Looking for the lightest sleeping bag

[justm]

Does anybody have any recomendations on a lightwieght ,down, 30-40 deg. rated sleeping bag for the sierras.

[oldranger]

justm

I think it is really hard to recommend a bag unless we know how big you are, how warm you sleep, how much you roll around in your sleep, and how much you want, ah make that are willing to spend. Though Markskor has a saying about buying the best and you won't be sorry. That is why we both have outrageously expensive Western Mountaineering bags, he has a Badger and I use an Alpinlite. He is a big guy and I am a runt but still like a roomy bag and I don't sleep as warm as I used to. I think others will give some good alternatives if you provide a little more information.

Mike

[markskor]

Have to agree with my good friend and nemesis OldRanger here.
I still say always buy the best (always plan for overkill) but...
A few pertinent questions:
Height...Weight?
Do you want a full zipper and the ability to open it up in warmer climes...or are you happy in a half-zippered (or no zipper at all) cocoon?
What are the lowest temperatures you will endure? Most bags rated to 30º actually really mean that you will freeze at 30º, not that they will be comfortable at that temp. Myself, I would not attempt the higher passes, even in summer, with anything short of a bag rated to ~25º. (My Badger rated to 15º)
Where do you intend to backpack...highest elevation?
Do you sleep cold...in a fetal ball or spread out?
Is a Draft Collar or Draft Tube needed?
Is this an occasional bag or a long term investment intended for years to come?
and the big question:
How much can you spend comfortably and not have the wife go ballistic?

Added: It is the Sierra not sierras.

[JWreno]

I have the Marmot Hydrogen bag and think it is pretty warm for its
weight. I looked at the Feathered Friends bags but I needed a big
wider cut. I do have a lighter 40 degree bag but I wouldn't use it
when I know I will be sleeping about 12,000 feet.

[justm]

Thanks for everybodys ideas. I'm really wondering about the western mountaineering bags, I've never bought anything from that company? I'm 5'9-163lbs tend to sleep hot and would like at least a partial zipper, My current bag is a Sierra Designs down bag rated for 30 deg, and weighs about 2lbs 8oz. Best bag I've ever had and will continue to use it. Backpacker Mag came out with it's gear guide issue, best all around lightweight bag is Vaude Ice Peak 150, 1lbs 2oz rated at 35 Deg. This is what got me thinking about a lighter bag! Anybody ever tried a Vaude Bag?

[hikerduane]

That is very light, be sure to check our the measurements at the chest and hip area so you aren't too restricted. Most bags, at least WM should give three figures. My WM Caribou, long is a 35 degree bag, weights 1.5 lbs, full zipper and has been used at temps to the upper 20's. Comfortable at the mid 30's, not a conservative rating as most people say the WM bags are. Vaude is a good brand, haven't heard anything about them for quite awhile. Do some looking online, you may change your choice.

[justm]

Thanks for your info on WM bags, I'm going to look into that bag you have, it sounds as good as the Vaude bag ( the Vaude bag they say costs 180.00) I guess WM are pricey, but I'm willing to pay for good stuff. Thanks !

[hikerduane]

Not sure if my WM Caribou can do it again, but the first time out with it, I was motorcycle camping without a shelter on a quick trip away and back, I got rained on slightly and the next morning had water puddled up on the bag. When I got home, I weighted it again and the weight had not changed. I have noticed I can see thru the needle holes now as I am sure I have stretched it some with the way I sleep. I have had mine for almost seven years now.

[Hetchy]

I used a Western Mountaineering UltraLight 20 degree Bag (Regular) for the entire Pacific Crest Trail last year. Weighs 1lb 11 ounces. Zippered to within 5 inches of the toe-end. Many thru hikers use this bag or the Marmot Helium. I swear by WM Bags as I have used a WM Antelope Goretex 0 degree for over 15 years in early season and it has never lost it's "Mojo".
Some of my fellow thru's had used their WM ultralights on multiple Long Distance hikes without any noticeable loss of loft.
Though I almost never wash my down gear it became a neccesity after 150 days of sleeping in it naked (sorry if thats too much info!). I used the Nixwax Down wash in a front loader washer. I dried it in a standard gas dryer alternating between Low Heat and Fluff every 20 minutes or so. Near the end of drying the bag I tossed in some tennis balls (5 would do the trick) to break up the down clumps. Many other hikers found this trick brought their WM Bags right back up to "as-new" condition.
I have heard a few Long trail veterans and Triple Crowners send their bags back to WM to have it re-downed after 5,000 miles.
Mine has 2665 on it and it sleeps just as warm now as when I bought it.
The Zipper Never Stuck even once on my bag.
Don't be afraid to go into an outdoor store and climb inside the bag to test the fit. I did before I bought either of my bags. Yes, You will get wierd looks but when you are gonna plunk down 400 bucks it is well worth the goofy looks.
I am a short 5'7 and 3/16" and broad shouldered, so the WM Ultralight is a smidgeon tight on me. Thus I don't wear sleep clothes which would compress the down. I also tried the Alpinlight mentioned above which is not much heavier. "Ounce madness" made me choose the Ultra but it has performed beautifully for me. I must be honest.. I might have gone for the slightly larger Alpinlight if I had a "do-over".
The only thing I did not like was the velco draft stop tab hooks my hair/beard sometimes. And when I use the bag open like a quilt the cord lock for the draftstop can tickle my neck.
The dark color really aids drying. I dried my bag every chance I got whether it seemed wet or not. It was part of my morning ritual on the trail.
As a side note, the surest way to make the thunderclouds appear and block the sun in the Sierra in June is to unfurl your WM Bag on a rock to dry.
YMMV (Your Mileage May Vary)

[justm]

Thanks for the info on WM bags!