Colorado first rifle weather for North Park units

[TauPhi111]

Can anyone tell me what the weather is generally like for the North Park units surrounding Walden CO and Route NF in early to mid October? I'm wondering if a 15 degree down bag will be enough, or if I should go with a 0 degree (Nemo Equipment).

 

[Pwells10]

Can't really help you with the weather there, but I always take my 0 degree slumberjack. Better to be over prepared than under. Plus I'm a panzy with the cold lol

 

[Vids]

If you have both bags, I would bring the 0 degree bag. Weather can be anything from 65 degrees and sunny, to 15 degrees and a blizzard. Even if it's warm during the day, nights will still be around 28 degrees for a low. I've never been too hot in a 0 degree bag in October.

 

[wgrkman]

This site allows you to generate reports with historical temperatures and precipitation for a lot of locations with varying elevations. The elevation you plan to hunt has a large affect and weather varies greatly from year to year.

NRCS National Water and Climate Center | Map 4.0

 

[TauPhi111]

If you have both bags, I would bring the 0 degree bag. Weather can be anything from 65 degrees and sunny, to 15 degrees and a blizzard. Even if it's warm during the day, nights will still be around 28 degrees for a low. I've never been too hot in a 0 degree bag in October.

That's my dilemma...I don't. Deciding which one to buy today or in the next couple days. I'm looking on GovX and they have the Nemo Riff 15 for 320, or the Nemo Sonic 0 for 380. Last year I hunted Uncompaghre NF in November and nights were in the 20s. I had a cheap -10 bag and it was too hot. Slept with it open most nights.

 

[cnelk]

North Park can be a nasty bitch for the 1st Rifle.
Back in 1997 it snowed a bunch

 

[pods8 (Rugged Stitching)]

Make sure to look at the loft ratings to see how conservative vs optimistic the bags are rated. I'd generally think a GOOD 15f bag and puffy layers if needed would handle 1st rifle in all but the abnormal sub zero cold snaps that sometimes roll in and not sure I'd want to stay out back country in that weather report. If the loft ratings are optimistic then lean towards the 0deg or a different brand.

I personally run a western mountaineering 10F that serves me well but they're known for being conservative on temp ratings. It was teens (maybe single digits) at altitude during 2nd rifle last year.

 

[Gunnersdad49]

If you aren't packing in, you can augment a poorer bag with a fleece or down blanket, or something like the Kifaru Woobie. This would allow you a bit wider range of utility for your bag.