Hunting & Fishing Best zero degree bag?

[david walter]

Mrs Walter and me are hiking Kilimanjaro next July, and the trip calls for zero degree bags.

Looking for something rugged, comfortable and compressible.

Suggestions based on real world experiences?

 

[huntsman22]

Kifaru Slick Bag.... meets the first 2, but not as compressable as down.....

 

[thejeep]

I’d get something on sale

and give it away before coming home. Rei, campmor, Sierra trading post.
We have these synthetic mountain hardware bags in 35f for the kids. They last a couple years then we get more.


Do you really want to take a 800$ western mountaineering bag to Africa, get the shits, and bring it back.

 

[HogsLife]

Check out some of Nemo’s Bags. Me and the wife have a couple of their spoon shaped down bags. Great for side sleepers, very comfortable and compressible.

https://www.nemoequipment.com/product/sonic/

One thing to keep in mind that you may or may not already know, but women have a tendency to sleep about 15 Deg colder than men, so it maybe worth looking at a -15, -20 Deg bag for the wifey and a 0 Deg bag for yourself.

If you can compromise on the compressibility, and want the best bang for your buck, it’s hard to beat the Military 3 Piece Sleeping system. Very rugged, using both bags (green and black) it will be plenty warm, and the price can’t be beat, but you will sacrifice compressibility. Using just the black bag it’s a 0 Deg, if using the black and green bag it’s a -30 bag, and if you want a summer bag, just use the green as a 50 Deg bag, so you have options.

https://www.armysurplusworld.com/us...MI482BwbnK3wIVirxkCh0N1QS-EAQYASABEgLdjvD_BwE

 

[ruebarb]

Compressibility is a huge factor when talking about a 0 Bag, they can be massive when packed... I've always found North Face to make some impressive bags. Down will likely pack down to the smallest. You will also be sweating it out at warmer temps, lighter bag + layers is the way I'd go.

 

[HogsLife]

Compressibility is a huge factor when talking about a 0 Bag, they can be massive when packed... I've always found North Face to make some impressive bags. Down will likely pack down to the smallest. You will also be sweating it out at warmer temps, lighter bag + layers is the way I'd go.

^^^ This !

Another thing I’ve found is warmth comes at the cost of comfort. I can’t sleep in a mummy bag because I’m a side sleeper. Mummy bags are the warmest bags, Less room in the bag, means less air, ie gonna be warmer. I have a Nemo 15 Deg Spoon shaped down bag, I layer up (thermal top/ bottom) wear some nice wool socks and sleep warm and comfortable.

If you dont have a problem with mummy bags, want the best bang for the buck, and some options, check out the link to the military modular sleeping system in the link I posted above.

 

[david walter]

I’d get something on saleView attachment 6994962 and give it away before coming home. Rei, campmor, Sierra trading post.
We have these synthetic mountain hardware bags in 35f for the kids. They last a couple years then we get more.


Do you really want to take a 800$ western mountaineering bag to Africa, get the shits, and bring it back.

If I take her all that way, and she has a shitty sleeping experience because I cut corners, then I gained nothing.

 

[pmclaine]

I love Wiggy's Bags.

https://www.wiggys.com/sleeping-bags/

Something about the drape of them is just conducive to good sleeping.

They are warm.

I bought the Ftrss sleep system. Its a light bag within a medium bag which together make a heavy bag. Provides me with all kinds of options. I dont think I have ever used the bags together but do pick and choose between the medium and light as needed.

Thing is wife got one and isnt as happy with hers. No complaints about warmth but the mummy cut is more guy profile than chick with hips profile. You deffinitley dont want compressed areas of the bag when in it as that kills your insulation.

and dont go anywhwere with out a good insulating sleep pad to put under the bag.

 

[Diver160651]

Seems bags can be, warm, very light, or durable; but never all three.

If your climbing/hiking you might want to think about the first two as the priority and learn to care for the gear.

Z-pack makes some very warm, light packable and roomy stuff.. just isn’t cheap.

http://www.zpacks.com/quilts/sleepingbag.shtml

About $400 for the -5 900 down. You can call them and get extra fill. But really, it is not that you need all your insulation in your bag, sleeping in the correct dry breathable gear helps.

 

[thejeep]

Well if you want it to last then I would recommend a down bag that does not have a waterproof membrane that will delaminate over time.

And no matter the bag above 45mph the wind is rather annoying to the unacquainted.

 

[Diver160651]

^ good point - breathing is key to staying warm as you sleep. If one is/are concerned about not using a tent a light compact bivi keeps you dry.

 

[thejeep]

And don’t forget a sleeping only set of baselayers. Clean socks, bottom, and top.
If you don’t want them to stink smart wool phd with impregnated silver.

 

[CriticallyStressed]

Having done a bit of mountaineering on glacial peaks I look for lightweight first and foremost. For sleeping bags this means down.

