Looking for a new 30° sleeping bag


Scratchthejeepguy

Scratchthejeepguy

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I used to go to the BWCA every year, did that for almost 10 years, but that was in the 90's. I have a few good sleeping bags but they are from that era as well. I'm planning on going back to the BWCA this August on a 50+ mile trip for the first time since then, and I figure it's a good time to buy some new gear. Problem is I haven't kept up on the latest and greatest sleeping bags out there and am looking for suggestions.

It'll be mid/late August, Ely area, temps could get to the 40's or lower. I'm really wanting to go as packably small and light as possible.

Any suggestions?
 
@Scratchthejeepguy
Any preferences?

Such as:
-synthetic or cotton canvas shell
-down or synthetic fill
-mummy or rectangular
-maximum weight of sleeping bag
-size regular or tall
-flannel-lined
-hooded
-would you like it to have a pillow pocket
-overall minimum/maximum width and length
-stuff-sack included
-phone pocket

There are so many options out there. It might be helpful to know a little more about what your comfort requirements are :)
 
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A quilt is a good option for temps above freezing. Lots of bags available that will keep you warm to the 30s-40s... what kind of price range are you looking for?

Synthetic or down preferred?

Do you tend to sleep warm or cold?

If I was headed to the Boundary Waters in August, I'd be taking my Enlightened Equipment synthetic quilt.
 
-synthetic or cotton canvas shell -Probably synthetic
-down or synthetic fill -No Preference
-mummy or rectangular -Mummy
-maximum weight of sleeping bag -I'd prefer in the ultralight category but it could be a little heavier
-size regular or tall -Regular
-flannel-lined -No Preference
-hooded -Not sure what that means?
-would you like it to have a pillow pocket -No Preference
-overall minimum/maximum width and length -Not sure
-stuff-sack included -No Preference
-phone pocket -No Preference

Not sure on price range as I haven't looked at many yet. I'm not afraid to spend money on high quality though.
 
I would ask that you consider a quilt instead of a bag. I switched from sleeping bags to quilts about eight years ago and have never looked back.

I could send you a link, but the vendor I have three from has gone up a lot in price (hammockgear.com).
 
Scratchthejeepguy said:
You mean a quilt like a thick blanket? I don’t know about that. I think I really need to have a bag. I don’t think I can do just a quilt.
Click to expand...
Yes, you can. We were in the Boundary Waters in late July. Of necessity one night I used an inexpensive Coleman tapered bag as a "quilt" and never looked back.

I've also used the MSS patrol bag as a quilt, btw. My feet were in the foot of the bag, the rest of me under the open bag "quilt".
 
There are several ways to go. Here's 3 items that has worked for me for a wide range of temperatures...
Screenshot_20260327_045940_DuckDuckGo.jpg
Add or takeaway as needed and they take up very little space.

Callawegian STITCHERY
 
Here’s a Zen Bivy 30 degree quilt. $130 for synthetic.

zenbivy.com

Zenbivy Core Quilt | The Most Comfortable Backpacking Quilt

The Zenbivy Core Quilt is our softest, simplest, and most comfortable backpacking quilt, with a DWR-free 50D Pongee lining and lightweight 20D Nylon shell. The Core Quilt doesn’t skimp on comfort. Whether you're thru-hiking, car camping, or packing light for a weekend trip, it’s the perfect...
zenbivy.com zenbivy.com
 
I move around way too much for a quilt, and I can't sleep on my back in a mummy bag. A full or partially zippered bag, can also be used as a quilt for very little additional weight. I would get one with an actual toe box. I've used the draw cord type, they don't seal fully, and you have to stuff the hole with something to seal it. There's always the decision to make, do you want to sacrifice some comfort for less weight ?

For example: The Zpacks 3/4 zip quilt is only 1 Oz heavier than their standard quilt, the full zip around is 3.5 Oz heavier, and the full mummy with hood is 5 Oz more.

FYI, you may want to experiment with some cheaper bags to determine what you like, before dropping big coin on a premium sleep system !
 
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