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Sleeping Bag Question for Pine Creek Pass

Posted: Fri Jul 19, 2013 5:36 am
by Marinpaul
I am heading up Pine Creek pass for the first time to explore/fish the lakes in that area mid-August. Based on the NOAA weather reports right now showing lows in the mid 40's for that area (and assuming it will be similar in a month), I am thinking I may be able to take my smaller pack and my 30 degree bag with a light puffy for sleeping as needed. Is that realistic for this area, or should I take my 15 degree bag? Thanks for the help in advance.

Re: Sleeping Bag Question for Pine Creek Pass

Posted: Fri Jul 19, 2013 9:51 am
by no2haven
Take this weekend's forecast temps with a grain of salt, since NOAA also has a statement out about record heat this weekend for the Sierra...


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Re: Sleeping Bag Question for Pine Creek Pass

Posted: Fri Jul 19, 2013 11:32 am
by rlown
are you taking a tent or not?


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Re: Sleeping Bag Question for Pine Creek Pass

Posted: Fri Jul 19, 2013 12:28 pm
by Vaca Russ
rlown wrote:are you taking a tent or not?


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Paul, I would recommend taking a tent. I was in the region last week and one night it rained ALL NIGHT! The weather service is calling for thunderstorms.

-Russ

Re: Sleeping Bag Question for Pine Creek Pass

Posted: Fri Jul 19, 2013 12:43 pm
by rlown
I only asked about the tent because that would give an idea about protection from the elements (wind, rain, etc). I also recommend a tent. I'd take your 15 degree bag anyway and just not zip it up. using it more like a quilt.

Re: Sleeping Bag Question for Pine Creek Pass

Posted: Fri Jul 19, 2013 1:54 pm
by maverick
Would recommend taking the 15 degree bag also. Weather can always
change, and it is always better to be a little warm than be up all night
trying to get warm.

Re: Sleeping Bag Question for Pine Creek Pass

Posted: Fri Jul 19, 2013 3:43 pm
by flyfisher70
I'd recommend you take a tent as well. I was up at just over 11'000 feet in the GTW in early July, the weather was constantly changing. It went form hot to cold in minutes, from sunny to rain as well. Three of the nights out I used a 25ยบ bag as a quilt and kept removing and then covering up because it was so warm out. The last night it cooled down so much at night that I actually had to zip up the bag to keep warm cause of the temperature drop. Expect the unexpected in the Sierras, weather is constantly changing.

Re: Sleeping Bag Question for Pine Creek Pass

Posted: Fri Jul 19, 2013 5:39 pm
by Marinpaul
Thanks, all. I will be in a tent, but the clear consensus is to take the 15 degree bag even in a tent.

Re: Sleeping Bag Question for Pine Creek Pass

Posted: Fri Jul 19, 2013 6:15 pm
by longri
Marinpaul wrote:Thanks, all. I will be in a tent, but the clear consensus is to take the 15 degree bag even in a tent.
I would take my lighter bag in this situation.

But I'm not you. Since you need to ask the question the prudent thing is to be conservative.

Re: Sleeping Bag Question for Pine Creek Pass

Posted: Fri Jul 19, 2013 9:15 pm
by Fly Guy Dave
If weight is the biggest concern, is a 30 degree bag that much lighter than a 15? If you're talking down, I'd guess that isn't more than a few ounces. I have to agree with the consensus of replies and say go with the 15. It's better to err on the side of a good and warm night's sleep than to save a few ounces of weight.