How To Choose A Sleeping Bag For Ultralight Backpacking 

It’s always the smaller creators that have the best insight and give the most understanding analysis

If I were recommending one temp rating for three-season, it would be 30 F. Most backpackers also carry a puffy, and sleep clothes. Given these, that 30 F bag should be comfortable below 30 F for most backpackers. Conversely, when July and August hit, a 20 F bag might be cast to the side until 3 AM, or even left at home with some other makeshift solution or quilt/bag taken for the much warmer tents. I find that Summer months below 8000 feet just tend to be too warm for a 20 F bag. When thinking about nightly lows, don’t just focus on the forecast if bringing a tent. That’s because a tent will block wind and allow your body heat to impact the temperature inside - a tent can be counted on for being 5 F warmer than conditions outside. This video didn’t mention the sleeping pad. The pad is just as important as the quilt/bag at keeping you warm. If you have an R value below 3.5 in your pad, then in conditions below say 38 F you’re going to feel the difference over say a sleeping pad with a 4+ R value. A bag works in tandem with a pad in keeping you warm. Nowadays, the choice of shelter plays into the bag versus quilt decision. Those planning on hammock camping will be better served with a quilt, IMO. In terms of fill, I agree that 800 is fine and more economical. I think the line in economy is 800/850, versus 900/950/1000. Some companies offer 850 and 900+ at different price points, but many do not offer anything lower than 850 (e.g. Western Mountaineering, Enlightened Equipment, Sea to Summit). I vouch for WM. I have a WM Apache MF bag that I bought almost 25 years ago. It still performs as if it was new. Lofts up quickly and keeps me really warm. It’s rated to 15 F but, at that temp, I can use it unzipped as a quilt just fine. But I’m also on a 5.7 R insulated pad. A lot of a bag’s weight is found in the zipper. If you don’t find yourself using the zipper on trips, consider cutting the zipper off the material that holds it and installing snaps in strategic locations, if necessary, to make a footbox. Many bags have zippers that only go down to mid-calf so these already have a closed footbox defined, even without a zipper. Getting rid of the zipper can save ten ounces on some bags.

Good tips on sleeping bag selection. Of course, it is also possible to add a larger sleeping bag over your 3-iseason sleeping bag to gain the warmth needed in cooker conditions or, winter.

I have a Hammock Gear 20 degree wide and it’s 25 oz. True there are lighter options but for comfort it’s the best for me.

Great video. Thanks for the info.

in my experience the temperature ratings on sleeping bags are extremely conservative. At comfort I have to open the side up to air out the sweat. At limit it's a good nights sleep and at extreme it's cold enough that I need to think about additional assistance. Like drinking warm tea before bed, putting on a hat and/or socks and making sure to eat properly before going to sleep. But if I do those things even nights at "extreme" temperatures are pretty nice

Really good information 😊

An amazing video, thank you! Have you heard of a company Cumulus? They make pretty sweet down gear.

I’m looking into building a proper sleep system and your video was incredibly helpful in understanding what the hell is going on. Thank you!

Thanks a lot man, excellent video & incredibly helpful. If you'd like any constructive criticism, the only way I'd improve this video is by adding markers to each section of the video (e.g a Marker at 00:23 'Style' / 03:53 'Material' / 07:24 'Temp' - these are incredible useful as a viewer. Keep up the good work bro, subbed.

Whhhait 😅