Looking for an economical, but quality sleeping bag. Any recommendations? Probably needs to be able to handle 30 degree temps.

TIA

I've used the same -10 Slumberjack for almost 20 years now. It's lower level comfort is right around 30 degrees now. I usually recommend going 20 below your expected low temperature. I think I bought it for $75 at the time. I did decide to replace it for my Colorado elk hunt in Oct. I bought a new 0 degree Slumberjack ($89), and it worked like a champ down into the single digit (note-I am a hot sleeper).

If you need it to legitimately handle 30* temps, I'd get a 20-15* bag or plan to go to sleep wearing really warm clothes in a 30* bag. Your sleeping pad will also play a big role in how warm you are if sleeping on the ground.

What does economical mean to you?

Check out a company called Snugpak. Made in the UK. Probably not the best price but I'll vouch for their quality.

Marmot trestles 15. Can be had under 90 bucks. Mummy shape.

REI brand. Less expensive than the name brands. Go to the one of the stores and try one on. Literally. They'll let you get in their demos and roll around in them to see how they fit your body.

I've got an REI 20 degree bag I have used almost exclusively the past few years over my North Face 0 degree Goliath.

Fan of my NF Cat's Meow XL.

Get on sierra trading post. I got a 20* marmot down bag for like $170 last year... they have great deals

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I usually recommend going 20 below your expected low temperature.

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This. So much this.

I love my lost Ranger. It's rated for 15, but you want something they can handle colder than 30 if you're camping in 30 weather.

Edited to say that it can be had in your price range at an REI garage sale or SteepandCheap.com

Mine is rated for minus 40 and I have never been too warm in it.....

If it doesn't need to be super light, look into the army surplus sleep systems. That gives ya 2 different sleeping bags (can be doubled up) and a waterproof bivvy bag to go over em, as well as 2 different stuff sacks.

A lot of places charge a premium for em, but you can find used ones for 60 bucks if ya look hard enough. The woodland pattern one isn't issued anymore, so thats the cheaper one, but its the same materials as the ACU or MARPAT ones which are the ones currently issued to soldiers/marines.

ETA: Not sure where you are located, but here is one example from Killeen craigslist

If ya live near a military base, check CL. Most of these are obsolete, so soldiers getting out of the military won't have to turn em in, and a lot of times they'll offload em cheap.

Can you sew (with a machine) and do you have a few hours of free time?

If so, Google instructions on how to sew a "camping quilt", then go to www.ripstopbytheroll.com, buy material, make on your own, profit.

FIDO 96 said:

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Fan of my NF Cat's Meow XL.

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I have one that is ls from the early 80s. I can attest to the quality.

Price
Weight
Synth/down
Quilt or bag


Those will narrow it down.

I've never used the nf cats meow, but I know it gets good marks for weight/warmth/price matrix.