Adventure Cycling Association Forum
Bicycle Travel => Gear Talk => Topic started by: camasa45 on November 23, 2018, 01:20:20 pm
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Hi:
I would appreciate help from anyone on trying to find the most compact, lightest down quilt or sleeping bag to fit in panniers or seat bag.
Thanks,
Chuck
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Does it matter whether or not it keeps you warm? Surely weight and size can’t be the only criteria. There are hundreds of lightweight sleeping bags that will fit in a pannier. Can you narrow it down a bit? What temperature range do you anticipate? Do you have a budget?
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I'd echo the above post's comments. There are a lot of variables involved here. First, do you actually want a quilt or a sleeping bag? How cold of a temperature rating do you want and how much are you willing to spend ? With those details, it'll be a lot easier to make some recommendations.
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How small do you need it? How big are your panniers and seat bag?
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I will give you a partial answer. I credit card tour and on my first 2 tours I only carried an emergency bivvy in the event I couldnt find (or make it to) a hotel for the night. I decided that was going to inevitably lead to really uncomfortable night someday and that I needed to start carrying a real tent and pad and bag so I researched the lightest quality item in each category.
The bag I got was a quilt from Katabatic Gear. It was rated for 40d and after spending a cold night in it where the temps dropped to 35, that rating is pretty accurate. It weighs 17oz and costs around $300. It rolls up pretty small but I don,t know how it compares to other bags in size. I will say I never kept the bag or the UL tent I bought in my panniers as I saved that space for heavier items. The bag, tent, and pad (total 4lbs) went on top of the rack because that small amount of weight, even up high, did not affect the bikes handling.
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I'm going throw out a couple of comments from the perspective of a backpacker and a bicycle tourer. I really don't think you have to go with absolute top quality when bike touring. Sure you want something that will keep you warm and is reasonably light and compatible, but it's a little different than getting a sleeping bag for backpcking when your survival might well depend on its reliability. In most cases, if you end up in a compromised situation with your bag while touring, the worst you're going to experience is an uncomfortable night as you'll most likely be able to make it to a town or find help the the next day where you can get shelter, dry out yourself and your gear and warm up, etc. However, in the back country, that might not exist and you could find yourself in a real survival situation. Been there, done that. Therefore, I don't think you necessarily have to invest hundreds and hundreds of dollars in a sleeping bag.There are plenty of good bags out there in the $200-$300 range, some less, that would suit you well on a bike tour. Of course, if you're touring in really remote areas or in extreme climates, then it's a different story and you might want to invest in a really good bag. Long story, short, it's nice to have a really good bag but I'd buy what you can afford and what's appropriate for the journey as long as it has some credibility. I'd stay away from department store and box store sleeping bags and would definitely go with down.
I always keep my sleeping bag inside my panniers in a waterproof sac. Gives me a bit of peace of mind.
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Contact the folks at Enlightened Equipment. They will help you figure out what you need. I have an under quilt from them for my hammock, use it as a warmer weather top quilt (40*). Have had it for two years and love it. It is light, tiny, and water resistant. A top quilt from them is on my list once my old one fails.
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No temperature rating included in the question so hard to answer, but I have one of these:
https://www.rei.com/product/111165/rei-co-op-igneo-25-sleeping-bag-mens
With a compression stuff sack it packs down pretty darn small. Easily fits in an Ortlieb Backpacker pannier along with my off-bike clothes, which typically includes two pair of undies, a short sleeve t, thin, lightweight fleece, warm socks, convertible pants and long John bottoms if I am going somewhere that could have cold temps at night. Room to spare.
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Ultralight Equipment. Great quilts. Mine is rated 20 degrees F and weights 21 oz.
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I like bags from Western Mountaineering
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Me too. Wish I could afford one. ???
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I totally understand the struggle of trying to find gear that is compact and lightweight for bikepacking trips.
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Hey Chuck! One option you might want to check out is the most compact down sleeping bag (https://effortlessoutdoors.com/lightest-down-sleeping-bags/). It's designed to be ultralight and compact, making it a great choice for fitting into panniers or a seat bag. Of course, you'll also want to ensure that the sleeping bag or quilt you choose is warm enough for the conditions you'll face on your trip. Good luck with your search, and happy trails!
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I own a beautiful Feathered Friends bag for backpacking with is great for the shoulder seasons. When it comes to summer touring and hiking, where I most often use my bag as a blanket over my bag liner, I got the REI quilt and love it.
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Also second the enlightened equipment quilts.
Last run on the GDMBR, I used a custom 50 degree quilt and a wool hat.
For cooler weather, I throw in the Mountan Hardware down pants and UL jacket, that I can also use to warm up on the bike in the early morning.