Sleeping Bag Ratings?

[Gondor]

Some say there are two types of sleeping bags, winter ones and those that are all-year-round, except for winter. So, basically, you need to have 2 sleeping bags. Would you say this is reasonable? By the way, disregard materials and technology used in their manufacturing.

[Barney]

It's hard to find a bag that will be suited for warm summer nights and also for cold spring and fall nights. Usually good unzipping design may try to accommodate various temperatures. And winter does require a dedicated bag, that's for sure.

[ponderosa]

Much depends on where you're camping. I use a 20* down as my three-season bag, and a 0* for winter. Summer nights aren't very warm at high elevations this far north, so a 20* bag works for me most of the year. Other places, it would make more sense to have maybe a 45* three-season bag and a 20 degree winter bag.

[Grandpa]

There are way more than two types of bags. Like Ponderosa said, a 20 and 0 or even colder works well in this area where others may like a 45 and 20 unless they visit us during the "R" months, then they also want a 0. It just depends on your location.

You can do a lot to be comfortable at night besides the bag. Insulation from the ground is a big item. For example, during the summer I use a 2 1/2 in insulated air core for the comfort it gives. But in the spring and fall, I switch to a thermarest 2" for the added insulation and during the winter I use the Thermarest and a closed cell pad to get maximum insulation from the ground. I also carry a full set of insulated base layer in the colder months just to wear at night. A light weight set for the colder months and a heavier set for the coldest months. This combo allows me to still be warm to 10-15 below in a 0 degree bag. (A stocking hat and fresh, clean wool socks are mandatory at this temp as well.)

[Judy Ann]

Originally Posted by Gondor

Some say there are two types of sleeping bags, winter ones and those that are all-year-round, except for winter. So, basically, you need to have 2 sleeping bags. Would you say this is reasonable? By the way, disregard materials and technology used in their manufacturing.

I feel that when it comes to sleeping bags one must consider materials. My car camping bag is rectangular shaped, made of synthetic material, does not compact down well to fit in a backpack, and is used as a quilt at 45 degree rating. It is too hot most of the summer even in the mountains.

When I started backpacking I went with a down bag eu rated to 27 degrees for women. As others have mentioned I either wear more clothes to sleep in or less and open the bag for a light weight quilt. I also vary sleeping pads. I have taken a polartech throw for additional warmth. This works well for me since I cannot afford multiple bags for incremental temperature changes.

I have only been camping for about 2 years/over 150 bag nights, but ponderosa, Grandpa, Fridge, and others' advice has been right on and I haven't lost any sleep yet, at least not from being too cold! I guess it depends on where you live or camp as to how many bags you'll need. Economics may factor in as well.

[Gondor]

These are the advices I was looking for. Combining clothes and sleeping gear is the way to go I see. I also heard that from an experienced hiker I know. He said that even a heavier summer bag can be used during winter time if you carry a good sleeping pad and layer up accordingly.

[rubbersoul]

i've found that the little sleeping bag liners can be very nice for filling in those temperature gaps. when it's extra cold, you can sleep with the bag shut and liner, warmer with the liner and bag open, and warmer yet just the liner. i don't really like sleeping in my clothes too much.

[Barney]

Yes that's true. Sleeping bag can be observed as another layer of clothing and sleeping pad also. Smart thing would be to use a good sleeping bag liner. Some say that you can make one bag 4 season bag if you layer clothing, use thicker liner and moderately warm 3 season bag. Of course, this would probably exclude certain expedition winter conditions.

[IndianaHiker]

This is all good advice however when listening to someone say I use this bag, and that base layer and I am fine down to. Well in short don't listen.. Get a bag and base layers and try them at home or some place close to the car. I say this as there is a fine line between being slightly chilled and being miserable. Then there is another fine line between miserable and hyperthermic. Dial this system in before heading to the back county. What works for others wont be the perfect solution for you. What keeps most comfy warm I roast in for example.

[Grandpa]

Another thing to consider is how the bag is rated. Top quality manufacturers follow a specific industry wide test to determine the rating. However, this is not fool proof either. For example under these tests most 20 degree bags will not be comfortable at 20 degrees for most people. It usually is a few degrees off, like 27 or 28.

Now throw the cheaper bags in the mix that do not follow these guidelines. I once bought a cheap 0 degree bag and it was colder than my 20 degree bag for me. I called the rep and he said "oh no, that 0 is not a comfort rating, it's a survival rating. Yeah, I could survive in that bag wearing a base layer, stocking cap, and wool socks if the temp didn't get below 25. Yes, we had words and yes he took it back, to sell to some other sucker.