Synthetic Sleeping Bag Options

[Akshphntr]

My wiggys is 0 degrees and I woke up to 13 degrees and was perfect but glad it wasn't any colder. I use zero degree bags from now on.

 

[CtP]

Been debating what to get for a while, either a quilt, WM, or wiggys. It's hard to pass on wiggys with the price, reputation, and durability.

Anyone have experience with how Wiggys do with a bivy?

 

[boom]

i like the cat's meow. i borrowed a buddies before.

NF make a 15 deg syn bag?

 

[MarshLaw303]

Is the wiggy's price lower than a synthetic quilt? Now I can't make one warmer than 20* as its too thick so you'd need a 20 and a 40 but that's super versatile and still not crazy expensive but I'm sure wiggy wins then

-Tim

 

[TEmbry]

Is the wiggy's price lower than a synthetic quilt? Now I can't make one warmer than 20* as its too thick so you'd need a 20 and a 40 but that's super versatile and still not crazy expensive but I'm sure wiggy wins then

-Tim

Wiggys are crazy cheap for the quality. I just picked up a 0* bag for $130. You pay for it in weight though as the long/wide version weighs 5 lbs and compresses to the size of small volkswagon. Not for backpacking obviously, but a great option for its intended purpose.

 

[Nick Muche]

A 0 degree syntheitic quilt would be a great idea!

 

[MarshLaw303]

That is a great price. I'm not quite there. A 0* synthetic quilt is too thick to sew

 

[8Crow]

From what I can tell, about half of Wiggy's claims are based on the fact that he doesn't sew through them, he somehow laminates the insulation to the cloth so his stuff isn't quilted at all. The other half of his claim, and the reason he says he can do that, is that he's using Climashield continuous filament, solid core insulation that won't come apart and bunch up. I've read a little of his propaganda.

But just like TEmbry, I was willing to bite for $130 and if it manages to arrive by tomorrow I will try it out this weekend, hopefully around 10 deg and see what all the fuss is about.

I am not ruling the Wiggy's Super Light out as my go-to backpacking bag, though. Yeah it's a couple pounds heavier than other alternatives and it doesn't compress nearly as well as other alternatives, but I'm really trying to get myself out of the "I must spend hundreds of dollars to save a few ounces" mindset. The reality is, if I prepare physically like I should, whether I have a 50 lb pack or a 55 lb pack, I'm going to get to my destination with about the same level of exertion.

 

[8Crow]

I should clarify...I don't think there's anything wrong with spending a little money to get lighter gear if you can afford it. I've seen others on here talk about a fixed monthly "allowance" and that's exactly the boat I'm in, so I have to decide: do I want to save up for the expensive stuff and not hunt or work just a little harder (b/c my gear is heavier/bulkier) but go hunting more often. It's actually a little refreshing to stop obsessing over gear and just be content with the functional items you have. There is also something very comforting about the resiliency of synthetic bags/quilts.

Tim I see after looking at your site that I was preaching to the choir about Climashield, and it looks like you don't quilt it either?

 

[AK Troutbum]

From what I can tell, about half of Wiggy's claims are based on the fact that he doesn't sew through them, he somehow laminates the insulation to the cloth so his stuff isn't quilted at all. The other half of his claim, and the reason he says he can do that, is that he's using Climashield continuous filament, solid core insulation that won't come apart and bunch up. I've read a little of his propaganda.

But just like TEmbry, I was willing to bite for $130 and if it manages to arrive by tomorrow I will try it out this weekend, hopefully around 10 deg and see what all the fuss is about.

I am not ruling the Wiggy's Super Light out as my go-to backpacking bag, though. Yeah it's a couple pounds heavier than other alternatives and it doesn't compress nearly as well as other alternatives, but I'm really trying to get myself out of the "I must spend hundreds of dollars to save a few ounces" mindset. The reality is, if I prepare physically like I should, whether I have a 50 lb pack or a 55 lb pack, I'm going to get to my destination with about the same level of exertion.

One thing I've noticed in regards to weight is that regardless of how much money I spend on upgrading to lighter weight gear, my pack pretty much always weighs the same, because I tend to just take more, frivolous, comfort items. This offsets any weight savings I've made on the more expensive gear, but all in all tends to make my whole hunting experience more enjoyable.

 

[MarshLaw303]

8Crow,

No I don't quilt climashield. Its a strong insulation and only needs edge stabilization.

-Tim

 

[wetzel]

Is the wiggy's price lower than a synthetic quilt? Now I can't make one warmer than 20* as its too thick so you'd need a 20 and a 40 but that's super versatile and still not crazy expensive but I'm sure wiggy wins then

-Tim

Tim,
How does using two quilts work out? Do they stay together alright? Seems like a flexible system. I live and hunt in Wyoming and am wondering what would be the best temperature quilt to get? I am a somewhat cold sleeper, at least my feet are around 3 or 4 in the morning. Temps range in the 30's down to the teens. Oh I should have posted this in the enlightened equipment thread as I am not set on synthetic.

 

[MarshLaw303]

Two quilts can work well. I like adding male buckles to the inner quilt so it clips to the outer quilt. If you want that just asks for it in our order comments. It keeps the middles connected.


-Tim

 

[colonel00]

Interesting idea Tim. While a little off topic since you are talking about synthetic, I already have a 10* and 30* Rev X. Would you see the same benefit of combining two down quilts without losing too much loft? I bet it wouldn't be too difficult to make up a little attachment with some elastic and male clips on either end. Do you have a source for the clips you use? I guess I would only need like 4, right?

 

[MarshLaw303]

I have a great source. They're on the shelf by my desk! Shoot me an email and I'll send you some. 4 is right on.

-Tim

 

[colonel00]

Thanks Tim. Email on its way.