Sleeping bags?

[gapmtn1]

For tent camping, what are you folks sleeping in/on? I need to replace my all-purpose sleeping bag. I don't camp in anything below "cool" temps, don't need the tiniest backpacking bag, etc.
Back in the day I often just slept on a Thermarest with my MC jacket over me. But I'm older now. My current bag is from my Boy Scouts days, so I'm sure sleeping bag technology has changed. Thanks!

 

[PhilPhilippines]

3/4 length Thermarest for me, as the vital organs are kept warm.
Synthetic bag as I sleep hot/sweat and opening from top/bottom for venting.
Last time I camped was 1998 though...

 

[~TABASCO~]

Ive been using my REI bag for years with synthetic fill. I sleep in the bag 99% of the time. (I don't camp when its 90+*F ) Many times when im in the mountains and it gets cold at night I drag my riding jacket up and over me. Thats all Ive ever needed. I do use a silk liner now, I feel this is imperative !

 

[PhilPhilippines]

Ive been using my REI bag for years with synthetic fill. I sleep in the bag 99% of the time. (I don't camp when its 90+*F ) Many times when im in the mountains and it gets cold at night I drag my riding jacket up and over me. Thats all Ive ever needed. I do use a silk liner now, I feel this is imperative !

+ for silk liner.... Forgot about that.

 

[KYwoodsrider]

I recently replaced my older synthetic mummy bag with a camping quilt from Enlighted Equipment

Ultralight Backpacking Gear & Outdoor Apparel | Enlightened Equipment

Top-quality ultralight sleeping gear and outdoor apparel made with a passion that goes where you go. Come check out our collection for your next adventure.

enlightenedequipment.com

You can select different sizes, temp ratings and other features to suit your specific needs.
The quilt packs smaller and is much lighter than a conventional sleeping bag.
It's also less confining than a sleeping bag.
You do need to have a mattress with a comparable insulation value for the temp you plan to camp in.

 

[MattR]

I use a down bag. Lighter and better at keeping you warm so long as you can keep it dry. Useless if they get wet and take ages to dry out.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[PhilPhilippines]

Not the kind of conditions the OP asked about, but for anyone considering harsher conditions I would opt for a synthetic loft and a bag, not a quilt. The options are more favorable imho and, although heavier, you can keep water filters from freezing by having them in the bag and sleep with your riding/hiking gear, when/if you change into your sleeping gear. Also, and most notable, if everything comes crashing down around you, the synthetic loft will be more protection than down as Matt advised.

I would use a down waistcoat/jacket as part of the layering system though.

 

[Eville Rich]

I like my REI synthetic bag. Packs down tight. It's not a super cold weather bag. Comfy in many conditions so long as the tent itself doesn't get too hot. I did spend some money on thermarest backpacking cots which I've come to really appreciate. Getting off the ground and not dealing with the oddness of air sacks is a definite improvement, especially as a side-sleeper. And they pack down to about the same size as an air mattress. A little longer to set up.

Eville Rich
2016 S10
2015 WR250R

 

[Cycledude]

Trips where it might get cold I use a sleeping bag rated for -20, kinda big to haul around but to me it’s worth it, I don’t sleep very well if I’m cold.
For warmer weather trips I use a smaller lighter bag that packs fairly small.
I also have a Thermarest but don’t like it, I prefer air mattress

 

[MileageMonster]

I got a choice between six sleeping bags. I use them hiking all over, from the Belgian Ardennes to the Himalaya.
Different circumstances request for different sleepingbags. I was told if you sit in a chair with your legs crossed for about 45 minutes, you will get a sleeping bag before that time is up. Otherwise, choose wisely.. Read the labels and realize that when you are getting hot in a thicker bag, it is a simple solution to open the zip. Getting it cold in a too thin bag is a wasted night…
Being f*cking warm is always better than being freezing cold…

Choosing a mattress: Go for the Thermarest NeoAir X-lite. Great isolation value at very lightweight…

 

[DamMechanic]

I have a Big Agnes 15 degree synthetic bag and a BA inflatable mattress. The BA don’t use insulation on the bottom since it’s going to smash flat anyway and the mattress pad goes in a pocket on the boy of the bag so you are always on top of it.

