The temperature rating of a sleeping bag is the lowest temperature at which an average person will sleep comfortably. So first you need to know what an average sleeper is and how you compare? The best way to illustrate this is to look at the extremes (hot and cold), so that if you fall in the middle, you are average.
A ‘hot’ sleeper, is someone who typically will sleep covered in nothing more than a sheet, no matter what the temperature. Men tend to be hot sleepers.
The opposite, naturally, is the ‘cold’ sleeper. These people are easily recognised by the pile of sheets and quilts needed to remain warm during the night. Women tend to be cold sleepers (due to their lower metabolism).
So with this in mind, hot sleepers can select a sleeping bag based on the rating as is possibly even 5 – 10 degrees higher, while cold sleepers should add (actually subtract) an extra 10 – 20 degrees. For example, if you’re a cold sleeper looking for a sleeping bag that will keep you comfortably warm in temperatures as low as 40F, you will want to select one that is temperature rated down to 30F (such as the Western Mountaineering MegaLite) or possibly as low as 20F (with the Western Mountaineering Alpinlite) if you’re a very cold sleeper.
By using the manufacturers temperature rating as a guideline, and knowing your sleep type, you can easily select the proper sleeping bag for your outings.
Ultra light sleeping bags are designed to provide the maximum amount of warmth and comfort, for the least amount of weight. Typically weighing less than 3 lbs, these are the preferred sleeping bags of mountaineers, back country backpackers, cyclists and long distance trekkers in general.
If you’re interested in buying an ultralite sleeping bag, you’ve come to the right place. keep reading to find out which bag is best suited for your needs, then follow the appropriate link for additional features, pricing, and purchasing information.
Ultra light sleeping bagswere born out of the need to travel light, especially at higher altitudes where thinner air (less oxygen) means less energy. First mountain climbers, then long distance backpackers and campers all recognised the benefits of travelling light, and today’s synthetic fibers (that combine light weight with great thermal and weather resistant properties) were a perfect match.
When choosing the proper ultra light sleeping bag not only means it is temperature rated for the conditions you expect to encounter, but it must also conform to the may you sleep. If you’re a very still sleeper (minimal movement) a mummy style bag is for you. If (like me) you tend to toss and turn, a more classic rectangular bag (with more width in the shoulders and foot box) will provide a more comfortable night’s sleep. With this in mind, check out these ultra light sleeping bags.
Eastern Mountain Sports offers their own EMS Mountain Light 20 sleeping bag, the a 2007 Backpacker’s Best Buy. Weighing an even 2 lbs, this mummy style sleeping bag is temmperature rated at 20 degrees and is big enough to accomodate those as tall as 6ft. The 725-fill down, full length zipper draft tube and adjustable hood will keep you warm and cozy. TheEMS Mountain Light 20 is a great value in ultra light sleeping bags.
Big Agnes Peggy SL
Big Agnes offers several ultra light sleeping bags such as the Peggy-Sl and the Lost Ranger. The Peggy SL is a mummy shaped sleeping bag that weighs in at less than 2 1/2 lbs. The shell is constructed with Big Agnes’s WRM technology, a light weight and breathable nylon microfiber rip-stop fabric that is both water resistant and wind proof. A no-draft collar seal, zipper tubes and 800 fill goose down keep the Peggy SL sleeping bag comfortable in temperatures as low as 15 degrees. The Lost Ranger is a rectangular sleeping bag also constructed with a water resistant, rip-stop nylon shell, no-draft collar seals and zipper tubes. Although the Lost Ranger is insulated with 650 fill goose down, (a higher loft for a softer night’s sleep) it is also temperature rated at 15 degrees.
Available from Montbell is the Spiral Down Hugger, another mummy style sleeping bag that features box construction to eliminate cold spots from sewn through seams. A classic tailoring technique orients the fabrics fibers at a 45 degree angle to major seam lines making the sleeping bag more flexible and elastic for a more comfortable night’s sleep. The drawstring neck adjuster and zipper draft tube help keep cold night air out, and body warmth in. Weighing in at a meager 19 oz, the 800 fill power down provides the Spiral Down Hugger with a temperature rating of 30F.
For the ultimate in ultra light, cold weather protection, look no further thatn the Montbell Super Sprial Hugger EXP. Temperature rated down to a chilly -20F, this 800 fill goose down, mummy shaped sleeping bag with double draft collar also comes with a lifetime warranty. The elastic stitching of the spiral stretch system insures warmth without drafts or cold spots as you sleep. Summiting a mountain in harsh alpine conditions takes dedication and perseverance, and the Super Spiral Hugger EXP will make sure you’re well rested when the time comes.
Western Mountaineering Versalite
Western Mountaineering’s line of Ultra Light sleeping bags are easily identified by the ‘lite’ suffix in their name. The MegaLite, AlpinLite and Versalite are temperature rated at 30F, 20F and 10F respectively. The Megalite is a mummy shaped bag with plenty of room. Twelve oz of goose down fill makes up half of the Megalite’s total weight of 24 oz. Continuous baffles, a top collar and 4″ loft provide plenty of comfort at temperatures down to 30F. The AlpinLiteis a wider version of the UltraLite (winner of Climbing Magazine’s Editor’s Choice award). A 3-D full down collar, 19oz of down fill and a full length zipper help keep you warm and cozy inside this roomy (64″ shoulder width, 39″ foot width) mummy bag. This is one of the most popular 20F rated sleeping bags available. The VersaLiteis the warmest sleeping bag in the ExtremeLite series. At only 2lbs total weight, with 20 oz of high lofting 850+ goose down, a full down collar, and continuous baffles, this 3-season sleeping bag will keep you warm and comfortable in temperatures as low as 10F. All of Western Mountaineering’s ExtremeLite bags are designed to provide you with the maximum comfort for a minimum weight, making them perfect for your next cycling, backpacking or trekking adventure.
Whether you’re hiking the 2,175 mile Applachian Trail, the 3,100 mile Continental Divide Trail, or the 2,650 mile Pacific Crest Trail, make every step that much easier by carrying a barely there 40 oz Ultra Light sleeping bag. Your feet, and back, will thank you for it.
Ultralight backpacking and camping requires some very specialized gear, and here are some tips on selecting and setting up an ultrlight sleeping system.
