Best backapacking sleeping bag for a short cold side sleeper?

[Eric Bailey]

I just got my annual bonus and can now afford to replace the sleeping bag I melted on my stove during a hunting trip last fall. This time, I'm going to put some big rocks on the sides of the stove.

I have had a really hard time getting any sleep the last couple of years hunting. Mostly because I can’t get comfortable on my side in the bag. I hunt hard all day and end up like a brain-dead zombie after a couple of days.

I normally do most of my backpacking in September and October just over 11k’ in Colorado. I am 5’5”, a cold sleeper and a side sleeper. Price is not a big concern. I am more concerned with comfort, warmth, compressibility, durability, and weight in that order.

So far, I am looking at these options:

Montbell Down Hugger 800 #1 Short

Western Mountaineering TerraLite 5’6” size

Western Mountaineering Alpenlite 5’6” size

Feathered Friends Egret UL 20 medium

Feathered Friends Petrel Nano 10 medium

Now, just waiting for one of these to go on sale.

If I have left out any that would fit the bill or if you have had a particularly good or bad experience with one of these, let me know.

Thanks,

Eric

 

[1hoda]

Im a claustrophobic broad shouldered cold side sleeper. So after gong through several other bags that were too narrow, too cold, or a combination I bought the WM Bristlecone. I initially thought I'd just use it for winter camping but have found its comfortable spring and fall as well (being a cold sleeper). Love the bag after spending 3 years with it I've decided it's a definite keeper. If I were going to buy another warm weather bag I'd definitely buy a WM.

Noticed you are in Denver- Neptune Mountaineering used to carry a good selection of WM bags. Not sure if they still do since they sold to Backwoods but it might be worth a call.

 

[Eric Bailey]

Thanks, 1hoda. Sounds like a great bag, especially for winter and the shoulder seasons. I looked it up on the WM website. 45 oz of 850+ fp down. That is insane. You could burst into flames sleeping inside that bag! That is more than enough for two sleeping bags. I'll bet it is like sleeping in the Ritz Carlton even when it is below zero.

I am definitely leaning toward a WM bag. Bent Gate Mountaineering recommended the Terralite. Might do that. But, I'll call Neptune Mountaineering too. I used to live by their store in south Boulder 20 years ago. Back then I never even considered buying anything there. My budget was strictly army surplus store. Now it is my time in the backcountry that is precious. Much less so than $.

 

[colonel00]

You didn't mention it so I have to ask, have you considered a quilt? I'm not a cold sleeper per se but I definitely sleep on my side and everything else but flat on my back. I could never stand mummy bags or even regular constricting bags in general. I love my quilt. Just something to think about.

 

[AXEL]

I am barely 5" 8", built like a linebacker, VERY severe neuro-orthopaedic problems over the past 55 years and mucho time in bags in COLD weather.

I have used a LOT of bags and now would buy WM over about any, had an Alpinlite, loved it, a bit TOO tight in the shoulders with my 48" chest and bullneck.

So, I would check a Bristlecone and a Terralite, which I am going to buy soon. I have a fine, fine custom original ID bag, cost me a grand in 2003, made to my specs and I just want the Terra for summer.

Go WM, look at all their wider bags and try out whichever you can.

 

[Shrek]

Western Mountaineering all the way ! You may find that you're not really a cold sleeper but an owner of a crappy over rated bag. Western mountaineering bags are very conservatively rated.

 

[tttoadman]

Remember you can buy the extension panel for a WM bag that adds about 6" to the girth.

 

[5MilesBack]

I'm also a side-sleeper, and a stomach sleeper, and a back sleeper, and everything in between. I think I move as much while sleeping as I do while hunting. Hmmmm.....maybe that's why I'm always tired when I wake up in the morning.

Regardless, I'm also a cold sleeper and hate being constricted.....especially in a cocoon. So this past year I went the quilt route on top of an Xtherm pad. Loved it! I got the EE 0 degree long wide which is about 2lbs and I stayed warm and comfortable all night. At your height, you could probably get a quilt down to a pound and a half. You might want to give them a try.

 

[COLOelkman]

You didn't mention it so I have to ask, have you considered a quilt? I'm not a cold sleeper per se but I definitely sleep on my side and everything else but flat on my back. I could never stand mummy bags or even regular constricting bags in general. I love my quilt. Just something to think about.

I'm with colonel on this! I move around alot and usually from side to side and a quilt is a great option to seriously consider. I just cannot sleep in any mummy without waking up everytime I move so the quilt really helps. Plus they are lighter than other bags since they do not have a zipper and baffles, etc. They are not made by most of the big companies so a bit newer "technology" and logic at this stage. I used my older REI mummy last year as a quilt by leaving it unzipped and slept way better than ever so I bought a Hammock Gear quilt. You will need a good insulated pad but that's no different than with other bags. I also heard the new Thermarests and Exped are now on their website so lighter and "better" than previous models. Eric, If you ever want to check out my quilt, just PM me as I'm in Lakewood and would be glad to show you it!

 

[Ramshead]

You did not mention what kind of pad your are using. If you are not using a thick wide pad with R6 insulation (or more), then that could be half your problem.

 

[AXEL]

Yeppers, the underlay is crucial to a good sleep and NO bag, even the best, will keep you warm if you do not have an appropriate pad. I use a combination of EVA and insulated inflatables. Works for me.

 

[1hoda]

Good points on the pad. I've been using the Neoair XTherm. Warm pad (R7 if memory serves me), light, packs small. The narrow width is a downside, which I fix by using a piece of clothing by the sides to keep my elbows from drooping. (Redneck engineering at its best). The crinkly noise the pad makes is a deal breaker for some but it doesn't bother me.

 

[Eric Bailey]

Thanks, guys. I'm using a big Agnes q core sl pad which is very comfy. I forget the R value, but it is pretty high. After hearing all your recommendations and talking to the folks at the local mountaineering store, I ordered a Western Mountaineering Terralite. First backpacking trip is not till Memorial Day. Can't wait.

 

[Ramshead]

Eric

Because you are a cold sleeper, why not order that Terralite with factory overfill? Small price to pay for some extra warmth.

 

[Eric Bailey]

Thanks, Ramshead! They hadn't started sewing my bag yet, so for an extra $45 I'm getting the overfill.

 

[michaelc10]

Wilderness exchange in Denver carries western mountaineering bags if you need to try them out