Need Sleeping Bag Suggestions

[IndianaHiker]

Look at places like Camping Gear & Outdoor Gear - Outerwear & Outdoor Clothing from Campmor.com you can find a down bag for less then 200.00. I paid 150 or so for my synthetic bag and wish I had invested the extra 30 to 50 bucks. You will also find that the down bags will last for more years without loosing loft/warmth. I also when I was getting started pinched pennies and in the long run ending up buying a lot of gear twice. The small amount save at the onset was expensive in the end. I still skimp on some items but the sleeping bag it is best bag that you can afford. You might find that you don't have to get a bag that is rated as cold as the temps you will be sleeping in if you do as I do and use good base layers, and a wool hat.

[albinosmurf]

Keep the tips coming, please! I'm looking at these three bags. Still doing some research. What do you guys think about these so far?

1) Kelty Light Year 20
-inexpensive and packs down pretty nicely at 8''x14''. 2 lbs. 14 oz.

2) Kelty Coromell 25 degree
-inexpensive and also packs down nicely at 7''x14''. 2 lb. 15 oz. No hood, however it does unzip all the way which is nice for warmer weather.

3) Marmot Sawtooth
$170 at o2gearshop.com. This might be the best value out of the three, but it is not as compact as the other two. Stuff sack size is 8.5 x 18 inches.

Any other sleeping bag suggestions are always welcome.

[ponderosa]

Make sure that Kelty Light Year is a recent model with EN rating. I have the Light Year from a few years back. It is very well built and very comfy, but the temp rating is off by at least 15 degrees. The newer models of that bag have several more ounces of down fill than the older ones, so the temp rating is more accurate. This one doesn't have a full length zipper, but there is a zipper to vent the foot box for warmer weather. Aside from being chilly in it below about 35*, I really like this bag. I'm a cold sleeper, so others may be comfortable in it a bit cooler than I am.
I much prefer to have a hood, since I tend to sleep cold, so the Coromell wouldn't be my choice.
Marmot builds excellent bags, usually regarded as probably one of the top five brands.
I noticed some good clearance prices on down bags yesterday at sunnysports.com.

[albinosmurf]

This is the Kelty Light Year that I'm really leaning towards right now. It doesn't have a foot box zipper but that's alright with me. Let me know what yall think!

o2gearshop.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=25055{440}23694{426}2 2826&cPath=2

Sorry I couldn't link it because I have to have 15 posts or more to attach a link.

[IndianaHiker]

That bag looks pretty good for the price to me. Don't forget to get a sleeping pad if you don't already have one. Look for a pad with an R value of 4 to 5 to pair with that bag would be my suggestion. I would suggest something like this.
Big Agnes Insulated Air Core

[ponderosa]

The EN rating comfort limit for that bag is 32*, which may suit you better than 20* for three season use. Just remember warm clothing to sleep in if you expect temps below freezing. If you're OK with it not being a true 20* bag, I think you'll be very happy with it. It has great features for the price, and like I said before, the one I own is very well built. I've used it a lot over the last five years, and it is good as new.