Questions RE: Lightweight/Low Volume Bag Setup for Climbing
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OK, to start, I already have a plenty fine setup of a synthetic bag & puffy, so let's not get into the down/synthetic debate here. However, I've come to see the light and am looking at getting a down setup for the niche use of 2-4 day fair weather climbs in the Spring-Fall season to keep my pack smaller. I also have some alpine trad climbing plans that require carryovers, so naturally weight is also a consideration here. |
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I have a feathered friends egret (20F women's bag) which I love. I tend to sleep very cold, and it keeps me pretty toasty. Every trip I've been on my partners have always commented on how impressed they are at how well it packs down. Last trip my climbing partner even asked to borrow it. |
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Mark, |
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I have a Marmot Helium EQ 15F, the one with the waterproof membrain material. It packs small and is ridiculously warm for the weight. Mine is 37 oz with the included stuff sack. It has been in temps ranging from 50 degrees down to 0 and has kept me warm. I'm a portable heater so YMMV. I know you stated that waterproofness doesn't matter but it's what makes this bag so awesome. I don't typically use a bivy with this bag and have stayed warm and dry in rain, sleet and snow. |
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Western Mountaineering Ultralight works great for me. The bag is pretty snug, so it's best to either try in store or check the dimensions carefully. Packs small, but keeps you warm. |
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Quilts come with the weight savings of half-bags but cover up to your neck. I have a Katabatic Gear Palisade (30º conservative rating, probably 20-25 IME) that weighs less than a pound. |
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What I like about WM and FF is that they offer several models at each temperature rating, with the main difference for different bags of the same temp rating being width. My summer FF bag is the medium width which I got for comfort because I am a fat ass. It still weighs less than 2 pounds. My winter WM is a bit wider so I can bring gloves, boot liners, and anything else I want to dry out (as well as water bottles) into the bag with me. |
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I've got a WM ultralite and it's easily the best bag I've ever owned. Not sure what the previous poster ment saying tech has passed wm and ff by. They offer materials and handmade build quality you don't get anywhere else, often for less weight and greater warmth. Check out the specs for fill weights and total weights. The ultralite is 1lb 13 oz with 16oz of down. I sleep cold and the bag keeps me comfy to the low 20s in a tshirt and hat. |