Sleeping bag options for warmer weather

[phan_TOM]

I've been thinking about lighter weight options for over the summer months and wonder what other people use? It would be lucky, but possible during a cold change, to get down to around 10° or so at night where I live, in the sub-tropics, during summer. Both my sleeping bags are rated to below zero, overkill for this and weigh either 1 or 2 kilos, which I figure is an ideal weight to leave in the cupboard if possible. Plus I'm sick of kicking them off only to get cold and then pull thgem back up and then kick them off, etc etc

I began thinking that a nice heavy cotton flannel sheet might do the trick, a double or queen could be doubled over if it got cool enough & it'd be a cheap option too or maybe a light fleece blanket would be an option. I also, briefly, thought of making a light weight down quilt, but I realised that was only because I've been reading too many backpacking blogs about MYOG/DIY instead of an actual desire to make one because, as mentioned, I can't sew and it would probably end up being an exercise in pain and futility. And the cost, I should mention that if I could afford it I would buy one of those slick lightweight quilts made by one of the overseas 'cottage manufacturers'.

While searching for flannel sheets I came across this silk liner which sounds pretty nice. Its got plenty of room and they make silk sound amazing, plus it can be used by iteslf or inside a sleeping bag for a temperature boost during winter and to help keep the bag clean. I'm almost sold, does anyone use and/or rate these? is silk really the wonder material its made out to be? I'm guessing silk, unlike a cotton or synthetic liner, would tangle up a lot less too which is a big deciding factor for me and a reason I own semi rectangular sleeping bags instead of mummy shaped bags, is this the case?

And then i found all these and now I'm completely confused... Cotton liners, fleece liners (sounds cosy but 580 grams isn't much of a weight saving), reactor liners (claimed 8 degree temperature boost! whch I've read is a 'generous' claim), etc etc...

I'm interested in hearing what the warm weather campers use and any pros, cons or general advice would be appreciated

[Moondog55]

I use a really cheap MD sewed through zip all the way around, not ultra lite at 1200 grams but chea p and robust. If the nite is too warm it gets used as a quilt, good down to 12C and of course lower if clothing is worn

[walkinTas]

If you want an actual sleeping bag, you might like to take a look at the Recon 2. I use the Recon 3 in Tassie as my summer bag and have slept down to -2. I unzip it on the warmest nights. The Recon 2 is relatively light weight and packs reasonably small.

I think I would look for a doona - something like the Golite RS 1 - if minimum temps were 10°C.

[Mark F]

I have found that a silk liner and a light quilt provides the best solution for summer conditions. My current silk liner is a standard one from Kathmandu @ 85g (no stuff sac) and I have a MYOG down quilt (http://www.thru-hiker.com kit) @ 560g. Remarkably versatile down to around freezing ( frost on the shelter in the morning). The silk inner keeps off the mosquitoes in hot conditions and as the night cools just drag on a bit of quilt. I think the claims for adding warmth for any liner are overblown or the liner is so heavy and bulky that the it defeats the purpose.

I should mention that I am a restless side sleeper using a short Neoair mat and under a tarp. I find the flexibility of the quilt far better than a sleeping bag (unless you get a full zip around version) but using a sleeping bag there is the issue of the hood over the face or getting in the way. A quilt is also really easy for those midnight excursions.

For $200 (and a few hours on the sewing machine) it is a relatively low cost exercise and low weight as well.

[andrewa]

A different slant....

What about a Black Diamond winter bivvy (255g), plus perhaps a Montbell Ex-light jkt (~150g)?

Allows options of weather resistant sleeping, emergency shelter, warmth around camp and in the morning. Beyond this, both are useful for colder weather camping.

Beyond this, I'm sure that most who look regularly at this site would know how easy it is to make a very light quilt of about 400g..........however, the minimum weight of a quilt shell that I have managed was about 250g, which has no insulation, so the above combination may well be more useful overall.

AA

[Mountain Rocket]

I just use my jagbag silk liner on its own when it gets too warm for my sleeping bag...

[Earthling]

Ive been useing the Mountain Hardwear Phantomn 45 for a while now and find it a reasonably good bag for summer use. Weighs 569grams.
Im considering getting a quilt for summer at some stage as of the lightness and no foot box and the ability to position it so its cooler when needed...havent looked to hard yet though.

http://www.mountainhardwear.com/Phantom ... 5-(Regular)/OU8442_R,default,pd.html

Last edited by Earthling on Tue 20 Dec, 2011 11:35 am, edited 2 times in total.