I think the 15 degree rating is the point where you die because by the time upper 20’s comes around I’m throwing my riding jacket on the top of me.

 

[Sierra1]

Motel 6.

 

[fac191]

Not the kind of conditions the OP asked about, but for anyone considering harsher conditions I would opt for a synthetic loft and a bag, not a quilt. The options are more favorable imho and, although heavier, you can keep water filters from freezing by having them in the bag and sleep with your riding/hiking gear, when/if you change into your sleeping gear. Also, and most notable, if everything comes crashing down around you, the synthetic loft will be more protection than down as Matt advised.

I would use a down waistcoat/jacket as part of the layering system though.

I like the idea of the down waistcoat,
It can double-up as a smoking jacket.

 

[JJTJ2]

I do not like being cold. So I use this from my backpacking days

https://www.marmot.com/equipment/sleeping-bags/down-bags/hydrogen-30-sleeping-bag/AFS_889169868870.html

and I also purchased this to use as a line but have found myself often just using it as a sleeping bag by itself

Amazon.com : Litume All Season Sleeping Bag Liner Adds Up to 27F, Compressible and Lightweight Mummy Sleeping Sack for Backpacking, Camping, Traveling, Lightweight Sleep Sack, with Compression Stuff Sack (E629B) : Sports & Outdoors

Amazon.com : Litume All Season Sleeping Bag Liner Adds Up to 27F, Compressible and Lightweight Mummy Sleeping Sack for Backpacking, Camping, Traveling, Lightweight Sleep Sack, with Compression Stuff Sack (E629B) : Sports & Outdoors

www.amazon.com

Both pack down extremely small.

 

[PhilPhilippines]

I like the idea of the down waistcoat,
It can double-up as a smoking jacket.

......worn with pince-nez, yes.

 

[MattR]

I tried doing a dry run packing all my new camping gear onto the bike yesterday. My decision was to not slum it when camping on the bike like you have to when backpacking so I got a 3 man tent (just for me) Helinox chair and cot plus all the usual cooking stuff. Filled the top box to the brim and ended up strapping tent, Chair and cot to the seat.

No room for a passenger now. Luxury camping will be solo from now on! I thought about adding panniers but none of the stuff on the back seat would fit into them. But I’m wondering if I put the pannier frames on if I could strap larger items to them..


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[PhilPhilippines]

I tried doing a dry run packing all my new camping gear onto the bike yesterday. My decision was to not slum it when camping on the bike like you have to when backpacking so I got a 3 man tent (just for me) Helinox chair and cot plus all the usual cooking stuff. Filled the top box to the brim and ended up strapping tent, Chair and cot to the seat.

No room for a passenger now. Luxury camping will be solo from now on! I thought about adding panniers but none of the stuff on the back seat would fit into them. But I’m wondering if I put the pannier frames on if I could strap larger items to them..


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

If you do I would put all the expensive stuff inboard just in case.

 

[regder]

I tried doing a dry run packing all my new camping gear onto the bike yesterday. My decision was to not slum it when camping on the bike like you have to when backpacking so I got a 3 man tent (just for me) Helinox chair and cot plus all the usual cooking stuff. Filled the top box to the brim and ended up strapping tent, Chair and cot to the seat.

No room for a passenger now. Luxury camping will be solo from now on! I thought about adding panniers but none of the stuff on the back seat would fit into them. But I’m wondering if I put the pannier frames on if I could strap larger items to them..


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Very much personal preference, but 90% of my camping gear lives in two 30L dry bags. One strapped to the lid of each pannier. This leaves the top case free for stuff that I need access to while on the ride. Panniers get 50% filled with clothes and tools. This leaves the pillion free, or in my case holds a cooler.

 

[JJTJ2]

I bought the 58L Givi top case and then made sure the Helinox cot, Helinox chair, Helinox table, and Mountain Hardware tent would all fit in it. They do and there is room to spare.

 

[PhilPhilippines]

Very much personal preference, but 90% of my camping gear lives in two 30L dry bags. One strapped to the lid of each pannier. This leaves the top case free for stuff that I need access to while on the ride. Panniers get 50% filled with clothes and tools. This leaves the pillion free, or in my case holds a cooler.

Cooler! Result!!!