Early September high country sleeping system

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Jun 10, 2025
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I’m going on a 7 day backpack mule deer archery hunt in California first week of September. We will be between 10,000 and 12,000 feet. I’m thinking a 15 degree bag, but I have minimal experience here and looking for some input.
 
That’ll be plenty warm. I use a 40 degree for the same hunt. Very rarely do I end up needing to wear any layers to bed
 
I’m going on a 7 day backpack mule deer archery hunt in California first week of September. We will be between 10,000 and 12,000 feet. I’m thinking a 15 degree bag, but I have minimal experience here and looking for some input.
Do have anything besides the 15 bag?
 
Id be looking for a 30-40 degree down bag for that hunt if you don't need a lot of versatility to cover other hunts. 15 bag is going to be way overkill for that specific task.
 
I really like the idea of a quilt for weight savings and being able to strap it down to my pad. I get a good deal with outdoorvitals. I’m a little concerned with getting a 30, cause weather data shows it can get into the low 30s at night. Would the 15 quilt be overkill?
 
Not at all. The weight penalty is negligible there. It’s worth it. If it’s hot kick your legs out, if cold layer up underneath. People are hesitant to get a quilt, but once you do you’ll kick yourself for not doing it sooner.
 
I really like the idea of a quilt for weight savings and being able to strap it down to my pad. I get a good deal with outdoorvitals. I’m a little concerned with getting a 30, cause weather data shows it can get into the low 30s at night. Would the 15 quilt be overkill?
Do you have puffy pants or a jacket? I would use them for more insulation, as opposed to opting for a lower temperature-rated bag.
 
Do you have puffy pants or a jacket? I would use them for more insulation, as opposed to opting for a lower temperature-rated bag.
I do, but I hate sleeping in layers if I can avoid it. The least amount of clothes I have to sleep in the better I will sleep.
 
I'm a big fan of top quilts, and I personally use a 30 degree TQ more than anything else from April through November. As was mentioned above, if the temps are below 30, I just put on puffy jacket and/or pants as needed. The advantage of this system is that I'm already packing the weight of the puffy layers, so I get more use out of the weight I'm carrying in my pack anyway. I've spent many nights in my 30 deg TQ in temperatures in the low teens and been toasty with this setup.

That being said, I get what you're saying about not being comfortable sleeping in puffy layers. Everyone is different and has their preferences. So if you don't think you could tolerate sleeping in some puffy layers, a 15 degree TQ is a great option. Just keep in mind that if you ever find yourself in temps much below that, you'll still want or need to put on some additional layers.
 
WM MegaLite, with a quality pad such as an XTherm, could serve you well. It's T Comfort is 32* F and T Limit is 22* F.

With merino top and bottom (to keep the bag clean), I've regularly taken mine into the 20s without incident (paired with an XTherm pad). No issues with using it in warmer temperatures which is the bulk of its usage. It also held up significantly better than hoped for when it took a direct hit from a monsoon followed up by a multi-hour soak.

I also have a WM Antelope which I grab if I know the lows will be in the 30s or colder.
 
So I think I’m going to go with the ov 30 quilt… I’ll probably just sleep in wool long John’s and don’t think I’ll ever need to sleep in a puffy, but will have it if necessary. As far as pads go, what r insulation should I be looking for?
 
So I think I’m going to go with the ov 30 quilt… I’ll probably just sleep in wool long John’s and don’t think I’ll ever need to sleep in a puffy, but will have it if necessary. As far as pads go, what r insulation should I be looking for?
CamoFire has some killer deals on WM bags right now.
 
I assume you'll be in the Sierras, or the Whites. Typically at those elevations September is pretty mild (relative to location and elevation). However. The Sierra's often have local storms. I've seen days in the 80's and a couple hours later it's snowing. Granted, it Typically doesn't snow much, but the cold temps can stick around overnight. If I were you I'd look at Zenbivy and the many options they have. But, whoever you go with, take note of how they rate their bag/quilt. Most companies use a survival rating, some use a comfort rating, some use both. You want the comfort rating appropriate for expected temps in the area you'll be. If it's colder, layer clothing appropriately. But keep in mind that your clothing needs to allow heat to escape into the bag, (you may want the help that process a bit), after all, your bag/quilt and pad are what you're relying on, ultimately. Lastly, get an appropriately rated pad along with appropriate length and width (22 inch wide pads don't cut it. For me it's a long wide)
 
I like quilts down to about 40 degrees, regardless of the bags temp rating. I don't like the drafts when it gets colder than that. I toss and turn. I go w/ a bag when I know it's gong to be in the 30s. Thats just me.
 
My 20 degree quilt has been my versatile workhorse. I've used it nywhere from 50 degree nights where its basically a blanket, down to the teens with puffy clothes on.

For the pad question: anything over 4.2 should be plenty for the early season hunt. If you want a one and done pad, something like the Thermarest Neoair Xlite or Nemo Tensor All Season would be good options. You can always pair them with a 1/8 ccf pad to push it if you need warmer.
 
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