Author Topic: Sleeping Bag Ratings?  (Read 4828 times)

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Offline Ross Modzelewski

Sleeping Bag Ratings?
« on: March 24, 2010, 09:16:15 pm »
Hi, I'm gathering some of my gear for the great divide, and I can't make up my mind on what rating sleeping bag to get.

I have a decent tent, and already have a sleeping bag rated for 40F, but I was considering getting one a bit warmer. In the summer months, what type of temperatures would I face in the worst case scenario? I'll be starting in New Mexico in May, and ending in Montana some time later in August.

I don't want to over buy, as I consider myself quite warm blooded, and sweat easily at night. I want something comfortable to sleep in through the trip.

Any suggestions would be great!

Offline humunuku

Re: Sleeping Bag Ratings?
« Reply #1 on: March 27, 2010, 08:28:22 pm »
you could always get a liner for your current bag - it will add a few degrees warmth and keep your bag much cleaner

Offline John Nelson

Re: Sleeping Bag Ratings?
« Reply #2 on: March 27, 2010, 08:46:03 pm »
Sleeping bag ratings are just a rough guide. Everybody reacts to the cold differently. It also depends on what you wear to bed, what tent you have, and, most importantly, how much insulation you get from your sleeping pad. Sorry to say, there's no good way to know without personal experimentation. In most cases, however, the rating is at the optimistic end of the scale.

Offline bogiesan

Re: Sleeping Bag Ratings?
« Reply #3 on: March 28, 2010, 10:10:47 am »
I have a decent tent, and already have a sleeping bag rated for 40F, but I was considering getting one a bit warmer. In the summer months, what type of temperatures would I face in the worst case scenario? I don't want to over buy, as I consider myself quite warm blooded, and sweat easily at night.

Get a one- or two-pound down bag that will slip inside your existing bag. Be sure to keep the down dry.
The Rockies are, like, MOUNTAINS. Depending on where you're from, your "worst case" possibilities could be unimaginable in the Rockies. A "decent tent" may shred in a July hail storm or collapse under an August snow squall.

There are many online accounts from Divide travelers at crazyguy. Some must include their gear lists.

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