Economic bag & pad options

[sethroe]

I'm looking for some guidance on a economy sleep system to use for September backpack elk hunt in northern Colorado. I will be sleeping 9000-10,000 ft elevation and looking at the 1-2 weeks in September.

I like the idea of a synthetic bag due to the insulating factor if wet. I just don't have the confidence in down, partly because I don't have much experience backpacking. I would like to stay in the $300 range for both bag and pad. Help me narrow down some options with a bag and pad.

 

[colonel00]

How far in are you hiking and how much is the weight of the system a factor? Also, are you looking for an inflatable pad that will be comfortable to sleep on your side? Finally, what kind of shelter will you be using?

 

[sethroe]

Hiking in 2-3 miles, so weight is a consideration. I figured an inflatable pad would be best and I am usually a side sleeper, so comfort is important. I am running a Tarptent for a shelter.

 

[gelton]

I used a thermarest trail pro pad with a Marmot Sawtooth 15 degree bag. Not warm enough in SW Colorado for 10K ft in October but possibly September. Also, the thermaresst trail pro is huge and takes up a lot of room. Both are pretty heavy for backpacking use as well. You could probably pick up both of these items for the $300 you have set as a budget.

 

[sethroe]

Any other thoughts or suggestions? I'm open to any advice.

 

[Lawnboi]

Wiggys makea a decent bag at a very cheap price. Would allow you to skimp on a pad as far as comfort goes cause the insulation is very springy, at least in my 0deg bag it is.

It will be heavier, and not as compressible, but what do you expect for a hair over 100 bucks.

 

[jcodyc40]

I like the Klymit static V, you can pick one up for around $50. If you are coming from a warmer climate I would suggest a 0-15 deg bag.

 

[Mtnboy]

North Face Cats Meow Bag and Klymit Static V pad. This is what I use and it's worked great for me for 3 season use.

With that being said, the next upgrade on my list is a new bag, but that is for weight reasons.

 

[Brodie]

I have a cats meow for sale in the classifieds....just in case your interested

 

[sethroe]

I have a cats meow for sale in the classifieds....just in case your interested

I looked at that, but I'm 6'4" so I need a long bag.

Has anybody had any experience with a Marmot Wizard 15F bag? I found it on STP for about $165. Is it a decent buy?

 

[Wood Trekker]

My choice Mountian Hardwear Ultralamina 15 bag and the Big Agnes Air Core Insulated Pad. The combination will weigh 3lb 14oz, and you should be able to find both for under $300.

 

[jimriver]

I know you prefer synthetic but I have no issues with my down bag getting wet. I sleep in an sl5 with a kelty cosmic down 20 degree bag (during all of September in high mountain country) and use a Big Agnes Air core for a pad and am really happy with the set up. Can get both the bag and pad in your price range.

 

[Matt W.]

My choice Mountian Hardwear Ultralamina 15 bag and the Big Agnes Air Core Insulated Pad. The combination will weigh 3lb 14oz, and you should be able to find both for under $300.

I've been using this exact same setup for 3-4 years now on my Alaska sheep hunts. Works great. Only reason I am considering switching it up is save some weight. But, if you are only going 3-4 miles its hard to beat.

 

[SHTF]

I'm looking for some guidance on a economy sleep system to use for September backpack elk hunt in northern Colorado. I will be sleeping 9000-10,000 ft elevation and looking at the 1-2 weeks in September.

I like the idea of a synthetic bag due to the insulating factor if wet. I just don't have the confidence in down, partly because I don't have much experience backpacking. I would like to stay in the $300 range for both bag and pad. Help me narrow down some options with a bag and pad.

Here is a Fantastic deal on 2 different Bags. The seller is top notch also http://www.rokslide.com/forums/showthread.php?17649-FS-Sleeping-Bags-Marmot-and-Kifaru

 

[Mad Mountain Mike]

My choice Mountian Hardwear Ultralamina 15 bag and the Big Agnes Air Core Insulated Pad. The combination will weigh 3lb 14oz, and you should be able to find both for under $300.

I use the same bag and carry a liner ( 3 or 4 oz ) in case temps drop and run a Therma Rest Zlite pad ( $30 or $40 ) that weighs 14 oz. I to was a side sleeper but through perseverance trained myself to sleep on my back. I cut 2 feet off the bottom of the pad to use as a seat while glassing. I put the whole shooting match inside a Mountain Ti Ptarmigan bivy ( $60, I think ).
Probably not the most effective set up but for the money it's light, comfy and works well for me.

 

[COR]

Enlightened Equipment quilt...Prodigy

Big Agnes Q Core

 

[boom]

there is a Marmot Helium in the classifieds right now. start with that!

 

[colonel00]

Check out this post I just put up. Looks like some killer deals on pads. Haven't really checked out the rest of the site.

http://www.rokslide.com/forums/show...-XTherm-112-165-(Sm-Lg)-XLites-and-others-too