[marangaroo86]

I have been using tha Integral Design Primaliner. Packs down small has a long zip for venting and can even open up most of the bag and just pull over your feet and drape over your body. It is a narrow fit as it is made to line a sleeping bag to increase temp rating.
Product Features
Extend the life and range of your existing bag by sliding a PrimaLiner inside (adds 15 F/10 C). Also a great stand alone bag in summer.
Length: fits to 5 ft 11" Girth: 56" chest, 48" hip, 34" foot
Weight: 18.5 oz (525g)
Packed Size: 12" x 4"
Primaloft Sport Insulation -----------------------------------------------------------------------
Product Description
Designed to be used as a liner bag inside another sleeping bag to add additional warmth, the PrimaLiner can also be used as an ultra-light stand-alone sleeping bag. Weight and bulk are kept to a minimum with a contoured shape to fit the body and a 60" zipper. Insulated with a single layer of 3oz Primaloft Sport and shelled with a 30 denier nylon fabric. The Primaliner adds about 15degC to a sleeping bag and has a stand-alone temperature rating of 50deg F (10degC).
Just notice may not still be avaliable!

[blacksheep]

these are a popular summer travel style bag- well specced for the price..
http://www.macpac.com.au/shop/en_au/gea ... e-150.html

[JohnM]

When it's warm, I just use my 3 season bag quilt-style. For this reason I prefer a bag that has either a full-length zip or close to it.

[phan_TOM]

Thanks, some interesting options out there, I like the idea of a quilt so far for size and weight and thinking I could carry my lighteight thermals and some clean socks to augment whatever I end up with. My main problem is my most used sleeping bag, which is pretty light at 900g, is just too warm even opened up as a quilt and draped over me. My last trip saw me too warm with it on and then too cold with it off...

I use a really cheap MD sewed through zip all the way around, not ultra lite at 1200 grams but chea p and robust. If the nite is too warm it gets used as a quilt, good down to 12C and of course lower if clothing is worn

Thanks Moondog but too heavy. I'm aiming for under 0.5kg and small pack size, thinking I could go something really light and take lightweight thermals to help it along

...I think I would look for a doona - something like the Golite RS 1...

Recon looks ok but too heavy, I'm thinking liner bag or quilt at this stage, very minimal, the Golite looks good and its only a hundred or so bucks, hard to find any reliable reviews on it. I've also rounded up a list of light quilts (sorry, doona's ) and this one seems like pretty good bang for buck, its heavier than some but nice and cheap.

I have found that a silk liner and a light quilt provides the best solution for summer conditions

I'm thinking something down that track might be what I'm after and 85g for a silk liner is tiny. Maybe the liner and some light thermals would be enough? and making my own quilt is appealing but its not really an option.

I just use my jagbag silk liner on its own when it gets too warm for my sleeping bag...

How low can you go & do you wear clothing as well? How do you find the feel and quality as I'm considering something like this? Do you wake being strangled in the night, one of my main worries bout liners

Ive been useing the Mountain Hardwear Phantomn 45 for a while now...

Thanks Earthling but I don't really want another bag, if you find a good quilt let me know

these are a popular summer travel style bag- well specced for the price..

Definitely on the list, yes well specced for the price $100 for members (or Bushwalk Aust comrades )

When it's warm, I just use my 3 season bag quilt-style. For this reason I prefer a bag that has either a full-length zip or close to it.

Me too, what bag do you use?

[Dale]

phan_TOM I've also been thinking about this but can't justify any more gear purchases just now Spare cash is feeding my new packraft addiction - so going to a good cause nevertheless. There are two options I've been eyeing to shave off more grams:

Mountain Design Spirit Quilt clocks in at 368g for a synthetic bag and for a down option Nunatak Arc Edge at 326g.

Because I have a Summerlite at 525g I'll stick with that as a good down to zero option and just open it up as a pseudo quilt for summer.

[JohnM]

When it's warm, I just use my 3 season bag quilt-style. For this reason I prefer a bag that has either a full-length zip or close to it.

Me too, what bag do you use?

Summerlite for 3 season. It doesn't fully open up, but it opens enough to work pretty well as a quilt.

[Aushiker]

Thanks Moondog but too heavy. I'm aiming for under 0.5kg and small pack size, thinking I could go something really light and take lightweight thermals to help it along

What about something like Sea to Summit's Thermolite Reactor Extreme liner (399 grams) or their Thermolite Reactor liner (235 grams)? Would they do what you want?

Andrew