good all around sleeping bag

alright guys, i've had my current sleeping bag since probably 99 or so, since my scouting days, and believe its about time for a new one, since i've never really shopped for one myself before, i'm looking for some suggestions as to what to get for a good all around sleeping bag as far as temperature rating goes, i might use this in some mild Virginia camping situations, but it will maily be used for spring summer and fall camping, so what are your reccs.

Sierra Designs and Marmot both make great bags for a reasonable price (I own one of both brands). My biggest advice based on the seasons that you said you would be using it would be to look for something between 20 and 35 degrees maybe as low as 15.

My vote goes to Western Mountaineering, perhaps the 20-25 degree range depending on what you're doing and if you are a "warm or cold" sleeper.

My Northface Blue Kazoo is awesome. Its plenty warm in cold weather, but you can shake the down to the feet and it becomes quite comfortable in the summertime too.

Top recommendation, try to avoid camping in VA in the summer, done enough of that and it was mostly hot and humid.

Get a good down bag in the 15 or 20 degree range, they're a bit pricier but with a little care it will last you a long time. EMS, REI and other bargain bags are fine if you just get out a couple of times a year but are a bit of let down in the long run.

Western Mt., Feathered Friends and Marmot (again, not Marmot's bargain bags) are all really good. If you want to keep the price a little lower look around for a used bag. I've seen plenty of high level used bags in good used condition. Picked up a Marmot Pinnacle dry loft off eBay a few years ago for $100, just needed to be cleaned

Mountain Hardwear makes great bags. I chose the Lamina over the NF Cats Meow.

Mountain Hardwear makes great bags. I chose the Lamina over the NF Cats Meow.

It's such a broad question...more like what brands would be good. Every bag is different for everyone...for price vs. quaility REI and EMS are pretty darn good. For quality and a moderate price Marmot, MH, TNF and Sierra designs are good. If you want a really nice bag at a higher price all the afore mentioned plus Montbell.

Then you've got Feathered Friends and WM on the high end, which is way out of your spectrum.

TNF's Cat's Meow is a classic.

I like down and my REI Mojave bag as served me well for going on five years. Approx 200 nights. +15 degrees

They are good bang for buck.

I also have an REI -20 which was overly warm at -15 this year. REI bags are pretty good and the best bet unless your are looking at western mountaineering/feathered friends/custom bags etc.

My only complaint is that the zipper sometimes gets caught up in the fabric, but its never ripped or been a major problem. And, they're guaranteed!

Bud Martin wrote:My vote goes to Western Mountaineering, perhaps the 20-25 degree range depending on what you're doing and if you are a "warm or cold" sleeper.