Lightweight down sleepingbag
#1
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 425
Likes: 2
From: Skien Norway
Bikes: Specialized Sirrus Comp Carbon Disc '14
Lightweight down sleepingbag
Hi BF friends!
Am looking for a new lightweight sleepingbag who packs smaal and wonder If anybody was using this one
https://www.rei.com/product/864545/t...o-sleeping-bag
I can get it on a big discount tomorrow in my home town. In us 140$ is it worth it?
And the bag is 183cm the same AS me, will it fit or to smaal?
Thanks
Am looking for a new lightweight sleepingbag who packs smaal and wonder If anybody was using this one
https://www.rei.com/product/864545/t...o-sleeping-bag
I can get it on a big discount tomorrow in my home town. In us 140$ is it worth it?
And the bag is 183cm the same AS me, will it fit or to smaal?
Thanks
Last edited by Lt Stonez; 06-27-16 at 07:26 AM.
#3
40 yrs bike touring
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,022
Likes: 6
From: Santa Barbara,CA.
Bikes: Bruce Gordon Ti Rock N Road [1989], Fat Chance Mountain Tandem [1988], Velo Orange Neutrino (2020)
You should try the bag in the store. That is the only way to be sure.
You are slightly longer when the body relaxes to sleep. Likely you will compress the down if you stretch out in the bag and lose heat.
Have you considered making a synthetic quilt using Climashield Apex insulation for the same temperature range around freezing and above? And for damp conditions in Norway?
I made one recently and it cost about one half the price of the NF bag you are looking at. And the sewing was simply stitching around the perimeter to hold the insulation and closing one end for a foot pocket. Then added snaps to close the top end around your neck to hold in heat.
It will weigh less than the NF bag at 24 ounces/680 grams and is easy to wash compared to down. It compresses well though not quite as small as a down quilt of similar size.
If you have a twin size down duvet/ quilt at home you can pin it in the shape of a the quilt I described to see what I am talking about.
Before making my Apex quilt I looked at commercial ones online. Here are some links to those:
https://www.outdoortrailgear.com/feat...r-top-blanket/
This one costs $100 US and claims a 30F temperature. It is from a one person US cottage manufacturer.
https://backpackinglight.com/forums/...-quilt-design/ Synthetic Quilt design on MYOG(Make Your Own Gear) section of BPL(Backpackijng Light) website.
Thru-Hiker Thru-Hiker provides All materials for making an Apex quilt for various temperature levels.
Prodigy - Lightweight Synthetic Camping Quilt Commercial company Enlightened Equipment makes a 30F Prodigy Quilt for $175US.
You are slightly longer when the body relaxes to sleep. Likely you will compress the down if you stretch out in the bag and lose heat.
Have you considered making a synthetic quilt using Climashield Apex insulation for the same temperature range around freezing and above? And for damp conditions in Norway?
I made one recently and it cost about one half the price of the NF bag you are looking at. And the sewing was simply stitching around the perimeter to hold the insulation and closing one end for a foot pocket. Then added snaps to close the top end around your neck to hold in heat.
It will weigh less than the NF bag at 24 ounces/680 grams and is easy to wash compared to down. It compresses well though not quite as small as a down quilt of similar size.
If you have a twin size down duvet/ quilt at home you can pin it in the shape of a the quilt I described to see what I am talking about.
Before making my Apex quilt I looked at commercial ones online. Here are some links to those:
https://www.outdoortrailgear.com/feat...r-top-blanket/
This one costs $100 US and claims a 30F temperature. It is from a one person US cottage manufacturer.
https://backpackinglight.com/forums/...-quilt-design/ Synthetic Quilt design on MYOG(Make Your Own Gear) section of BPL(Backpackijng Light) website.
Thru-Hiker Thru-Hiker provides All materials for making an Apex quilt for various temperature levels.
Prodigy - Lightweight Synthetic Camping Quilt Commercial company Enlightened Equipment makes a 30F Prodigy Quilt for $175US.
Last edited by arctos; 06-27-16 at 09:54 AM. Reason: added URL
#4
Punk Rock Lives

Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 3,424
Likes: 96
From: Throughout the west in a van, on my bike, and in the forest
Bikes: Long Haul Trucker with BRIFTERS!
I got a Blue Kazoo super sized since I am tall and don't want my head sticking out of the bag. Comfy and warm. I was snowbound (Donner style) in the Sierra last year for a few days and it kept me real warm. I had granola bars so no cannibalism either.
#5
Punk Rock Lives

Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 3,424
Likes: 96
From: Throughout the west in a van, on my bike, and in the forest
Bikes: Long Haul Trucker with BRIFTERS!
#6
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 7,239
Likes: 8
From: Bay Area, Calif.
I'd recommend that you buy it. I got the similar 'Blue Kazoo' bag in 1975 and it's been used on multiple trips every year since then - most recently on a trip this last weekend. With the addition of a couple ounce vapor-barrier liner it has kept me comfortable on nights that got down to about 0F while stuffing down to a size that just uses a small fraction of a small pannier.
As to the size it's hard to say without actually getting in and trying it out. I was faced with the same issue - there was only one of the 'regular' size still available on sale and nominally I would have needed the 'large' size. So I got in to check and there were a couple other shoppers waiting to see if I'd decide it was too small. I'm glad I got it since I've been very happy with its performance and comfort for the last 42 years.
As to the size it's hard to say without actually getting in and trying it out. I was faced with the same issue - there was only one of the 'regular' size still available on sale and nominally I would have needed the 'large' size. So I got in to check and there were a couple other shoppers waiting to see if I'd decide it was too small. I'm glad I got it since I've been very happy with its performance and comfort for the last 42 years.
#7
I use a quilt too, whether on the ground or in the hammock. I have 2 DIY quilts.
I made one quilt out of a $40 down comforter, simply sewed to enclose one end of the comforter for the footbox. This packs down to a size of a large grapefruit.
I also made another quilt from an old mummy bag. I cut out all the zippers and the hood, plus got rid of other excess material. It weighs about half original weight and packs down to half the volume.
I made one quilt out of a $40 down comforter, simply sewed to enclose one end of the comforter for the footbox. This packs down to a size of a large grapefruit.
I also made another quilt from an old mummy bag. I cut out all the zippers and the hood, plus got rid of other excess material. It weighs about half original weight and packs down to half the volume.
#8
I just ordered up one of these, and have not had a chance to use it yet. The reviews on it are very good, and I like the idea of the pad sleeve built in so you aren't skidding off of it all night. It's not exactly an "ultra-light", but all things considered I think it's a good weight considering what it has to offer. For me, sleeping comfort is a top concern, so some extra weight on that category is acceptable to me. I paid $160 for it at Amazon.
Big Agnes Encampment 15 Sleeping Bag
https://www.rei.com/product/106910/b...eping-bag-mens
Big Agnes Encampment 15 Sleeping Bag
https://www.rei.com/product/106910/b...eping-bag-mens
#9
I just ordered up one of these, and have not had a chance to use it yet. The reviews on it are very good, and I like the idea of the pad sleeve built in so you aren't skidding off of it all night. It's not exactly an "ultra-light", but all things considered I think it's a good weight considering what it has to offer. For me, sleeping comfort is a top concern, so some extra weight on that category is acceptable to me. I paid $160 for it at Amazon.
Big Agnes Encampment 15 Sleeping Bag
https://www.rei.com/product/106910/b...eping-bag-mens
Big Agnes Encampment 15 Sleeping Bag
https://www.rei.com/product/106910/b...eping-bag-mens
I like the inner fabric and the neck baffle. And the little pillow insert is a nice touch also.
#11
Thanks, since I haven't got the chance to use it yet it's nice to hear how much people like it.
#12
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 139
Likes: 0
From: SoCal
Bikes: Litespeed Classic, Surly Disc Trucker, Santa Cruz Blur
It's a great summer bag, maybe a bit into spring and fall, very decent weight, and at $140 US it's a steal! I'm another who used the Blue Kazoo for years, and enjoyed it's warmth and light weight every time I used it.
#13
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 425
Likes: 2
From: Skien Norway
Bikes: Specialized Sirrus Comp Carbon Disc '14
Damn. It diddent fit me. Belive I need atleast a 190cm bag. It looked great, maybe a little bigger than i thought. Well I look around. Really want a WM Summerlite or a alpinlite, but they cost a lot. Tell me If you see them on a discount :-)
#14
Senior Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 4,340
Likes: 496
From: Bristol, R. I.
Bikes: Specialized Secteur, old Peugeot
I've not used the bag you referenced but the weight is satisfactory and REI branded gear is usually good quality at reasonable prices. Try it for size at the store. If it fits it's a good deal.




Do you use a "quilt" stuff sack?


