[Date Prev][Date Next][Thread Prev][Thread Next][Date Index][Thread Index]
[at-l] Helping a newbie Part 8: Sleeping Bag Selection
I'd add the WM Megalite to the list. If I recall correctly, it is
cut fairly large, weighs little, and has a temp rating of around
30 degrees. It is supposed to be a roomier, warmer version of the
highlite. If I was going on a thruhike, I'd try to take the
highlite, but I am unsure if I could get into it or not. I'm also
a warm sleeper. I use and love a Marmot Arroyo. Great bag, particularly
after Marmot restuffed it for me. I'm approximately Bob's size
and it is plenty roomy for me. 62" girth, I believe. With thermals
on, I've slept comfortably in the 15 degree range. Weighs,
according to specs (I think), 1lb 12 oz. So, pretty light.
Of course, I had to send it back to Marmot recently because it had
lost all of its down in the chest and stomach areas. But, it is
fluffy now.
Chris
----------------------
Chris Willett
cwillett@math.uiuc.edu
http://www.math.uiuc.edu/~cwillett
Department of Mathematics
University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign
On Tue, 16 Apr 2002, Shane Steinkamp wrote:
> Just like with the tents, it's time to find Bob a sleeping bag. I intend to
> do the same thing: Set up a web page (tomorrow...) of choices and let him
> pick. As before, Bob isn't small. 6'4", 240 pounds. He needs a BIG bag.
> I, personally, am using an army surplus synthetic model that weighs about 6
> pounds, which I think is too heavy for a thru, even if it would fit him.
> I'm not sure of his shoulder girth, but he's big. Like slap a grizzly bear
> around and call it's momma names big. I'll have to find out what his actual
> shoulder girth is before we make a final selection.
>
> He wants ROOM, and doesn't like tight spaces although I'd hesitate to call
> him claustrophobic.
>
> Please chime in.
>
> I've assembled a couple of selections, but unlike tents, here I have a
> biases: Western Mountaineering. Bob preferred the Mountain Hardware bags
> that we looked at over the WM bags we saw, but only because the MH bags were
> bigger. The correct WM bags are actually BIGGER than the MH bags, and about
> the same temperature rating for the price, so I haven't put any MH bags in
> the list. If that's an error, ya'll let me know. WM bags are, to me (a
> purchaser of surplus items made by the lowest bidder), expensive. I also
> looked at Feathered Friends bags, but didn't put any in the list because I
> have a bias toward WM. (FF believers feel free to tell me why I'm wrong...)
>
> I have another bias: I like synthetics over down, but not much, and I
> understand that the 'technology' of down has come a long way, so I am not
> against down - and my first choice for Bob is a WM down bag.
>
> The largest single person bag I could find is here:
> http://www.huntingfishinginc.com/mam0fsleepba.html
> But this is offered more as a joke than anything: It's 6 pounds.
>
> CHOICES:
>
> (SG = Shoulder Girth)
>
> BAG (TEMP) WEIGHT COST
> #1 Badger (20) 2lb 12oz $395 66" SG, 6'6" Long
> #2 Puma (-10) 3lb 10oz $455 62" SG, 6'6" Long
> #3 Ponderosa (15) 2lb 14oz $395 67" SG, 7' Long
> #4 Sequoia (5) 3lb 10oz $420 66" SG, 6'6" Long
> #5 NF Big Fella (20) 1lb 12oz $159 66" SG, xLng (6'4")
> #6 NF Goliath (0) 2lb 7oz $179 66" SG, xLng (6'4")
> #7 Wiggy Hunter (0) 5lb $250 33" Wide, 84" Long
>
>
> Western Mountaineering Choices:
> www.westernmountaneering.com
>
> #1 Badger
> http://www.westernmountaineering.com/ba_BadgerSuperMF-DL.htm
>
> #2 Puma
> http://www.westernmountaineering.com/ba_PumaSuperMF.htm
>
> #3 Ponderosa
> http://www.westernmountaineering.com/ba_Ponderosa.htm
> This would be my first choice if it were available in microfiber...
>
> #4 Sequoia
> http://www.westernmountaineering.com/ba_SequoiaSuperMF-DL.htm
> In the end, I think I'd like to see him in a Sequoia for my choice of a down
> bag.
>
> Notes: WM line of wide cut bags are named after North American mammals (i.e,
> Badger, Puma, etc).
>
> Microfiber is water resistant because of the material itself. The
> taffeta uses a type of DWR finish that can wear out, and then needs
> to be re-applied. The microfiber is a lot more wind resistant.
>
> ***
>
> #5 North Face Big Fella
> http://www.northface.com/code/products/product_pages/12125_standard.html
>
> #6 North Face Goliath
> http://www.thenorthface.com/code/products/product_pages/12123_standard.html
>
> Notes: Synthetic bags. Nice things heard. Inexpensive. Light.
> Inexpensive is a big draw for me, should Bob happen to destroy his bag due
> to beginner's enthusiasm. (I couldn't begin to describe the gear I
> destroyed in the early years...)
>
> ***
>
> #7 Wiggy Hunter
> www.wiggys.com
>
> Notes: Lamilite insulation. Everyone has nice things to say about Wiggys.
> Durable, but heavy. Wiggy's Guarantee is for a lifetime of use. If a seam
> opens, the zipper breaks or the Lamilite insulation deteriorates (such as
> losing its loft or separating, clumping in one place or another), Wiggy's
> will repair or replace your bag at no charge to you.
>
> The Wiggy is my choice for a synthetic filled bag. Heavy. Moderately
> priced. Big.
>
> ***
>
> Thanks!
>
> Shane
>
> _______________________________________________
> >From the AT-L mailing list est. 1995
> Need help? http://www.at-l.org
> Archives: http://www.backcountry.net/arch/at/
> Change your options or unsubscribe:
> http://mailman.backcountry.net/mailman/listinfo/at-l
>
> Stay on topic!
>