Do it all archery Sleeping Bag???

[Jtelarkin08]

I basically only archery hunt and I want to buy one bag that will last me. For Aug-September archery elk and deer to Moose and Caribou in Alaska and hopefully a Sheep or goat hunt in the Yukon one day.. Which of these would you go with?? I am leaning to the 15 degree because I do sometimes get cold..

15 Degree Western Mountaineering Badger MF

25 Degree Western Mountaineering Terralite


Or would I be better off going with a synthetic?? And if so what brands should I look into??

 

[rgrmike]

25 degree bag. You can always add a liner, bivy extra clothes for added warmth.

 

[DapperDan]

I’m honestly very new to all of the western pack hunting and camping but your hunt last year lit a fire under my butt so I’m headed to Colorado first week of September. Luckily I have private land to cut my teeth on but starting next year I’ll be putting in for all the states draws that I can. So thanks for the epic New Mexico thread on TBH!

That being said, if it were me, I’d go with a synthetic bag for a one and done. I solely base that decision on the fact that if down gets wet, you’re done. Alaska for moose back in the Yukon with a wet bag sounds miserable. Having a wet down bag sounds even worse. I’m running the Kifaru slick bag 20 degree this year. We shall see how it goes but the reviews have been pretty awesome on the bag. Like mentioned, you can always add for warmth but it’s hard to take away for heat.

Also, I’m torn between viper tricks, exodus, and iron will. I know you love the IW heads, but do you have experience with any of the other two?


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[Jbehredt]

I was in a similar boat this year. Needed my first high end and hopefully a one and done bag for Aug-Oct In CO. Went with the badger. Only a few nights in it so far but no regrets. Also I don’t plan on hunting Alaska or the Yukon. with it. Might have looked at synthetic options if that was seriously on the table. The. Again, maybe not. The WM MF shell sheds water like a ducks back.

 

[sneaky]

Plenty of guys hunt Alaska with down bags. Just keep them dry, doesn't take too many steps to ensure that. I think the Badger will be a good choice. I use a quilt for archery, and I have a zero degree Kodiak for late season stuff. WM makes great bags.

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[Jtelarkin08]

I’m honestly very new to all of the western pack hunting and camping but your hunt last year lit a fire under my butt so I’m headed to Colorado first week of September. Luckily I have private land to cut my teeth on but starting next year I’ll be putting in for all the states draws that I can. So thanks for the epic New Mexico thread on TBH!

That being said, if it were me, I’d go with a synthetic bag for a one and done. I solely base that decision on the fact that if down gets wet, you’re done. Alaska for moose back in the Yukon with a wet bag sounds miserable. Having a wet down bag sounds even worse. I’m running the Kifaru slick bag 20 degree this year. We shall see how it goes but the reviews have been pretty awesome on the bag. Like mentioned, you can always add for warmth but it’s hard to take away for heat.

Also, I’m torn between viper tricks, exodus, and iron will. I know you love the IW heads, but do you have experience with any of the other two?


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Thanks for the kind words on my elk hunt last year.. I worked my butt off for that bull and had a blast.. Im not stopping tho.. Have AZ in Jan, New Zealand in May and then what ever tags I draw next year.. I plan on keeping it rolling so I figure I need a new bag..

I honestly dont know what would be best in my situation synthetic or down. I could see how someone would get in trouble by getting their bag wet for sure. What companies make good synthetic bags?? It seems like there is a ton of info about how good the western mountaineering and feathered friends bags are on here but the kifaru bags are about the only synthetics I have read about..


As for broadheads I am in the minority as I DO NOT LIKE slick tricks. I dont feel like they leave the best blood trails from the 10 or so animals I have shot with them. The exodus and Iron will are both amazing heads and you cant go wrong with either. I have shot some big pigs with the exodus and a giant pig and my elk with the IW... Just pick the one you like more..

 

[Jtelarkin08]

Just for the record.. My current bag is a Big Agnes Encampment 15 synthetic bag. Maybe I should just stick with this bag and get a new pad for it?

 

[DapperDan]

Thanks for the kind words on my elk hunt last year.. I worked my butt off for that bull and had a blast.. Im not stopping tho.. Have AZ in Jan, New Zealand in May and then what ever tags I draw next year.. I plan on keeping it rolling so I figure I need a new bag..

I honestly dont know what would be best in my situation synthetic or down. I could see how someone would get in trouble by getting their bag wet for sure. What companies make good synthetic bags?? It seems like there is a ton of info about how good the western mountaineering and feathered friends bags are on here but the kifaru bags are about the only synthetics I have read about..


As for broadheads I am in the minority as I DO NOT LIKE slick tricks. I dont feel like they leave the best blood trails from the 10 or so animals I have shot with them. The exodus and Iron will are both amazing heads and you cant go wrong with either. I have shot some big pigs with the exodus and a giant pig and my elk with the IW... Just pick the one you like more..

