Depending on your definition of comfort, I'd highly suggest the Big Agnes q-core SL or SLX. 3.5" thick makes for a great night's sleep - something that's extremely valuable in my book. Here's a video review I did on the SL, but I've since upgraded to the long/wide version of the SLX -...
I've used the Icon Pro series (1850, 3200, 5200) for the last couple of years. Have several videos about them and their various set ups here: Colorado HunterHiker
- YouTube
I've since sold them and moved on to try the Kifaru packs...
They hold weight well up to about 50-60lbs and frankly...
I upgraded from the SL to the SLX recently. Went with the long/wide version. Can't put a price on a good night's sleep. In fact, it's pretty hard to hunt hard day after day if you never get good rest...
I used this kelty one for quite a while with both my kids - soon to be 3. It's not the best suspension, and they grow out of them. However, the coolest part of this is the fact that it has a separate backpack that the kids can carry and when they are done or don't want to carry it anymore, it...
What else do you have in your clothing system? That may help with recommendations....
If you already have a good rain jacket, a fleece (cheaper, but less packable) will do fine to keep you warm, while the rain jacket will cut the wind and keep you dry. A down vest will make you warm and be...
Good value for the bag. I will say that Kelty bags are not overrated when it comes to temp. A 20* bag is a 20* bag, no less. With that in mind, great bag for the money.
Honestly, one of the features I noticed I like having when I compared my gps to a buddy's was an active compass which could give you a bearing. I have the Garmin etrex 30x and his garmin etrex 30 did not have this. You had to walk to get a bearing. Kind of a pain to decide which route to...
Bounds brings up a great point. The ability to get dry can mean a great deal of comfort, and sometimes the difference between coming home early and empty handed or continuing the hunt and filling the tag.
For me, I'm looking at moving to synthetic (likely a slick bag from kifaru) because of...
Get a big pack and compress it down. Even a 5200 size pack can compress down for a daypack size. I'm not a big guy and I've used the 5200 as a daypack before. Here's a video on how:Kuiu Icon Pro 5200 in Daypack Mode - YouTube
I also suggest looking at Kifaru.net for a pack to fit your needs...
That's pretty much what my youtube channel is dedicated to. Lots of info on there. This video is on just that (packing a pack):Small Gear & Tips #5 - How to Pack a Backpack for Hunting Hiking Backpacking Backcountry Adventures - YouTube
The rest of my videos are here: Link: Colorado...
They are awesome to deal with. I had a buddy burn paper in my stove (DON'T EVER DO THAT) and it but some good burn holes in the top (didn't put the fly on either). Davis had it fixed in no time and was cheaper than they quoted me. Pretty hard to beat. Their cots are awesome too and their cot...
I agree with the use of the event dry sac. The size you'll want obviously depends on the size of the sleeping bag. The compression ones come in 6, 10, 15, 20, 30 L sizes. As for the need for compression, be aware that the straps add some weight and are pretty long once you compress it all...
I'd look at the hike to Sawyer lake. It's about a mile (I think) and it's pretty well established. Pretty, get away from it, but don't burn them up. Let me know if you need more info, but I'd bet 4 miles, followed by 3, at an elevation change will be a challenge.
The way I look at it, it's...
Well both Warrior80 and Agross bring up great points to reduce the bulk in the sleeves. I don't think the guide series is all that warm (at least not the jacket), so I'd lean toward the superdown or Kenai. The Kenai material is quieter though....
I may have to try a vest now!!
I really like my Kuiu Kenai. Its quiet and comfortable and warm. Sleeves aren't as "puffy" as down, but that's a good thing for bow.
Another option is the Halstead fleece from FL. It's warm, quiet and not puffy. (Not quite as warm as the Kenai, but that may be the right temp range for bow...
The Stove I got with my Davis Tent setup is great! It keeps the tent warm and holds heat for a while! I added a pellet burner on there too. Makes it warm during the whole night and makes it easy to fire it back up in the morning. Check them out: davistent.com
I've hunted 2nd rifle season in Colorado for the last 10+ years. Never once have I used insulated boots. Granted, I stay in a wall tent, so I can dry any wet gear out (AWESOME!), but a good pair of boots and good wool socks (with liners) will do just fine. :)
If I were you, I'd get the best...
Do you currently have a setup at all now? As stated by MtFallon, what you're describing is an "older way" of thinking. Today's bags shrink and compress nicely into daypack size and yet expand plenty to haul 5-7 days of gear. Look at Kifaru, Stone Glacier, Exo, etc. There are plenty of...