startledstraight asked:
I usually go to the Grand Canyon in April. I borrow a sleeping bag every year, but I'm thinking about buying one now. Any suggestions?
Camping Gear
I usually go to the Grand Canyon in April. I borrow a sleeping bag every year, but I'm thinking about buying one now. Any suggestions?
Camping Gear
sleeping bag
February 24th, 2010
Silver Cigarette Cases
Go to Bass Pro shop, they can help you. Check with people who have been to the canyon and see what kind of sleeping bag they use for that time of year.
Black Titanium Ring
February 24th, 2010
Black Titanium Ring
you go to the store. Duh?
North Face Sale
February 26th, 2010
Camping Discounters
There is a big difference between backpacking sleeping bags and general purpose ‘car camping’ bags, so you will want to go with a store and brand that specializes in backpacking.
Aside from comfort and warmth, as a backpacker you will want to consider weight, how small it compresses and how water resistant it is. The big divide right now is between synthetic and down bags. Synthetic bags are generally cheaper and will keep you warm even when wet. Down bags are warmer and compress better, but usually cost more and need to be kept dry (today most come with water-resistant outer shells which work to varying degrees).
Whatever bag you get, my experience is that the bag rating (the temperature to which it is effective) is generally a bit on the optomistic side and I would give yourself an extra 5-10 degrees to be safe (ie: if the coldest temp you expect while camping is 35 degrees, I would get a bag rated to 25 degrees).
I am currently using a Marmot Helium which I highly recommend – it is rated to 15 degrees, compresses smaller than a loaf of bread and weighs less than 2 pounds. It is one of the best backpacking bags out there, but also one of the most expensive at $300+.
For many years, I used a Sierra ‘Wild Bill’ synthetic bag (‘Rosa’ is the female model) which was quite comfortable and useable and cost about $100. Other good and well respected brands to consider are REI, Big Agnes and Mountain Hardware.
See the websites below and even go to a store and try a few to see how they fill. I would recommend going to a store that is dedicated to backpacking and hiking as opposed to general recreation or hunting and fishing (which will probably have more heavy bags). REI is a great place to go and their people can give you good advice as well (many are avid backpackers). REI stores are located in most large western cities (there are two in the Phoenix area).
A few other notes… you will probably want to get some sort of air mattress. Therma-rest makes some pretty comfy pads specifically for backpacking that pack down pretty light and tight. You can also buy a little cloth sling for them which turn them into a comfortable seat (with back support) for sitting around camp. Note too that Backpacker magazine typically comes out with their big yearly gear guide in early spring and will have some good recommendations too.