Choosing bag temp rating

[CAH]

I'm headed to Colorado for the third season elk hunt. Popping my cherry on an elk hunt, and gonna do a backpack in trip. In your guys' professional opinions, what would be a good temp rating to get?

Thanks in advance!

 

[mlob1one]

I'm headed to Colorado for the third season elk hunt. Popping my cherry on an elk hunt, and gonna do a backpack in trip. In your guys' professional opinions, what would be a good temp rating to get?

Thanks in advance!

At what elevation are you planning to camp?
How far are you fixing to hike in?

I would take the coldest temp you might think it could get then subtract 15-20° for your bag. Personally, I prefer a bag to be a little too warm than not warm enough. I have a 15° & a 30°bag and there have been times where I've brought both and doubled up and was so glad to wait out a storm. Now, with a stove, I can get by with my 15° & a pad with a high r value.

Good luck.

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[CAH]

Thanks! I was thinking a 10-15 degree bag. Planning on sticking in that 7000-9000 foot range.

 

[verysimple]

At what elevation are you planning to camp?
How far are yippy fixing to hike in?

I would take the coldest temp you might think it could get then subtract 15-20° for your bag. Personally, I prefer a bag to be a little too warm than not warm enough. I have a 15° & a 30°bag and there have been times where I've brought both and doubled up and was so glad to wait out a storm. Now, with a stove, I can get by with my 15° & a pad with a high r value.

Good luck.

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10-20 degrees lower rating than forecasts lowest temp.
Zero degrees bag/quilt is a good place to start

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[mlob1one]

Being a little warm is ALWAYS better than being too cold in the backcountry. Look at getting a pad with a >5 R value as well to complement. ~0 degree is probably where I'd look too without a stove and maybe a 15 if you have a bomber pad and a stove. Downside of the stove is that once it's out, the temp drops. I don't hump in an insulated tent.

 

[mrbillbrown]

Been hunting CO in Sept the past few years and have been super pleased using a 0* Slick Bag and Xtherm pad (5.7 r value).

 

[Getnlost]

I dont have tons of experience but I also chose a 0 degree slick bag due to its size, synthetic material, and center zip. My idea was i can always unzip and cool off but its a lot harder to get warm.