Needing to cut down on bulk, I am ditching my 20 degree synthetic bag and looking for a down sleeping bag to use as a top quilt. Not enough cash for a down under quilt, I am eyeing a couple of sub $150 down bags. My question is, what temperature rating can I get away with.
Motorcycle camping, not expecting temps below 40 but would like to be prepared for unexpected 30's.
NX 270 - WB superfly - AH 3 season Jarbridge.
not sure what you will find for 150 that has down. However if you have any DIY skills, you could grab 2-3 of the costco down throws and combine them. would be about 60 bucks for 3. But premade around 150 most often is synthetic still.
When the wife asks, I simply say "Shug made me do it".
actually i stand corrected.
Amazon.....has this one marked down to $130 from $225, saving about $95
https://www.amazon.com/Ultralight-Mu...ping+bag&psc=1
When the wife asks, I simply say "Shug made me do it".
My rules of thumb is always prepare for 10° lower than you expect the temps to go. So if you expect 40's then get a 30° bag.
They have a few including Kelty cosmic 20 and Outdoor vitals Summit. But do I really need a 20 degree?
its always a great rule of thumb to be prepared for the unexpected. But it depends on your sleep system. Just like the military sleep systems, they have different degree bags that are used together to get down to the 0* mark.
If you also travel with a sleeping bag liner, and sleep in layers. those could be all the extra's you. When i plan for a 30 degree night, i'm still in shorts.....but i have sweat pants and my favorite Alpaca socks.....
My idea is i can put on more layers that i have with me. You will be miserable if you are off by 10* one night and have nothing to add to yourself. So if weather is calling for 40 overnight, prepare for 30 and hope you don't need it.
i tend to ramble...oh btw that sleeping bag i posted is rated to 15.....wether i believer that or not is a different story.
When the wife asks, I simply say "Shug made me do it".
With the nx 270 having some unique features like the weather shield and the the pockets below, I thought maybe I could get away with a little less insulation. Is that just wishful thinking?
Honestly, on top, you may just be able to get away with a little less.
A little cushion is advisable though, especially when you aren't familiar with your equipment. Once you have a decent grip on the limits (as found by testing in low risk situations like the backyard) you can then begin to cut things closer.
If you did get a Cosmic 20, You should be good. Whether or not you need one....
In my experience, the bags you get from major manufacturers or box stores are a little over-rated. That is to say, a 20* may keep someone who sleeps hot warm at 20* in ideal conditions. But, in less than ideal conditions with someone who tends to get cold, not so much.
My suggestion is you make do with what you have or you go DIY with some costco quilts for the time being, and save your $$ for a quality top quilt. A true TQ is much much nicer to use in a hammock than a sleeping bag, and it will likely last you 10+ years.
I've been chilled in my Kelty Cosmic 20 in the mid 30's more than once. I got it about 5 years ago. Hopefully the new ones are a little better.
"Hodor!"
-Hodor
Thanks, that is helpful.
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