Looking for a new lightweight sleeping bag

[Bambistew]

I’ve slept with my mummy bag open like mentioned above. That’s an option if I don’t end up getting anything. One thing I need is a better pad. What are you guys using for a pad if you use a quilt or open bag?

I have enough sleep pads to outfit a small army of various makes and models including BA (very poor performance/longevity, I gave up on them, every one leaked eventually at seams), Exped, very nice by heavy, a couple other nemo pads and a few thermarest. We use them a lot with kids and truck camping, and I usually "upgrade" my backpacking pad every couple years. I have since started packing an inflator, and keep the moisture out, also reduces the chance of them getting mold inside.

My favorite and latest is a Nemo Tensor. For me its the lightest most comfortable pad I've used. If its going to be really cold, bring a closed cell matt and put under you. it helps a lot. I always pack 1/3 of a ridge rest with me for extra padding under the hips and also use it for a sitting pad, a drip pan in the bottom of my pack and all sorts of other uses.

 

[crock239]

My backpacking pad is Thermarest Xtherm, super light and warm.

For truck camping I just picked up a Sea to Summit Comfort Plus Insulated Self Inflating pad, heavy, but seems very comfortable...new and needs a full trip to be sure.

 

[BenInMT]

I just took the plunge into a quilt. I chose Katabatic after some research. I hope it works out for me but no real world experience with it yet. It’s not the lightest option but seemed the most versatile and more durable for a minimal weight penalty. I am an active sleeper and my situations vary from ul backpacks to nights in a hot tent.

 

[grizzly_]

I’ve slept with my mummy bag open like mentioned above. That’s an option if I don’t end up getting anything. One thing I need is a better pad. What are you guys using for a pad if you use a quilt or open bag?

It's heavier than most but sleep isn't something I want to sacrifice, especially since I only have to carry it on the pack in and out. Some people can sleep anywhere, I'm not that guy.

Comfort Plus Insulated Durable Air Sleeping Pad | Sea to Summit

FREE SHIPPING & LIFETIME GUARANTEE. The award-winning Comfort Plus Insulated Pad absolutely lives up to the hype. Two separate air chambers offer additional protection from the cold ground and allow you to dial in comfort - bottom half firm for support, top half soft. With an ASTM R-Value of...

seatosummit.com

 

[DouglasR]

Idk if this has already been mentioned but if it gets too cold sometimes I’ll fill a nalgene with hot water from my jetboil and shove it up my ass

 

[noharleyyet]

Idk if this has already been mentioned but if it gets too cold sometimes I’ll fill a nalgene with hot water from my jetboil and shove it up my ass

 

[noharleyyet]

@DouglasR
The Supposigene...how long to market?

 

[isu22andy]

@DouglasR
The Supposigene...how long to market?

The ol Sitka Core Warmer . $99.99

 

[hank4elk]

So none of you have never taken a woman camping it appears. Pile all the pads, comforters, quilts and bags into a tent and something will work.

Otherwise the only lightweight sleeping setup I know is a thermarest and a down mummy bag in very large and warm.
There is no motel in the woods.

 

[hank4elk]

The ol Sitka Core Warmer . $99.99

I suggest it in pink toned sitka...

 

[Irrelevant]

I have enough sleep pads to outfit a small army of various makes and models including BA (very poor performance/longevity, I gave up on them, every one leaked eventually at seams),

Yes, but they'll keep sending you new ones with that lifetime warranty. I bought 1. I have 5, all 5 leak, but 1 of them leaks so slow I can make it through the night.

Xtherm will be my next purchase. I've never had a thermorest fail me. My kids are using ones from the 80s.

 

[Bambistew]

Yes, but they'll keep sending you new ones with that lifetime warranty. I bought 1. I have 5, all 5 leak, but 1 of them leaks so slow I can make it through the night.

There is nothing more annoying than a leaking sleep pad. I had them replace 4-5 as well. I just can't trust them, and won't. Their tents on the other hand are bomb proof. I have and still use 2 that are more than 10 years old. The zipper needs to be replaced on one, but otherwise still running strong.

 

[nwihunter]

I have been looking around also. I am a side sleeper as well and struggle with mummy bags. I have seriously been eyeing the Big Agnes Sidewinder. Does anyone happen to have any experience with it by chance? The first bag I've seen designed with side sleepers in mind.

I just looked this up it looks pretty interesting

 

[Irrelevant]

Generally speaking I just kinda assume every pad I own has a shelf life and will get retired after a while... and I always carry a patch kit... though usually it's a pin hole leak and those are a SOB to find in the field.

So far my BA has been issue free... the xtherm has been patch.

My BIL went through like 5 exped pads.

I mean yes, I think they all have a shelf life, but it should be more than 1 year, which is about the longest I've gone with my five BAs with them still holding air. I've never been able to find the leaks, though I never try that hard, just request a new one.

 

[lifesupport4u]

I would also look at enlightened equipment

 

[DouglasR]

Blow it back up and go to sleep.
Get up in the morning, strap your snowshoes on and go to work.

 

[rwc101]

If you go the quilt route buy a pad that's rounded at the feet. Better seal compared to a square pad.

 

[Deleted member 28227]

I mean yes, I think they all have a shelf life, but it should be more than 1 year, which is about the longest I've gone with my five BAs with them still holding air. I've never been able to find the leaks, though I never try that hard, just request a new one.

Yeah absolutely I think about life span more in terms of days in the woods... something like 90 is probably pretty good for an inflatable.

Agree leaks are super hard you really have to go the bath tub and soap route to have any hope in my experience.

 

[MTLabrador]

My BA pad was comfortable but not very warm and also sprung the undetectable leak after about 2 years. My first Xtherm was awesome and it’s probably still holding air trapped in a whitebark pine somewhere on the Beartooth plateau. I just bought a second Xtherm to replace it.

 

[Sytes]

I’m looking for a sleeping bag to take on backpack hunts. I hate mummy bags, so I’m hoping there are some lightweight bags that are a little more roomy. Any recommendations?

Ok... Not ideal however, I've used this many times (ultralight long-johns top and bottom rolled within) while chasing elk and not wanting to return to camp. I carry this as I do my modified IFAK. It goes with me even when I plan to make a simple 3 hour tour. It goes everywhere and bailed me out more times than I can count (Which may not be too high).

Anyhow, for what it's worth.