Wish I could run out and test my slick bag for you in some cold weather and give you a report but in Texas, I’d melt in that thing right now. And it’s hard to beat WM bags from the raves and reviews I’ve read, but I was somewhat on a budget so I opted for the slick bag to save a little money. I guess you could always buy a synthetic and a down. If it’s dry, run down. If it’s wet, run synthetic. Hard choice for sure. I’ve run into that with soooo much of the gear I’m getting. Tooo many options and I’m like you, buy once and be done. But, I’ll have a great system after this year that I can hunt anywhere with and that’s always been my excuse to not go, not having the gear. No more excuses for this guy!!!

What filtration system do you run? Can’t decide on a pump (katydin) or a sawyer or steripen or aqua Mira tabs and use a bandana to filter big particles out. I like the idea setting the system up so I don’t have to pull my bladder out of my pack every time I want to fill it. Those in line adapters look nice and easy. Either way, I don’t want the beaver fever!


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[FlyGuy]

I have gone to a two bag system myself. I started with a 20F slick bag. Very good bag. I just ordered a 0F down quilt from EE. That packs down better, is lighter, and will (hopefully) go down to lower temps for later season hunts.

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[geriggs]

great bag

I have that bag too.....took it to alaska. Worked well but never really dropped below 30. I would be worried in that bag if it got in the teens. I think they are liberal with their temp ratings. love the BA system though. I called them yesterday cause i was interested in their higher end down bags Mystic and some other bag. They are creating a stretch sleeve for 2019 that will accommodate 20 AND 25 in pads which is awesome because their higher end down bags dont accommodate a 25 in wide pad currently.

Just for the record.. My current bag is a Big Agnes Encampment 15 synthetic bag. Maybe I should just stick with this bag and get a new pad for it?

 

[sneaky]

One bag does all is like a one tent does all. Always trade offs.

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[RosinBag]

You could look at the Kuiu 15 degree bag. It has treated down feathers that are as close to “water proof” as you can get. It’s the one down bag I wouldn’t be concerned with if it gets a little wet. I have a WM bag and I have had some condensation get onto and soak into the bag, so much that I had to dry it out.

 

[Jtelarkin08]

I have that bag too.....took it to alaska. Worked well but never really dropped below 30. I would be worried in that bag if it got in the teens. I think they are liberal with their temp ratings. love the BA system though. I called them yesterday cause i was interested in their higher end down bags Mystic and some other bag. They are creating a stretch sleeve for 2019 that will accommodate 20 AND 25 in pads which is awesome because their higher end down bags dont accommodate a 25 in wide pad currently.

Seems for what I’m using a bag for I need to go synthetic. I wonder if there would be any advantage of having a 20 degree Kifaru bag over what I already have? I may just need a warmer pad for the hunts I have planned.


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[bridgermgmt]

You could look at the Kuiu 15 degree bag. It has treated down feathers that are as close to “water proof” as you can get. It’s the one down bag I wouldn’t be concerned with if it gets a little wet. I have a WM bag and I have had some condensation get onto and soak into the bag, so much that I had to dry it out.

I was wondering if this could have been due to being over bagged? I read something about how going to low in sleeping bag temp will cause your body to sweat and when you also have moisture outside your really going to have issues with the bag. I dont know if this is the case, but could you elaborate on what the conditions were like?

 

[RosinBag]

Single wall tents will have condensation regardless. Double wall tents with poorly designed vents will condensate and multi person tipis will condensate unless you are using the liner. It is just part of back pack hunting you have to deal with. If condensation is expected to be bad I will throw my jacket over the foot box to absorb any moisture so the bag doesn’t.

 

[geriggs]

I just ordered the terra lite. Cant wait. will probably get a bag extender since im larger stature but being able to open up like a quilt was huge for me. I think im going to run a 30 in wide pad this year. With that bag and maybe extender you are talking 5-5.5lbs. Not ultralight but ultra comfortable for sure. I dont go but a mile or two back anyways. I think the terra lite is the perfect 3 season bag....on paper. I havent gotten it yet so we will see

 

[geriggs]

I dont see much of an advantage getting the kifaru bag. weights are similar. Climashield APEX is probably a better synthetic insulation but thats about it. plus with the encampment you dont have to worry about sliding off of pad.

Seems for what I’m using a bag for I need to go synthetic. I wonder if there would be any advantage of having a 20 degree Kifaru bag over what I already have? I may just need a warmer pad for the hunts I have planned.


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[geriggs]

defintely get a warm pad though. I would say R rating of 4-5.5

 

[mrbillbrown]

Too afraid that down might fail. Even if a small chance.....I spend too much time, money, energy, and focus to risk it. All year long I plot and plan for Sept archery elk in CO. I run an Xtherm pad and a 0* Kifaru Slick Bag. Haven’t regretted it one bit and would replace either with the same if they happen to fail.


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[LandYacht]

WM Versalite. Can zipnopen like a quilt, zip up if you’re cold. Very conservative rating at 10 degrees, have no doubt you could go zero and still be warm enough. Weight is only 2 pounds.

Don’t camp in a creek and you will be just fine with down. I had the same down vs synthetic paralysis when I was choosing bags. In the end chose the down because it’s not going to be a comfortable night in either bag if they’re wet. I can make a fire and dry things out if it gets that wet, but I plan and react accordingly to keep them from getting there. Keep my bag in a sea to summit e-vent compression dry bag instead of a stuff sack. Lets me add my other dry only clothes and I am set for any mishap that water can bring.


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