Skipping the bag all together

[EC4reel]

Trying to stay UL for the up coming archery season. I'm toying around the idea of skipping the sleeping bag altogether but have no experience with being in the woods at night without my blanky. I'm thinking about running the following system: rain fly, neo pad, puffy jacket/pants/booties, rain gear over top if it gets real cold. My thought is that the puffy garments are basically the sleeping bag, What do you think? Would this be totally miserable?

FYI: Typical September nights here are in the mid 40's, dipping into the 30's towards the end of the season. Rain is frequent but it almost never snows or freezes during Sept.

Thanks for your opinions in advance.

 

[EC4reel]

Sorry, first post....new guys need an intro.....cue music

Hello, located in Oregon and I like to hunt.

I use a bow as a walking stick for most hunting seasons and I'm just getting into the backcountry hunting hipster scene. This summer I plan on packing in 27 miles (or 2mi) and killing a 380+ (or 180+) bull this year that I digi-scoped from google earth, totally solo (with 3 friends who have quads).

My biggest pet peeve is when my Kuiu pants get dirty.....Uhhhhhgg #dirtsgross

 

[bounds]

Nothing worse than a bad nights sleep because of being cold. A puffy jacket or pant doesn't have near the loft that a 30 degree bag does and with as light as a lot of 30 degree bags are these days, I would never not take my bag or quilt. You're body is working really hard every day in the mountains and you owe it to yourself to get a good nights sleep so you can recover and be ready for the next day.

 

[bounds]

And glad to have you man. Welcome!

 

[SHTF]

EC4 welcome to the Forums. If your staying Ultralight and money isnt a big issue for you check out the Western Mountaineering bags. My bag weighs in at 16 ounces and is a 35 degree bag. They use some of the best materials you can find and it shows. I stay warm down below freezing but Im a warm sleeper. If you are a cold sleeper Id definitely not recommend it either. But Im no expert. There are guys that can get away with just a Poncho insulation like using the Kifaru Woobie or HPG Mountain Serape and be just fine with that. All very dependent on how warm you are at night. Spent many a nights while backpacking with crappy sleeping bags. I crossed this same bridge as you and had the same question many years ago. Its just not ideal when the temps dip down.

I work off the ol Saying Rather have it and not need it, then to need it and not have it.

Regards.

 

[Brock A]

Trying to stay UL for the up coming archery season. I'm toying around the idea of skipping the sleeping bag altogether but have no experience with being in the woods at night without my blanky. I'm thinking about running the following system: rain fly, neo pad, puffy jacket/pants/booties, rain gear over top if it gets real cold. My thought is that the puffy garments are basically the sleeping bag, What do you think? Would this be totally miserable?

FYI: Typical September nights here are in the mid 40's, dipping into the 30's towards the end of the season. Rain is frequent but it almost never snows or freezes during Sept.

Thanks for your opinions in advance.

IMO you'll be uncomfortable and not have a good time.

backcountry hunting hipster scene.

My biggest pet peeve is when my Kuiu pants get dirty.....Uhhhhhgg #dirtsgross

You lost me here and here, haha

 

[Hunt'nFish]

Sorry, first post....new guys need an intro.....cue music

Hello, located in Oregon and I like to hunt.

I use a bow as a walking stick for most hunting seasons and I'm just getting into the backcountry hunting hipster scene. This summer I plan on packing in 27 miles (or 2mi) and killing a 380+ (or 180+) bull this year that I digi-scoped from google earth, totally solo (with 3 friends who have quads).

My biggest pet peeve is when my Kuiu pants get dirty.....Uhhhhhgg #dirtsgross

EC, I like you already. Gotta slap you on the back for an intro like that.
Back to the sleep system question. I'd pack a UL quilt for the first attempt. Try it your way and let us know how it goes, pull out the quilt if necessary. I can attest to sleeping on top of my 40F bag several nights this past archery season, but other nights I was happy to crawl inside.
Hunt'nFish

 

[JoshTX]

Trying to stay UL for the up coming archery season. I'm toying around the idea of skipping the sleeping bag altogether but have no experience with being in the woods at night without my blanky. I'm thinking about running the following system: rain fly, neo pad, puffy jacket/pants/booties, rain gear over top if it gets real cold. My thought is that the puffy garments are basically the sleeping bag, What do you think? Would this be totally miserable?

