Budget bag for newbie

[trapperjay]

Havent been on here in a while- gear budget went to a new bow and optics this year! Anyhow, I need a good warm bag that isn't made with down. I'm allergic to down. Any suggestions? I'm a "cold-natured" person.

 

[trapperjay]

Aron gave me some bag brand names several months back but I didnt write them down so I've complety forgotten.

 

[Browtine]

What's your budget and temp range? TNF Cats Meow is an old standby 20 degree synthetic that wont break the bank.

 

[trapperjay]

This is a first for me but here in my climate, I'd think a 20 deg would suffice but I'm not opposed to getting a 0 just in case. Budget: 300-350. Not much but a start.

 

[TEmbry]

300-350 is over my budget for a bag, lol. Beginner pricing, TNF Cats Meow is hard to beat. Synthetic for wet conditions to not matter, and it is a reliable bag. I've converted to using a quilt 90% of the time, but I still use my Cats Meow on hunts I feel everything will get wet or when it's supposed to get a bit chillier.

 

[trapperjay]

Lol
I don't mind saving that kind of money and I could get my tripod too! I like the pricepoint for sure.

 

[kickemall]

You might take a look at a Mountain Hardware Ultra Lamina 15. Its a synthetic bag, light weight for synthetic and if you shop the internet you can get it for under $200.00. Most bags tend to be rated about 10 degrees lower than realistic so keep that in mind also.

 

[Lawnboi]

If you need to save money, wait for a deal. You should be able to find a good bag for 30-40% off without problem if your patient and shop around

 

[tstowater]

Might want to look at a Kifaru Slick bag. A few dollars more, but I do like mine. It was more than I wanted to spend at the time, but I am glad I spent the extra $.

 

[Stid2677]

+1, hard to beat Cats Meow for the money.

 

[Backpack Hunter]

Your under budget on a standard Slick bag, a Marmot Trestles 15 would be well under budget but a bit heavier. The North Face Aleutian worked well to temp for me as well, again a bit heavier.

 

[fillthefreezer]

i hear everyone rave about the cats meow for a budget bag, i was never impressed with the one we have.

 

[Mtnboy]

I have a Cats Meow, it's a pretty good bag for the weight and price.

I'm debating between upgrading to a Marmot Helium or a Quilt for next year though.

 

[Mckinnon]

Go to an REI garage sale and look up reviews on your phone with what you find. Get one thats at least 15 rated and fits well

 

[bbrown]

I have a good marmot synthetic bag that's like new listed in the classifieds - sent you a PM

 

[Huntr]

+1, hard to beat Cats Meow for the money.

I agree, my Cats Meow has served me well.

 

[ScottR_EHJ]

I will throw this out there for discussion sake. I got a Down Right 10 degree bag for my 18th birthday, and I am 30 now. It has worked well for years now, and I have honestly never gotten really cold. It is pretty heavy though.

I don't know what their quality is now, but all I am saying is that you might get decent performance out of something that isn't one of the top end name brands, and could be had at a sale price. Do your research and you might be able to find a good deal on a piece of gear that will serve you well for a long time on a budget.

For the record, I am in the market for a new bag, and will be spend a bit more on a quality bag.

 

[kaboku68]

Marmot Trestles 15F synthetic fill. A little heavy but priced at about $110.

 

[trapperjay]

Sooo many options, tough to decide. I have to get a mattress or pad as well. I'm checking out all the options mentioned and i really appreciate the posts.

 

[tstowater]

Sooo many options, tough to decide. I have to get a mattress or pad as well. I'm checking out all the options mentioned and i really appreciate the posts.

Watch the classifieds, there was a darn'd nice bag that showed up there not too long ago that would have been the ticket. Just a thought. Might be able to buy a "better" bag than you had thought.