Which bag for cold weather?

[TheChief]

Looking for a cold weather bag, from 15-35 degrees, dry conditions or at least in a tent with no concerns for condensate saturation. I usually sleep with light weight thermals, heavy socks, gloves, fleece cap and scarf or balaclava. And a thick pad.

The ones below will work. Hoping for comments from anyone familiar with these particular bags. Not just the same company, but these specific bags. Thanks!

Sea to Summit Basecamp BcII 15 Down - $399 - https://www.rei.com/product/897606/s...eping-bag(Does

Therm-a-Rest Antares HD 15 Sleeping Bag - $396 - https://www.rei.com/rei-garage/produ...eping-bag-long

Marmot Sawtooth Long Xwide - $259 - https://www.rei.com/product/895822/m...n-sleeping-bag

NEMO Sonic 15 Sleeping Bag – $460 - https://www.rei.com/product/112183/n...5-sleeping-bag

Kammok Thylacine Down Sleeping Bag and Liner - $568 - https://www.rei.com/product/127342/k...-bag-and-liner

[handjam]

[TheChief]

Thanks! I looked them over and unfortunately, they are too narrow, even the wide bags for my need.

[Elgatodeacero]

There is just no substitute for a feathered friends bag for warmth, light weight and durability.

Do yourself a favor and call them and see if they offer an extra wide bag in some 10 or 15 degree design.

[Casual_Shooter]

Couple more options that may come (or can be made) in your size.

Enlightened Equipment
Katabatic

Also, if you haven't already, consider an insulated pad that has a reflective layer built in. The Therm-a-Rest Xtherm is an example.

[Carcassonne]

Wiggy's

I have two. They are heavier than other bags, but they work.

I spent a lot of money back in the 1980's trying to find a bag that worked as claimed. I was always disappointed until I got a Wiggy's. Most of the time the bags heat range was off by more than 30F. That is a big difference. The only other bag that worked as claimed was a down North Face Inferno bag. It was rated at -40F.




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[handjam]

[Stumpfenhammer]

Western Mountaineering. They have a few wide bags and also a zip-in expander. They are excellent.

[sacrvrrat]

[TheChief]

Thanks everyone. I had to make the decision by 5 last night. While my choice was pricey, it was not up in the numbers of a custom Feathered Friends.

I ended up purchasing the Sea to Summit Basecamp BcII 15, their R5 pad and pillow. All told dropped about $550 for a 15 degree kit that weighs in a 5.54 pounds.

Anyone know of a bivy sack that will hold the above kit that is:
-water proof
-breathable
-rugged
-lightweight

I would use it in lieu of a tent.

[AreWeFree]

Thanks everyone. I had to make the decision by 5 last night. While my choice was pricey, it was not up in the numbers of a custom Feathered Friends.

I ended up purchasing the Sea to Summit Basecamp BcII 15, their R5 pad and pillow. All told dropped about $550 for a 15 degree kit that weighs in a 5.54 pounds.

Anyone know of a bivy sack that will hold the above kit that is:
-water proof
-breathable
-rugged
-lightweight

I would use it in lieu of a tent.

Check out Snugpak, I don't have one but it seems a good option.

[TheChief]

I am going to open a new thread for the Bivy sack question as I have more I wanted to ask everyone with more experience than I. Thanks for all the responses everyone.

[Dingotech]

Anyone know of a bivy sack that will hold the above kit that is:
-water proof
-breathable

There is no such thing. While there are degrees of waterproofness/breathability, you ALWAYS trade off one for the other.

Also consider learning about silk liners- turn your 15 degree bag into a 5-10 degree one.

$550 is a lot of scratch for a 15 degree bag, pad, and pillow (a pillow?! Seriously?). Is it 900 fill Euro down or something?

You also never mentioned what conditions you would use the bag in, nor for how long (i.e., 7-10 straight days in rainy conditions). This is important- wet bags suck. Back in the day, I rotated between synthetic and down bags, depending on time of year and weather conditions I expected to encounter.

I apologize if I appear to be taking a dump on your purchase, but you seem genuinely trying to learn, so I'm sharing my initial impressions. If you plan on winter camping, it would behoove you to learn as much as you can. This forum isn't the place to discuss outdoor gear.

Good luck!