FYI: Typical September nights here are in the mid 40's, dipping into the 30's towards the end of the season. Rain is frequent but it almost never snows or freezes during Sept.

Thanks for your opinions in advance.

Travel light..freeze at night

Welcome to Rokslide!

 

[Craig Van Arsdale]

Even on the hottest nights where I fall asleep on top of my bag I always end up crawling inside later in the night when the temps drop. At the least I would want a 40 degree lightweight bag.

 

[BroodBuster]

About ten years or so ago half bags that zipped to your puffy jacket were all the rage. A quick google search and I don't think anyone is still making them though. So if you have an old sleeping bag and a puffy jacket might try making your own?? Or find a used one? They were marketed for mountaineers.

I'm a warm sleeper and hiker so I'd rather carry the bag then a puffy jacket/pants. You'd also need a way to keep everything dry with a poncho probably being best. I wouldn't think there would be enough weight savings to justify the discomfort.

 

[Manosteel]

Not sure if you’re legit (weird second post) but ... I have spent unexpected nights on a mountain with no sleeping bag,... it sucks. you get cold and miserable no matter how tightly you curl into a ball or how big a fire you build, and you will end up building a fire. Go with an Ultra-light quilt you will be happier for it.

 

[Highcountry_Hellrazor]

Your clothes won't hold the heat around you like a sleeping bag/quilt will. Quilts are pretty light weight I'm looking into one myself.

 

[MattB]

Bad idea IMO. Either way - due to being cold or tending a fire all night, you will probably get a cr@p night's sleep. I did what you are talking about in the NWT in early August where the sun only goes down for about 6 hours and still got too cold to sleep. My 40 degree Montbell is only about #1 and is well worth carrying for a good night' sleep.

 

[dotman]

Man I would atleast add a 40* quilt or a woobie and a minimal weight penalty.

 

[littlebuf]

sounds like another future quilt owner

 

[robby denning]

Check out Enlightened Equipment's quilts. Tim is owner and a good guy. Rokslide sponsor.
http://store.enlightenedequipment.com/

he's updated his website for those who haven't been there for awhile.

 

[amp713]

Sorry, first post....new guys need an intro.....cue music

Hello, located in Oregon and I like to hunt.

I use a bow as a walking stick for most hunting seasons and I'm just getting into the backcountry hunting hipster scene. This summer I plan on packing in 27 miles (or 2mi) and killing a 380+ (or 180+) bull this year that I digi-scoped from google earth, totally solo (with 3 friends who have quads).

My biggest pet peeve is when my Kuiu pants get dirty.....Uhhhhhgg #dirtsgross

I hope this guy is real and I hope he sticks around! HAHAHAHAHA Love some trolling for breakfast!

Idk the temps in Oregon right now but where I'm at our temps in town this month have been close to what they look like while I'm hunting so I've been playing with my sleep systems and clothing plans. Best way to do it in my mind cuz if it is too cold you can walk into the house.... It will get you close then you can dial in with your scouting trips!

 

[jm1607]

Sorry, first post....new guys need an intro.....cue music

Hello, located in Oregon and I like to hunt.

I use a bow as a walking stick for most hunting seasons and I'm just getting into the backcountry hunting hipster scene. This summer I plan on packing in 27 miles (or 2mi) and killing a 380+ (or 180+) bull this year that I digi-scoped from google earth, totally solo (with 3 friends who have quads).

My biggest pet peeve is when my Kuiu pants get dirty.....Uhhhhhgg #dirtsgross

When I get dirt on my Kuiu pants I just throw them away and get another pair out of the closet!

 

[CentennialELK]

Take all of your stuff and spend the night in your back yard tonight, minus sleeping bag, and you'll have a good idea what to expect. A good night sleep is your reward for a tough day of elk hunting.

 

[Rizzy]

You'll freeze, however I have had success with just using my puffy layer during a warm spell in July
I have recently got more of an interest in experimenting with puffy tops and bottoms in conjunction with a light sleeping bag or quilt. If anything at least getting up to take a piss at night would be more pleasant with the puffy layer already on.