Sleeping Bag Rating for Above Treeline?

[OK_hunter]

I am planning to hunt above tree line this coming fall in central CO in early/mid September. I have done a lot of camping at lower elevations and I am wondering if a good 30 degree down bag is enough. I will be using it in a tent with an insulated sleeping pad. Hopefully some of you guys that hunt up there regularly can help me out.

 

[Akicita]

I don't get cold easily but when I do it can be hard to recover if I don't have the right gear. Therefore, I personally run my 15 degree bag anywhere I may be in the high country above or below treeline in the Spring, Summer and Fall through October. I've been caught in to many "unseasonable" storms in the Colorado high country to not be prepared for anything. . . It's better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it. . .

 

[zman]

I use a 30 degree bag in CO for archery season. I have been cold though in roughly 30 degree temps and consider myself a cold sleeper.
Rather than buy a whole new bag, I bought one of those Sea to Summit sleeping bag liners that is supposed to increase your bag rating by 10-15 degrees. Worked like a charm.
If you don't have a bag and are getting one, I would go 15 or 20 degree. My two cents.

 

[mavmskyb8]

I take a 10* Viam quilt w/ an insulated Pad for the entire archery season. Use them in the popup and when I pack in.

 

[gobbler1662]

I use a 20 degree bag for September elk hunts here in Oregon. Every year we have the temps drop down in the mid teens for a few nights. I usually just take a sea to summit reactor plus to supplement my bag,Last year a friend of mine just stuffed his woobie inside his 20 degree bag when the temps dropped for a few nights and that also worked well and probably more versatile as it can be used as a blanquet also when glassing.

 

[KMT]

Unless you are always hot when you sleep, a 30 degree bag won't keep you very toasty.

 

[oldgoat]

I wouldn't with a 30 and I'm fairly warm sleeper. Liner or woobie would be cheaper way to increase warmth and keep your options

 

[OK_hunter]

Thanks for the replies, I was hoping I wouldn't need more than a 30 but knew it probably wouldn't be enough. I will watch for a sale on a good 15 degree bag this spring and if I don't find one I will go with the liner in the 30.

 

[jmez]

It is warm enough for me. I use a 30 degree bag and am fine down into the mid 20's. I don't even zip mine unless it starts getting down into the 20's. All depends on your thermostat, mine tends to run pretty high.

 

[Murdy]

is that leaving your baselayers on inside the bag?

 

[FURMAN]

You can usually find the Kelty Tuck 22 degree or Big Agnes Whalen 20 degree for under $100. I have one of each for the kids and I have used them below 30 degrees. I sleep cold and these bags are not bad. They weigh right at 3lbs.

 

[jmez]

I don't even use baselayers. Sleep in my boxers. 90% of the time the only top I have on is a short sleeve merino T shirt.

I'm probably the wrong one to ask on this subject.

 

[fngTony]

You can usually find the Kelty Tuck 22 degree or Big Agnes Whalen 20 degree for under $100. I have one of each for the kids and I have used them below 30 degrees. I sleep cold and these bags are not bad. They weigh right at 3lbs.

I'll second the kelty tuck 22. Its not the lightest or smallest but for the price it has been a great quality bag for me. With a good compression sack I can get mine down to about 8x10 inches. Have about 30 nights between it and the tuck 30. Both have lived up to their ratings. Can't think of a better bag for the money to start with other than scoring a deal in the classifieds.

 

[yak]

Like previously stated, it depends if you're a hot or cold sleeper, how much $ you have in your budget and shelter/pad combo. I am a cold sleeper. Over the last several seasons, I've found myself wearing base layers and down insulation to bed regularly in the CO alpine. This is paired with an older 15 degree synthetic and some drafts moving through the 3 season tent (wind always blows where I hunt). We got caught in a cold snap last year in September and we got hammered with snow/wind; I shivered all night wearing almost all my clothes in my bag. I'm probably more of an exception, not the rule.

I will be upgrading to a Rab 10 degree down bag this year, but still probably going to were base layers to bed. Hope this helps.

 

[Kevin_t]

I use a 20 degree or 15 degree pretty much everywhere in Colorado. In winter I use an overbag or a warmer bag. I could make do with a 30 degree in archery season, but I may have some nights the 30 degree did not cut it.