Hello everyone, I’m in the market for a new sleeping bag and I need some guidance. I love the outdoors but haven’t really invested in my own gear before. I’m looking for something under $250 that fits my height of 6’3" and is suitable for all four seasons, though mainly for use from fall to spring since I prefer a hammock in summer. Any recommendations?
For a four-season bag, it’s important to know your expected temperatures. The Big Agnes Lost Ranger is a versatile option, working as a 3-in-1 bag that you can adjust for different conditions. It’s currently on sale with 20% off.
@Nova
Thanks for the suggestion. I’m currently in Memphis where it’s humid, but I’ll be heading to Montana for college, so I’m unsure about the temperatures there. I also travel a lot.
Amar said:
@Nova
Thanks for the suggestion. I’m currently in Memphis where it’s humid, but I’ll be heading to Montana for college, so I’m unsure about the temperatures there. I also travel a lot.
If you’re planning for Montana in the winter, a standard 20-degree bag won’t be enough. I experienced sudden temperature drops while hunting in Montana, where it plummeted to -15 at night. You’ll need a specialized bag and perhaps a heated tent if you plan on camping in such cold weather.
@Nova
I’ve used my 3N1 bag in temperatures from -30 C to +30 C. It’s excellent, though I don’t really use it above 30 C; it’s just too hot.
Consider the Kelty Cosmic Down or the Nemo Forte. I’ve equipped my family with the Cosmic due to its light weight and compactness. It has excellent ventilation and performs well even when damp. The Nemo has vibrant colors, which appealed to my middle child.
@Tallis
Thanks, that’s very helpful!
Can you specify the lowest winter temperatures you expect to face? Also, what type of sleeping pad do you use? Are you planning on backpacking or car camping?
Dylan said:
Can you specify the lowest winter temperatures you expect to face? Also, what type of sleeping pad do you use? Are you planning on backpacking or car camping?
I’ll be at Montana State for college, but I don’t plan on doing any extreme winter camping. In Tennessee, where I currently live, it drops to about 20 degrees at the coldest.
For backpacking, many prefer quilts because they are lightweight and pack down small. Consider the fill material and specific features like no-snag zippers and draft collars. For example, you can get a cheap but bulky synthetic bag or invest in a lighter, more compact down bag. It all depends on the features you want and your budget.
@River
Thanks! That’s really informative.
Keep an eye on discount outlets like Sierra for good deals on last year’s models. Also, check out Backcountry and Campmor for sales. REI has a budget line that’s pretty decent, although more on the basic side. Remember, you can usually only pick two of these three attributes for gear: warm, light, or cheap.