Getting Back to Backpacking

[Tom_H]

Here is my new bag, exactly 1 lb. and $300:

Western Mountaineering HighLite Sleeping Bag: 35 Degree Down

Here are some other lightweight down bags:

http://www.rei.com/product/846738/mount ... eeping-bag" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://www.rei.com/product/845486/the-n ... eeping-bag" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://www.rei.com/product/808962/marmo ... eeping-bag" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Here are some synthetics to consider:

http://www.rei.com/product/860984/mount ... 2-closeout" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://www.rei.com/product/845984/marmo ... eeping-bag" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://www.backcountry.com/lafuma-activ ... tic-womens" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://www.shoplafuma.com/product/37040" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

This bag is out of stock here, but the specs show the weight:

http://www.backcountry.com/lafuma-extre ... -synthetic" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Here is the same bag on sale (weight wasn't shown so I included link above). The price here is just over $50. The first Lafuma above is $75, but is the same weight as this one and 5 degrees warmer.

http://www.cleansnipe.com/cheap--sale/l ... thetic.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Here is the backpack a friend uses and that I have recently bought:

http://www.rei.com/product/780218/osprey-exos-58-pack" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Hope this helps, but in the end, you have to buy what's right for you.

[SoxGolf00]

Have you purchased from CleanSnipe.com before? I've never heard of them and their site is a little sketchy. Looks like they have some great deals.

[Tom_H]

Have you purchased from CleanSnipe.com before? I've never heard of them and their site is a little sketchy. Looks like they have some great deals.

I have not purchased from CleanSnipe, but I have some Lafuma bags. They have worked well for us. Since that first Lafuma weighs the same as this one and is 5 degrees warmer, I would go with it rather than save $21. You said you sleep cold. You have to do what's right for you, but think about whether saving $21 is worth it if you find yourself colder than you want to be.

Edit: In looking at that CleanSnipe site, I started thinking it might be like DealFinder. I clicked on BUY to see if it would take me to a different store. It turned out that 7 "result" came up as alternative suggestions. It is a deal finding site and that bag is no longer available. The 35 degree bag at shoplafuma.com is also listed at a sale price, and might not last.

[SoxGolf00]

Thanks for looking in to that. I'm going to wait on the bag for now since my trip isn't for a couple months. REI is having a gear sale this weekend and I'm going to check that out.

You are totally right with the "saving a couple bucks" comment. This is an investment on my gear, not just a one time trip. I'd rather have dependable gear then having to constantly replace it.

Thanks again.

[camptramp]

My roots - raised in Pasadena, my dad & I hiked Eaton Canyon - & remember scrambling up Mt. Hollywood - although to me it was Mt. Griffiths (Griffiths Observatory) I remember we passed up a group of college kids! I guess my dad thought I passed the test - from there we began our treks in the High Sierra !!

[rlown]

Sox, you could just go with a Western Mountaineering bag and be done with it.

Pick something in the +20 degree range that fits your size/body type. You will not be disappointed over the long run after you get over the stickershock. I think I have 4 different bags for different purposes (one is a -20 bag)