Help me decide on a sleeping bag

[Weston]

I'm trying to decide between the helium 15 degree bag, a western mountaineering ultralight (I believe it was called 20 degree), and the kifaru slick 20. I will be using it for a lightweight bag that I will use throughout the year we rarely get into single digits where I'm hunting but have also debated getting a lower temp rated as I get cold easily. I like the kifaru but I'm worried that it won't pack down as small as a down bag. I have not seen a kifaru in person yet either. Also if anyone has any other suggestions I would appreciate it. I currently use a z rest sleeping pad but am looking to upgrade that too. Thanks!

 

[sneek-ee]

A slick bag will pack down plenty small.
All of those bags you listed are awesome bags.
It just depends if you want down or synthetic.
if it doesn't get into single digits I'd get an enlightened equipment quilt.
quilts are great and super convenient for a wide range of temps.

 

[Ironman]

A slick bag will pack down plenty small.
All of those bags you listed are awesome bags.
It just depends if you want down or synthetic.
if it doesn't get into single digits I'd get an enlightened equipment quilt.
quilts are great and super convenient for a wide range of temps.

^^^this^^^
Looking at EE quilts myself. Thinking about a neo x lite pad as well. You can get a pretty light sleep system started with these two.

 

[Weston]

I will have to look into the quilts, I have heard people talking about them but I have not ever used one in person, seems like I would get pretty cold and it would be drafty, although I could be wrong. I think I like down, I have a synthetic mountain hardware bag that I've had for about 7 years and it gets very cold even when I am well above the rating, the sales person at the backpacking store was telling me that down is the way to go in terms of longevity of synthetics being poor. Although I do like the insulating properties of a wet synthetic much better than wet down. If I understand the Kifaru system is a one peice filament which is an interesting idea and I would like to support a hunting manufacturer however without seeing one in person I'm a bit skeptical.

 

[LazyV]

I just got a kifaru slick bag two days ago. I was in the same boat as you and I'm glad this is the route I went. It weighs two pounds, don't have to over stress about getting it wet, and its built very well. Plus it has a proven track record so I'm not concerned about longevity.

 

[Weston]

about how small would you say it compresses down to, compared to a down bag?

 

[LazyV]

I fit it into one of the medium Kuiu dry bags for my trip out next week. The bag is • Medium: 21" x 10 1/4". I will be getting a Kifaru stuff sack for ease of use. I've never had a 20 degree down bag, the only down bag I've ever had is a 0 degree bag so its hard to compare.

 

[Rick Leathley]

I run a western Mountaineering Alpinlite 20 degree . Its the large mans version of the Ultrlite. I have never regretted buying this bag. Unless you hunt in a really wet region I vote down for the following reasons , weight to warmth ratio, compressibility, and longevity of down is superior to synthetic.

I have 3 bags with climashield. My western mountaineering is WAY better.

 

[AZ Vince]

I too get cold easily.
What I did was get a "3 Season" synthetic bag and then bought a fleece liner bag and an "emergency bag" that is mummy shaped but reflective on the inside for a sleeping bag cover. It's sort of like those Emergency Blankets we all used back in the 1970's and 80's. The liner and cover combo really enhances my 3 season bag and all three pack up pretty small and gives me a lot more options.

 

[Weston]

Thank you guys for all of the info. I truly appreciate it and keep it coming, I do like the footbox design on the western mountaineering.

 

[crazy_davey]

I do like the footbox design on the western mountaineering.

The Western Mountaineering bag would be my choice. I have owned two of them(different models) in the past and would not hesitate to own another. One of the best bags on the market IMO.

 

[Weston]

Thanks guys, has anyone used the MontBell Super Spiral UL #1 I did not see one in person but just stumbled across one online, looks like about 6 ounces heavier than the WM bag however the stretch might be worth it, as I am an "active" sleeper and tend to move, that said I really have not been overly bothered with a traditional style bag in the past. It is a very unique idea and I could carry a third of a pound for a better night sleep in a heartbeat.

 

[Aron Snyder]

Thanks guys, has anyone used the MontBell Super Spiral UL #1 I did not see one in person but just stumbled across one online, looks like about 6 ounces heavier than the WM bag however the stretch might be worth it, as I am an "active" sleeper and tend to move, that said I really have not been overly bothered with a traditional style bag in the past. It is a very unique idea and I could carry a third of a pound for a better night sleep in a heartbeat.

Montbell will be the most comfortable, but slightly optimistic on temp rating.

Western will be most accurate on temp and best warmth to weight ratio.

Kifaru will be most durable.

Helium is great too and is easier to find on sale.


I've used all of these at great length, so if you wanna call me, I can give you the run down.

 

[Justin Crossley]

You really need to decide if you want down or not. If you want synthetic, get the Kifaru. I prefer down myself.
I have used a Helium for 7-8 years now and I always stay warm. This year I got a 30* down quilt because I'm usually too warm in the Marmot. Plus it packs down smaller than a water bottle! I haven't used the WM or the Kifaru myself.

 

[cmeier117]

Montbell is a great bag and one I currently own. Great bag very comfortable and fairly lightweight for the room it provides. You can find them on sale sometimes too. Never used the others but between all of those you can't go wrong.

 

[vegas hunter]

I bought the Montbell but found it to be very constrictive. Sold it and got a Feathered Friends Puffin. Very comfortable bag and great quality. Comparable to a WM bag.

 

[Ross]

Never slept so well in a bag as my Montbell 0 degree. Many good options to choose from

 

[cmeier117]

I bought the Montbell but found it to be very constrictive. Sold it and got a Feathered Friends Puffin. Very comfortable bag and great quality. Comparable to a WM bag.

Just out of curiosity but how could you feel constricted in the month bell bag? It's the roomiest bag I have ever tried.

 

[Yeti]

Just out of curiosity but how could you feel constricted in the month bell bag? It's the roomiest bag I have ever tried.

I was just about to ask the same thing. I'm 6'4 with very broad shoulders and the montbell is by far the best "bag" I have owned for my size.

 

[vegas hunter]

I was just as surprised as you fellas that it was too small for me. I bought it because I respect and appreciate everyones opinion on here and will continue to do so. I'm not huge, 6' and 180lbs. Didn't make it out of the house after I got it. Just experimenting with the Montbell in the living room I found it was not big enough to pull my legs up when laying on my side and gave me a bit of a claustrophobic feeling. Puffin does not give me that feeling at all. Maybe it will have cold spots because its wider, but I can sleep very comfortably on my side or when tossing and turning.
For full disclosure, I have always hunted from a base camp and used rectangle bags. Rokslide has given me the bug to get out into the backcountry and I have been learning a lot and trying a LOT of different gear based on these forums.