REI isn’t super popular with most 2A people but their store brand equipment is a bargain compared to most name brand high end gear and the performance is very close (not to mention the stellar warranty). They have some great down bags that are super warm and barely weigh anything, I’ve got a 1.5 lb down bag that packs down to the size of a quart Nalgene bottle and is rated to 15 degrees. With the right clothing I’ve slept comfortably in the winter when it’s zero degrees outside.

I also have a Wiggys FTRSS bag (warmest bag I own but not compact or lightweight) and a mil-surplus sleep system (not quite as warm as the Wiggys but a little more compact.)

 

[david walter]

Any more?

 

[WeiserBucks]

Get out your checkbook, KUIU

 

[ClangClang]

I've spent most of my adult life fooling around in the mountains and worked outdoor retail for several years, so I've been exposed to virtually every brand with a presence in the country. For my money, the two best options are Western Mountaineering or Feathered Friends. Both are handmade in the USA and the absolute pinnacle of sleeping bag design. They don't come cheap, but they are the best. They also maintain excellent resale value so if you sell them after the trip, you'll get most of your money back.

 

[CriticallyStressed]

Yes, FF bags are top notch! (A bit outta my price range though with as many hobbies as I have)

 

[Derek200]

This is a topic I consider myself an expert on. I was stationed in Alaska at ft wainwright. I lived there 4 years. Outside of the army I did a lot of climbing and backcountry trips while there.

I would never ever ever buy the military sleeping bags. Ever. They are absolute crap. Feathered Friends and Western Mountaineering. Get the best down possible. The better the down the better the loft. If you get a quality Down bag and don’t store it compressed it’ll last forever.

I have had the military winter bag system. Sucked balls. I bought a feathered friends 40 below bag (snowy owl I think). I could bivouac at 30-40 below out on a pad on a glacier with no worries. Except they are a bit claustrophobia inducing. Haha

My kids all have 20 degree bags from feathered friends. Hummingbird and swallow. They make an ULtralight version of each. My wife has the swallow. It’s 25 years old and is still good. I have a western mountaineering 30 degree bag.

The thing to do between these two brands is decide how tight you want it to fit. For example the width at shoulder and hips is a big part of weight for a given temperature. If you don’t move around much at night get it slim. Will save some weight and be a bit warmer. But also. You need to know how you sleep temperature wise. For example. I usually find a 30 degree bag is cold for me At 30 degrees. Some people are the opposite. Buy your bag according to that. Only way to discover that is to sleep out in the cold! Also. There are tricks to making a bag warmer. Like heating up water and putting a full nalgene of hot water in your bag when you get in. Just don’t confuse it with your pee bottle!!!

When we moved to Arkansas we sold our 40 below bags. I wish I still had them!!

 

[Derek200]

Oh. And I have had northface, marmot and a few other brand bags over the years for comparison. I have moved to very different climates. So have had to experiment with bags often.

 

[WoobieJ]

Kuiu

 

[david walter]

Looks like a great bag...

 

[Lkwoolsey]

I use a Kifaru Doobie down to about -5, with a good pad and a bivi. I just sleep in some of the clothes I've brought with me anyways. Used to do quite a bit of guiding (mountaineering) out here in WA, and this combo has worked good for me over the years. It's a bit more versatile than a bag, but I do tend to sleep warmer than most. I think Kifaru says the Doobie is comfortable to 20. Just my two cents.

 

[thejeep]

"If I take her all that way, and she has a shitty sleeping experience because I cut corners, then I gained nothing.”


Porters probably aren’t that much extra. Don’t forget a pillow case.

 

[david walter]

Have the porters and the pillow situation dialed in. That was the first thing I covered.....

 

[Seed tick]

Good information here. Thanks

 

[kurt]

have ran the outdoor vitals 0 degree bag for two years had it down to single digits. A great sleeping pad is just as important as the bag

 

[Soulezoo]

Another option to consider, Big Agnes Storm King. It's a down filled zero rated bag with a pocket to integrate your pad. I use an insulated air mattress made for the bag. It is a rectangular bag so your legs can move and not cramp. Also, they will zip together with another bag so you can snuggle your honey.

 

[lukerster602]

Backpacker turned hunter... these dominate, I own a couple. LRI or JP quality without the AI/Schmidt price

https://enlightenedequipment.com/

Suggestion. always go 10 degrees below what you think you need and 20 for the lady.
Being too warm is a good thing

 

[powdahound76]

FF and WM are top end.

Montbell is also good if they are still around (used to have a store in Boulder).

I use Marmot bags due to the unreal deals I used to get on them.
Their top end 800 and 850 fill bags fit your needs.

None cheap. Dont try to be. Also get a top end pad. I use Exped now. Sleep like no other on any kind of ground. Little extra weight, the Downmat 9 is worth every extra ounce.

