October 25th in Montana sleeping bag

[beetlespin]

Hi guys,

I have a combo tag for Montana for October 25th. I have a megatarp and medium stove but my sleeping bag is only an rei 20 degree radian down bag. Will I be warm enough? I used it in Wyoming for deer rifle last year just fine. What do you guys think? Would foot warmer or a warm Nalgene bottle help?

 

[5MilesBack]

If it was me going into MT in Oct, I'd be using a -20 bag.......even with the stove. They don't stay warm all night, unless you're up feeding it. I've been in some sub -15 temps even in CO hunting in Oct, waking to a sheet of ice covering my sleeping bag in a wall tent with a stove. I don't miss those days and/or nights at all.

 

[kad11]

I would say no as well... we've had a few 20 degree nights here in town (Bozeman) the last week already. Granted this weather is unusual, but by the end of Oct night-time temps in the 20s is the norm with occasional single digit nights. The mountains will be significantly chillier.

 

[beetlespin]

Ok, thanks guys, It looks like a will need to make my quilt in a hurry!!

 

[Jason Snyder]

Depends on where you are going? I've seen late October days in the 70s in the mountains, and I've seen two feet of snow. I did a late October backpack hunt one year and it was subzero at 6k feet.

I'd probably opt for a zero degree bag to be safe. You can always sleep on top of it if it's warm.

 

[Craig Van Arsdale]

I did MT last year in early Oct with a 20 deg and it snowed the whole time. Needless to say I did not sleep that well on that trip. I made it but I wouldn't do it again, plan for the worst.

 

[beetlespin]

Thanks for the help guys, what do you recommend for a Montana rifle season sleeping bag then? I think I might try to build a quilt here quick. Do you recommend a good 0 degree bag otherwise?

 

[beetlespin]

How about an e&e 0 degree quilt?

 

[5MilesBack]

How about an e&e 0 degree quilt?

I have an E&E 0 degree quilt and used it opening weekend 8/31........and was comfortable. I'd sure want more than that in October........but that's me. I hate being cold.

 

[beetlespin]

I talked to e&e, they said it will be great. I have lots of merino and a Kuiu super down hoodie to wear with it. Any others with experience?

 

[DaveC]

I think a higher quality 20 degree bag, with insulating layers as backup, would likely be fine. 600 fill duck down is not so good w/r/t warmth for weight. I use a ~25 degree Feathered Friends bag most of the time through early November with no issues, though I have a 5 degree Wester Mountaineering bag in reserve for cold snaps. A -20 bag is a bit ridiculous unless you have metabolic or circulation issues; more likely to get cold because you start too warm and sweat with this approach.

 

[IrishnId]

Idaho in the high country for six days so far, and no a 20 degree won't work mine is really lacking having to wrap up feet with sweatshirts to get thru the night. Cold year at nights for sure.

 

[Ross]

As noted it can be butt ass cold or very pleasant I always have zero degree bag come late October in Montana and Idaho you just never know what Mother Nature is going to throw at you and sleep is precious in elk season. My Montbell zero bag is cozy and comfy.

 

[beetlespin]

Hi Guys, I ordered an E&E 0 degree quilt today, we will see how it goes, 800 fill dry down should be pretty good. I have a good pad set up as well so i think that will help. I am so glad i thought of this before i got on that mountain. I think the quilt should work much better than my current bag.

 

[ohhiitznik]

I took my 30 degree ee prodigy quilt and my thermarest solite foam pad down into the teens in late Sept co archery. But I wore my clothes to bed. 0 degree and cut your drafts you should be fine.