Elk hunting sleeping bag
 

I'm looking to pick-up a sleeping bag for late-October high mountain camping is support of elk hunting. I'm talking an unheated tent. The sleeping bag needs to use synthetic insulaltion which does not lose as much warmth when wet as does goose down. Any recommendations? I'm backpacking and will be making camp around 11,500', just below treeline in SW Colorado.

Can you recommend anything?

RE: Elk hunting sleeping bag
 

Hi Alsatian:

This is the bag I use for exactly the situation you described: I also noticed the price is now 50% OFF!!!!!!!!!!!! I might have to get an extra one...

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/te...eat&hasJS=true

I use it for pack in hunts. The bag is not very heavy, but bulky. I use a 5500 cu in pack, and have always had to lash it to the frame.

Good Luck.
CE

RE: Elk hunting sleeping bag
 

I have and love the Wiggys Bags.

http://www.wiggys.com/

RE: Elk hunting sleeping bag
 

I like Slumber Jack sleeping bags. Good luck.

RE: Elk hunting sleeping bag
 

Alsatian, I have been using the Trekker Rectangular bag from Cabelas at a -20degree rating in the CO mountains. I went away from mummy bags awhile back, I sleep better this way. My big deal isn't the bag as much as the pad under me. I am old and crippled up, so 2- 4" foam pads allow me to sleep well. I don't pack in any more, so I can get away with this. And I found cots to be cold, too much cold air under you.
Gselkhunter

RE: Elk hunting sleeping bag
 

I've been using a North Face -20 bag for at leat 10 years now. I think I paid about $120 for it then. It has always kept me warm.

One of the guys I was hunting with this year had a fleece insert that he would put in his bag. I've got to have one of those before this years elk hunt. I looked very warm.

RE: Elk hunting sleeping bag
 

I"ll second wiggys. Just got a sleep system from them for my cold natured wife and she was extremely warm in the 0 bag. And we can put the outer bag on if needed to protect down below zero. Works when wet. ITs not the lightest but they compress well in their own stuff sacks. Walk ins to the store get a discount so if you internet them -- see if you can find someone in CO to buy it for you.

Worth the money for us.

Jeff

RE: Elk hunting sleeping bag
 

I would recommend a bag in the 4 lb range that compresses well and is rated down to 0 degrees. To achieve that you basically have 2 options that I know of. Either one of the new synthetic down synthetics such as Polarguard 3-D OR go ahead and spend the money for a down bag with a goretex type exterior shell that sheds water. The major problem with the synthetics is that they will go flat quicker than Down. MUCH QUICKER. The way to extend the life of the synthetics is not to ever leave them in a compressed state except when packing in. I hang mine in a closet most of the year, travel with them in a big "storage sack" that usually comes with them, and put them in a compression sack only when I get to the trailhead and start my pack in. When I arrive at a backpack camp, I take the bag out as soon as I have my shelter up. If aren't careful, and leave them in a stuff sack for an extended period, they will lose their loft/warmth.

On the other hand, I usually try and treat Down similar, but have never had a probem with it going flat, even when I forget and leave it in the stuff sack for extended periods. With the new, Goretex type outer shell, it should be waterproof unless you drop it in a creek. My brother has one and hasn't had a problem with moisture, although we have never used it but in a tent.

RE: Elk hunting sleeping bag
 

I have a North Face bag, rated to -5. Whichever bag you use, remember that 99% of the time, you get what you pay for. Backpacking into the Weminuche in the fall is no time to skimp on a bag. Also, I'm glad you're leaning away from a down bag. They'll get you killed in my opinion.

RE: Elk hunting sleeping bag
 

Cabela's Summit bag has done me well on alot of nights sleeping under the stars not in a tent. Even in the deep snow the -20 summit bag and the outfitter style bed roll has always kept me warm. I would suggest getting a bag that is just alittle bigger than what you think you need. So it won't twist you up like a pretzel during the night.