 

[texag0842]

Western Mountaineering is the best.

 

[XLR308]

Alot of the temp rating I've found is dependent on the person I am a warm sleeper and like it cold regardless and my wife constantly bitches about.
For a 0° rating I prefer a 10-15° down bag that is really light weight and packs down very small and also have a bag liner that adds very little weight or bulk if needed.
If you get cold easily of course you may want to get a true 0° rated bag and as others have said down is preffered.

 

[kurt]

temp ratings on alot of bags are survival ratings not comfort so keep that in mind. I know quilts are working for alot of people but they dont for me

 

[thejeep]

FF and WM are top end.

Montbell is also good if they are still around (used to have a store in Boulder).

I use Marmot bags due to the unreal deals I used to get on them.
Their top end 800 and 850 fill bags fit your needs.

None cheap. Dont try to be. Also get a top end pad. I use Exped now. Sleep like no other on any kind of ground. Little extra weight, the Downmat 9 is worth every extra ounce.

I hear you on deals. I’ve got a marmot cwm and 2 col eq off of 3.5 and I couldn’t believe retail when I saw it. I paid 300ish a piece.

 

[Muley Buck]

I love my Western Mountaineering bags. I've never had a cold night using them, and I tend to be a cold sleeper.

 

[kabarNC]

Backpacker turned hunter... these dominate, I own a couple. LRI or JP quality without the AI/Schmidt price

https://enlightenedequipment.com/

Suggestion. always go 10 degrees below what you think you need and 20 for the lady.
Being too warm is a good thing

A big plus one on EE! Seen a windy 15 degrees with one on an Idaho muley hunt and never thought twice. After using a quilt i will not be going back a bag. Katabatic Gear is GTG as well..

 

[Rthur]

Western Mountaineering is the gold standard.
I've only experienced the badger and megalite.
True temp ratings that many quilt or bag manufactures can't match.

R

 

[lukerster602]

A big plus one on EE! Seen a windy 15 degrees with one on an Idaho muley hunt and never thought twice. After using a quilt i will not be going back a bag. Katabatic Gear is GTG as well..

nice, have not seen Katabatic Gear before... has more features, especially for extra warmth (my lady liked their product videos). I like the simple EE setup for a hot sleeping male. More ventilation is better for me in 20 degree and up.

 

[kabarNC]

nice, have not seen Katabatic Gear before... has more features, especially for extra warmth (my lady liked their product videos). I like the simple EE setup for a hot sleeping male. More ventilation is better for me in 20 degree and up.

I would have gone Katabatic if they would have made my size, I'm 6'5" and their bags are a touch too short. Definitely more features for the price.

 

[4darkseid]

I have the 0 degree KUIU bag...used it on a Dall's Sheep hunt in the NWT territories last fall with night time low temps of say 20 degrees. It was plenty warm as I often had it unzipped halfway. Very lightweight and pack able (as it is quix down). The only knock it would have IMHO is that it is a bit loud. It is the coating that has to be used to keep the down in the garment. I would tell you to try it a night or two to make sure it works for you. KUIU has great return policies. Don't forget the importance of a sleeping pad that is designed for your use.....and one that you don't find yourself sliding off of during the night.

 

[VVhoisJohnGalt]

Didn’t read all posts but for a bag western mountaineering is hands down best bag light and treated down built well...but very expensive. If budget is not in the equation you will be buying a WM bag.
If either of you are not good in a mummy look into quilts. Enlightened equipment makes some really good stuff plus you save weight.
The bonus of quilts you can not zip the box and sleep next to each other treat just like bed at home.
I’ve run quilts on a bunch of cold camps and they are just awesome.

 

[david walter]

Thanks for all the insights. Leaning toward a quilt now.

 

[VVhoisJohnGalt]

That’s great. You will be happy.
I think EE quilts are the way to go.

 

[SSzelong]

I’ve never been in a quilt, but I have a WM kodiak with gws. I’ve slept comfortably in it with base layers on to -5deg. They are expensive and IMO worth it. I’ve seen Nemo bags with condensation issues and my bag was completely dry. If it’s in your budget I would go WM if you are going with a bag.

 

[Oregonmuley]

Western Mountaineering is the best.

Another vote for these bags, I have one of the Badger bags in GWS, actually its the older version but its pretty much mostly waterproof and super comfortable and does pack into a pretty small bag when compressed.

 

[Jack's Dad]

I know kelty is kind of a shit company but I picked up their zero degree down bag last fall and love it. The main selling point is that the down has been treated and is highly water resistant. Not adequate for Patagonia but probably fine most places.

 

[sako17]

Well I don't think you're going to find anything with 800+ fp down in that price range, at least not if you're looking to buy a brand new bag at full-retail. Your best bet would be to keep an eye out on the gear swap forum here, and maybe check geartrade.com, and always keep a close eye on steep and cheap. Hope this helps.