one so I’m not sure how well it does separating me from the cold

4

Blair said:
@Remi
I was planning on hiking the BMT trail. I have a sleeping pad that’s comfortable but it’s an off-brand cheap one so I’m not sure how well it does separating me from the cold

If you don’t know, don’t go until you do.

Test in your backyard or somewhere that you can bail out from easily.

But for most sleeping gear, the temperature rating is a survival rating, quite a bit different from the comfort rating which is usually at least 10 degrees higher, meaning a 30-degree survival-rated bag will keep you comfortable at 40 degrees.

For this time of year, you need a sleeping pad with an insulation rating of R5 or better. You can stack sleeping pads effectively as they do not lose much insulating power when compressed. Your sleeping bag will lose insulating ability if you compress it with a blanket on top, so be sure any blankets are on the inside. That said, I recommend a bag or quilt rated for the temperatures you will be in.

For the area of the BMT, the extended forecast for the next couple of weeks has low temperatures in the teens and twenties. Absolutely do not go out in those unprepared, test your gear first.

5

I’ve had such amazing luck with a decent sleeping pad below the bag, and my Rumpl with me inside the bag. My bag is already pretty warm but sub-zero temps require additional support. You should be fine with something like a Rumpl or similar, but be mindful of the weight if you’re packing in and out on your back.