RE: Elk hunting sleeping bag
 

Alsatian,
Any of the brands mentioned above are OK. I use North Face. I would go for a 0* bag or better if you get hot you can always open up. If you expect it to get to 0* take a small fleece throw and stuff it inside your bag the weight is not noticeable. Don't buy a bag with a tapered or flat end (foot end). Buy one that has a box type end. This will not only be less restrictive but also helps keep your feet warmer!!!
Also a sleeping pad is a MUST!!!! Even a thin one like RidgeRest /ThermaRest that weigh nothing.It will keep an amazing amount of cold air from the ground off of YOU!!!!
GLOB

RE: Elk hunting sleeping bag
 

A lot of good advice from many folks here especially those that suggested including a good sleeping pad. Also the suggestion about not using the mummy type bags is great for added comfort. The biggest question is, how much do you have to invest in it???
I would not advise buying from Cabelas or any other store. Do a little research, find the bag you want and then get it on the internet and save probably 50% or more. My wife is a fanatic about shopping on the net and has found some fantastic buys on the best products available.

RE: Elk hunting sleeping bag
 

One of the trick I have learned is about 30 minutes before turning in for the night, heat a pot of water and pour it into a 32 ounce HDPE Nalgene bottle. Throw that in your sleeping bag and it will help to take the chill off when you climb into it.

If water is an issue in camp...you can use it as your drinking water the next day.

Regards,
Steve

RE: Elk hunting sleeping bag
 

TX points out 4 pounds and 0 degrees- you can get that in synthetic from Wiggys. DOn't have to worry about down that way. Ours compress very well and its a super company and look into the FRTSS(Ithink thats what its called) system. 2 bags in one and very versatile. Can seperate and use the light one for down to 30-40 and double up and be good to -20 with the correct bag and not over 4.5 pounds IIRC. They are Mummy bags but my feet never get cold in them.

And I used to crawl in with lots of clothes on till I learned you are better to sleep with less on, you'll be warmer. No matter how dumb it sounds.

www.wiggys.com

I think.

Jeff

RE: Elk hunting sleeping bag
 

Thanks everyone for all the suggestions. A lot of good information.

I do use a RidgeRest pad beneath my sleeping bag. Of course, the weight of your body compresses the sleeping bag fill and reduces the insulating properties of the bag towards the ground. Additionally, I would guess the ground tends to drain heat off the body better than the air does, which is another reason for the thermal pad beneath the sleeping bag. I don't wear clothes in my sleeping bag. I have not resorted to this in the past, as I was always comfortable without this trick, but it would seem that wearing a warm head covering -- such as a polypropolyne (SP?) balaclava -- might help to keep one warm under marginal situations (very cold weather pushing the limits of one's sleeping bag. I find that keeping my head warm is an important component of keeping warm outside, while hunting.

My hunting trip might happen in 2005 but is more likely to take place in 2006. My plan is to collect my gear leisurely, and this sleeping bag is one of those items. Having backpacked in the past, I have a good sleeping bag -- but not a bag suitable for mid to late October camping at 11,500'. I will be upgrading some of my other equipment, also, with an eye towards the special requirements of my trip -- such as a backpack for packing in and out that additionally is suitable to packing out substantial quantities of meat. My current backpack wasn't designed for this application, though it might serve the purpose.

RE: Elk hunting sleeping bag
 

I seem to have heard that Wiggys claims it doens't lose its loft as fast as other synthetics. Don't have any first hand knowledge about that though. Personally, I have a 0 bag from Sierra designs with polorguard 3D. I have had it for 5 years and the loft is still ok, but I only use it once a year, and it hangs in my closet otherwise. I also don't compress it until we are in the act of packing in.

RE: Elk hunting sleeping bag
 

Alsatian

I use a headcover also as it gets towards zero. At times below that I sometimes kinda lay a coat loosely over my head to form a kind of tent. That helps to.

On the backpack-- before you do anything you need to see an Eberlestock Just One backpack. Designed by a former US Olympic Biathlete thats an elk hunter. I don't know of any single better hunting pack period. Goes from small to large and in between. And quite a few perfect accessories.

Jeff

RE: Elk hunting sleeping bag
 

WIGGY’S GUARANTEE: Our Guarantee is for a lifetime of use. If a seam opens, the zipper breaks or the Lamilite insulation deteriorates (such as losing its loft or separating, clumping in one place or another), Wiggy’s will repair or replace your bag at no charge to you.


Ive had my wiggys for 5 years now and have had no problems with it.


Don