Winter sleeping bag temp thoughts

Reviews
1

I have been camping/backpacking a lot more in the past year. I currently have a Feathered Friends Flicker 20 degree bag which I love and have been using exclusively. This year I have some winter camping planned and have been keeping an eye out for some colder weather bags.

I am in New Jersey and will be backpacking this winter in the lower half of New York and possibly Vermont. I expect that I will only be out a couple of times per year in winter, so trying to get one winter bag that is reasonable. I have been looking at a North Face Inferno because it has been discontinued so can be found at at good price (under $400) and also has good feedback (with exception of the zipper). Not looking to spend $800+ for a bag that will not see a lot of use.

There is a 0F and a -20F version of the bag. The weight/size between the two is not a consideration. I am inclined to go for the -20F version of the bag so I will have the range if it gets down to the single digits or slightly below. My only concern is will it be too warm for the areas I am camping in? Or is it a good pairing with my 20F bag? I am a pretty moderate sleeper, not hot or cold.

Will be used with a North Face VE-25 tent if that matters.

4 Likes
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I would just a get a cheap(ish) or even used 30 degree synthetic bad. Using the formula x - (70-y)/2 = z, where x is the comfort rating of your warmer bag, y is the comfort rating of your cooler bag. Theoretical rating would be 0, but again this is subjective for each person with a lot of variables.

I have a Flicker 20 as well, I doubled it up last year with a cheap 30 degree REI bag and was good to about 10 or so until I was feeling chilly and needed to put on some thermal pants and a sweatshirt to sleep in.

This year, I am getting the FF Ptarmigan, hoping for a used one to pop up, but I live in Northern MN so I’m willing to go all out on the bag.

3 Likes
3

Good point, have a number of pads but have a neoair xtherm for this.

2 Likes
4

Usually, I just wear the warmest clothing that fits within my budget. A sleeping bag can be partially or completely kicked off throughout the night by unzipping it and using it quilt-style. In general, it is simpler to create a cooler covering than a warmer one.

1 Like
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-20°F Thermarest Polar Ranger in the White Mountains of NH for me. I got mine at a significant discount, and I take it deep in the wilderness up there. It’s a safety item for me.