Best “value” in a sleeping bag

[Sooner Wing]

Considering I may only is this bag 5-7 nights a year, dropping $700 to $800 on one is a struggle. My question is, what are some bags in the $250 to $500 range that are an exceptional value. I understand there will be some sacrifices but I am hoping those are in weight and compression rather than warmth and durability.
Side sleeper and if I’m hunting in temps dropping to the teens I plan on having a teepee and stove with me. With that said would a 15 degree bag be a good versatile option or should I look for a 0 degree bag and vent it in warmer weather?

 

[bowkill02]

I'm happy with my wiggys bag. Its Not the best for packing but it's been holding up great for me

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[menhaden_man]

Check out Sierra Designs back country bed (look for pro deals). Really light, comfy, and pretty solid into the 20s. You can get your hands on them for under $300. Nitro is supposed to be warmer for a little more money.

Backcountry Bed 20°

Shop our Backcountry Bed 650 / 20 Degree. The award-winning BCB features a new contoured shape & updated materials to create a more thermally-efficient backcountry experience...all at a lower weight.

sierradesigns.com

Nitro 0°

Shop our Nitro 800 / 0 Degree mummy sleeping bag. Alter your tastes and tap into lightweight, mummy-style comfort.

sierradesigns.com

 

[Pigdog]

Check out outdoor vitals. I have a bunch of their hammock gear and a couple of their bags, one synthetic and one down. I’ve found that the weights and temp ratings listed on the website are both accurate.

 

[Cant hit em]

Id go with something from Western Mountaineering in a synthetic shell maybe 10-15* range . It will push you close to $500 but light and quality

 

[Kevin_t]

I would say best value would be a synthetic marmot or similar and over rate it by 10-20 degrees . It will weigh more and be bulkier but it won’t set you back like the better stuff .

A lot of bags will work but not many bags are good and perform as expected . The price of the WM bags and similar is reflective of the quality of down and finish. Zippers that don’t snag won’t be that big of a deal a few night but spend 30 nights and they will be worth it . It’s the little things


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[Werty]

I've got a zero degree bag that I bought years ago for under $100. Yea it's a little heavier, but it works great. I'm looking into a guilt, may be an option for you

 

[darcytribe]

You can get a lightly used WM bag in the classifieds here for 400-450 for that temp range. I’ve purchased 2 and they are fantastic.

 

[Clarence]

I have been pleased with my big agnes 0° down bag. I like how the pad attaches. I believe I sleep warm, but it has served well with a base layer at single digits. I am sure it's not on plane with the premium brands, but it's not cheap junk either. I purchased it with the intention of hunting Co rifle elk seasons. I consider this a dry environment, so I wanted a down bag. I haven't owned every synthetic insulation, but my experience is they deteriorate. I wanted a bag that should last me 10 years of a dozen or so nights a year.

 

[Hunthigh1]

kelty's cosmic down has been working fine for me. check out this review site. I would try that thermarest bag if i were you

https://www.outdoorgearlab.com/topics/camping-and-hiking/best-sleeping-bag-down-cold-weather

 

[CCH]

My go to recommendation for a 90% bag over the years has been the NF Cat's Meow. Light for a synthetic with a reasonably accurate temp rating. It will do 90% of what a back pack hunter needs doing.

 

[Travis907]

I have been extremely happy with my Klymit KSB Down 0 Degree Oversized bag but I heard they are replacing it with a Hybrid Down/Synthetic version of the bag. I would definitely look into it!

 

[accumax]

Taiga works down bags are an exceptional value. They are made in Vancouver, BC. I wrote up a review on this forum earlier this fall. Definitely worth checking them out. XL 15 degree mummy for around $315USD. They have been making sleeping bags there for over 40 years. I absolutely love my Taiga cloud-9 bag. I also own a couple Wiggy's bags which are a great value too, just much heavier and way less compressible, but better in very wet conditions.

 

[camelcluch]

Marmot never summer is a good one. Outdoor Vitals may be worth a look.

 

[huntcoop]

....Side sleeper and if I’m hunting in temps dropping to the teens I plan on having a teepee and stove with me. With that said would a 15 degree bag be a good versatile option or should I look for a 0 degree bag and vent it in warmer weather?

You’re wants are describing Nemo bags, shaped for the side sleeper and has “gill” vents.

 

[NW307]

Mt Hardwear lamina or ultra lamina series have alway impressed me. If you want a down bag I would go for something higher end, the cheapos just aren't worth it.

 

[jofes]

I have a cedar ridge outdoors 0 quilt thats amazing, light and cheap, i only have one season on it so far so i cant speak to durability.

 

[mtwarden]

here's 30% off of Marmot's upper down line (Lithium), 0 degrees 800+ fill- this is a very nice and warm bag for well under $500

Marmot Lithium 800+ down 0 degree bag

 

[wind gypsy]

If you can get past their political issues (not 2nd amendment friendly), REI Magma line on sale is frequently around $300 and is a great buy. I’d lean towards the women’s version because they stuff them with more down than the dudes version.

 

[beeflomein]

If you can get past their political issues (not 2nd amendment friendly), REI Magma line on sale is frequently around $300 and is a great buy. I’d lean towards the women’s version because they stuff them with more down than the dudes version.

Second this, I got this from a buddy who works at REI when they get their employee sales for around $200. It packs down like crazy and is super light. Lofts up nice and is really toasty. My wife constantly steals it when we backpack cause it's way warmer than her womens 0 degree bag (non magma).