Help a newb out a bit!

[guitarpreston]

Last year was my first year hunting out West; I am from Texas. Planning on going back this year, hopefully to the same place, and debating sleeping in my truck like I did last year or picking up a tent and a better sleep system. Last year in my truck, I used a Magellan 40 degree bag with a liner, and a cheap self inflating mat I got from academy and it got the job done, but I would not want to pack it around due to weight and size so I have opened the can of worms that is a new sleep system. It seems down is the way to go for packability, but it comes at a price. Last year, the highs were in the upper 60s to 70s, and lows at night down to the mid-30s. Looking at forecasts based on historical data, it seems like that seems about average. Is it as simple as get a 30-degree bag, or should I look at a 15-20-degree for more versatility? Same question with the R values on pads?

 

[Slick8]

I'm in the same boat and thinking plan for the worst, it can get sporty in a hurry.

Where I like to hunt, lows are in the high teens to low 30's with very little snow or rain. I'm looking at a modular system to for 0 to 30s for lows. Bear in mind, I typically prefer more warmth than most when sleeping.

I feel like a tent is a better option if it gains quality of sleep. To me, that's the name of the game to keep you hunting day after day.

 

[guitarpreston]

I'm in the same boat and thinking plan for the worst, it can get sporty in a hurry.

Where I like to hunt, lows are in the high teens to low 30's with very little snow or rain. I'm looking at a modular system to for 0 to 30s for lows. Bear in mind, I typically prefer more warmth than most when sleeping.

I feel like a tent is a better option if it gains quality of sleep. To me, that's the name of the game to keep you hunting day after day.

Last year I noticed my garmin sleep scores dipped but not terribly bad.

 

[Legend]

Last year was my first year hunting out West; I am from Texas. Planning on going back this year, hopefully to the same place, and debating sleeping in my truck like I did last year or picking up a tent and a better sleep system. Last year in my truck, I used a Magellan 40 degree bag with a liner, and a cheap self inflating mat I got from academy and it got the job done, but I would not want to pack it around due to weight and size so I have opened the can of worms that is a new sleep system. It seems down is the way to go for packability, but it comes at a price. Last year, the highs were in the upper 60s to 70s, and lows at night down to the mid-30s. Looking at forecasts based on historical data, it seems like that seems about average. Is it as simple as get a 30-degree bag, or should I look at a 15-20-degree for more versatility? Same question with the R values on pads?

I prefer a 40 degree western mountaineering bag for Montana in September. That means lows in 20's or 60's at night. If you get cold wear some clothes or your puffy jacket. No sense in extra sleeping bag weight to have down laying beside you at night (jacket).

Invest in a good WM or feathered friends down bag if you plan to backpack.