Something light and compact enough for packing in a backpack. I will mostly be camping in Texas, so I won't need a sub zero temperature bag.

I need some recommendations.

price range?

20 F bag from REI, North Face, Big Agnes, Sierra Designs, etc. Go to REI and find one that fits you as well.

I have the 20 degree down bag from Kelty and I love it! Packs up small, plenty warm, and great price. Also like that it has a zippered foot vent.

both of these are great 20 degree bags. they're what I use on my trips.

Kelty
http://www.rei.com/product/847649/kelty-cosmic-down-21-sleeping-bag

If you want something lighter,(but expensive), this is what I use. Love mine!
REI
http://www.rei.com/product/862532/rei-igneo-sleeping-bag

Montbell Down Hugger. This is my 30 that I use on everything from glacier trips to desert hikes:

Montbell Down Hugger 800

Love it because it stretches when I move.

Also, I sleep warm... For Texas, I might even go up to a 40 and layer on cold nights. I do this all the time...

[This message has been edited by Pierce County Ag (edited 4/24/2014 6:22p).]

Montbell is great, but I love my NEMO stratoloft. It's a treated down bag that isn't mummy cut.

I sleep on my side and stomach, so mummy bags aren't that comfy for me...

The strato loft combined with my Clark hammock is heaven!

Everyone has preferences, so take this with a grain of salt:

Treated fabric is going to add weight and reduce breathability. For TX, a bag with good ballistic nylon microfiber should work well, IMO.

Also, some square cut bags get cold spots, if that matters. I like to snow camp, so maybe I'm being too picky...



[This message has been edited by Pierce County Ag (edited 4/24/2014 7:58p).]

I have this Marmot Never Winter down bag and really like it.
http://www.backcountry.com/marmot-never-winter-sleeping-bag-30-degree-down?ti=UExQIEJyYW5kOlNsZWVwaW5nIEJhZ3M6MToxODo4Ml9iY3NDYXQ3MTAwMDA0
On any bag, get the Long if you are > 6'.

[This message has been edited by TRIDENT (edited 4/24/2014 8:40p).]

My kid has a Deuter bag that stuffs down pretty small in its carry sack. It's rated for 55 degrees (I think), and he also has a liner he got at REI that adds some insulation (maybe 5 degrees more?).

He's slept with it below that, and it's supposed to be good down to about 27 degrees.

Here is a review: http://www.backpacker.com/october-2010-gear-review-deuter-dream-lite-500-sleeping-bag-sea-to-summit-reactor-thermolite/gear/14639

if you are taller, check out the North Face Cat's Meow XL. i'm 6'4" and it's good for me.

DS

Tuck your sleeping pad into your bag and save $.

Get a brand name.

I got an off brand at cabelas, 2 for $50 20 degree rated. When hunting/camping in collinsville during the winter and only last a night when it got 27. I was wearing 4 layers and used both sleeping bags and still froze my ass off in my tent.

You had too much clothing on.

Trust me, I've used the same Slumberjack for 15 years now. It's not a -20 bag any more, but still handles down to 15-20 degrees rather easily.

That being said, veiw the temperature rating as a survival rating, not a comfort rating. Get a bag rated at least 20 colder than expected if you want to be toasty.

Do NOT tuck your pad into your bag to save $.

The pad will roll around and slip all over IF you move around much in your sleep. If you can lay down, fall asleep then wake up in the same position, then I suppose this is a decent idea. Or just don't be a Lolpoors!!!

The thermarest options as well as the NEMO options listed above are great because they have a secure pocket for your sleeping pad...

quote:

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Do NOT tuck your pad into your bag to save $.

The pad will roll around and slip all over IF you move around much in your sleep. If you can lay down, fall asleep then wake up in the same position, then I suppose this is a decent idea. Or just don't be a Lolpoors!!!

The thermarest options as well as the NEMO options listed above are great because they have a secure pocket for your sleeping pad...

---

Like the Therm-a-rest Antares 20 degree bag?

Is that thing worth $379?

I bought a 0 degree rated synthetic North Face bag a few years back. I quickly discovered it didn't breathe very well. When the temperature dropped below 30 I'd get cold and clammy in it. The bag was well made and comfortable, but it was a big disappointment. I'm used to my G.I. arctic down sleeping bag. Heavy and bulky, but it breathes and I stay cozy in any temperature I care to camp.

My wife has a 20 degree down North Face bag. She's not happy with it either. It doesn't breathe very well, although better than my synthetic bag.

My favorite bag for tent camping is the big brown rectangular bag with pheasants and bird dogs on the fabric of the inside of the bag.

Depending upon what time of year you plan to use it, check out the Travel Down bag at REI. It's only rated to like 45 tho, but it compacts down super small and is very light. I usually carry a sleeping bag liner which supposedly adds 10 (45 to 35) to the rating plus it's very comfortable.

quote:

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You had too much clothing on.

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This seems to be the biggest issue for campers who normally live in warm weather. When they go camp somewhere cold they want to wear pajamas or thermals in their bag. Big mistake. The nuder the better. Let your body heat up the whole bag not just the space between your body and your thermal undies.

I always steal my wife's Kelty 20 deg down bag. I picked it up at an REI garage sale a few years ago for <$40. One of my best camping purchases.

quote:

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Do NOT tuck your pad into your bag to save $.

The pad will roll around and slip all over IF you move around much in your sleep. If you can lay down, fall asleep then wake up in the same position, then I suppose this is a decent idea. Or just don't be a Lolpoors!!!

The thermarest options as well as the NEMO options listed above are great because they have a secure pocket for your sleeping pad...

---

I sleep like a rotisserie chicken and have not had a problem.

I use 2 half pads. 1 accordion style closed cell foam that doubles as my sit pad and 1 inflatable. I put the foam pad under my feet, outside the bag and the inflatable half pad inside. (I'd probably accidentally pop one of those big, fancy inflatable sleeping pads with a crampon point...)


[This message has been edited by Pierce County Ag (edited 4/25/2014 5:34p).]

+1 on the Nemo recommendation. I hate mummy bags because I tend to like to sleep on my side with one or both legs bent. I have the Rhythm 25 bag and it is a very comfortable mid weight bag.

I like the Big Agnes Deer Park bag with the slot in the bottom for your thermarest or whatever pad you have.

[This message has been edited by javajaws (edited 4/25/2014 6:32p).]

I use the Mountain Hardwear Ultralamina 15 with Alps Mountaineering Outfitter pad.

Bought the old color bag on-sale for $150. I love it. I've used it down to about 30 degrees.