Looking for some feedback and suggestions on a heavy duty sleeping bag. I'm considering Cabela's Mountain Trapper 0° or -20°F. Weight and price not really an issue. Got a couple cold weather hunting trips coming up. Thanks in advance -Bax
If you have a good pad that will work with it, I say Big Agnes Whiskey park. Don't know your price range but picked mine up shipped for 149.00. https://www.bigagnes.com/Products/Detail/Bag/whiskeypark02016
If weight and money arent an issue, Id just bring a tempur-pedic adjustable sleigh bed with a lot of pendelton wool blankets.
Bax, I've been backpacking since 1972. I've done expeditions in NM and CO, up around 11,000'. I now live in Maine. May I steer you in a different direction? If price is indeed not an issue (I'm envious), please consider a down bag by Marmot. My main winter bag was made by them. It was originally rated at -25F. Now, 20 years later, it's about 0F, but still kicking strong. Way more compressible for backpacking, and far warmer than that Cabella bag. Of course, since you live in CA, you don't need -25F or even 0F. But take a look at Marmot. It'll save weight and space, even for a 25F.
@Stone Thanks for the reply! I might need to a little more specific about the price, less than $500. I'll check into Marmot! This tent trip is Montana in November. Just don't want to freeze my a$$ off!
Bax, you can get a top Marmot for < $500 that's good for Montana in November. There are other fine down choices out there for less. Consider Northface and Mountain Hardware. The key is this: don't buy a box bag. Go with a down mummy bag.
Hey @bax229 i slept 2 weeks straight in germany's black forest during sere training in december.....those military bags are pretty solid.con is they take lot of room and are pretty heavy but you ll be warm and coY,until you get out of it.
Yes. Just be aware that several of us who own the Kifaru Woobie have noticed that it doesn't breathe well, which means it causes us to sweat. A well-made down bag breathes. It will be heavier and less compact, but it will breathe. If weight and space is not an issue, I'd go with a down mummy by Marmot or Northface. Otherwise, if I have to carry it in a small backpack, I'll take the slickbag. @wilas101 , any thoughts here?
Down bags are generally lighter than other materials, you do need to be much more conscious of looking after them, get them wet and you are in all kinds of trouble, condensation will accumulate in them in a consistent sub-freezing environment which can result in ice forming in the down with a subsequent serious degradation of performance. If you can look after one and you are not mountaineering for a month, down is still generally my choice, in my pack I roll my custom Mont (Aussie Brand) down bag inside my bivvy bag to protect it from water/drowning. If weight is not an issue the US Military "Sleep Systems" (two bags and a bivvy bag that may be nested to raise or lower the temp rating) are pretty good value and are what I keep in my truck 24/7.
You might want to consider Wiggy's bags also. I have heard many good things about them. Check the testimonials page, and his commentary about the industry is enlightening. Their Specials page has great deals every once in a while, keep an eye on it.
The Cabelas bag my be a good choice for cabin or wall tent camping, but I would go for a mummy bag. You need a bag that is big enough to move around in, but the smaller the better. Your body has to heat the space to stay warm. Most of the mountaineering bags on the market will suffice, Mountain Hardware, Marmot, etc. These bags are typically light (all things considered) and very warm. Sierra Trading usually has some great bags for less than $200. I also would find a bag that breathes good. Your body gives off a lot of moisture thru the night, which is why you also should sleep in the buff, or with only a pair of silk/poly boxers.