Can we talk about how people keep buying the wrong sleeping bag temperature ratings?

I was helping a friend pack for a trip to the Grand Canyon last month and noticed he brought a 20 degree bag for summer camping. He thought lower numbers were always better. Ngl, I used to think that too until I woke up sweating in a 30 degree bag during a July night in Flagstaff. Now I always check the actual conditions and use a bag liner if I need to adjust. Has anyone else seen folks make this mistake at your local gear shop?

2 comments

2 Comments

kelly38521d ago

Lower numbers do NOT always mean warmer. 20 degree bag in July sounds like a sweat lodge, oof.

lane.eric22d ago

Last season I watched a guy return a 40 degree bag at REI because he froze his butt off in Yosemite in April. The thing is, he didn't even check the nighttime lows before buying it. I always tell people to aim for a bag rated about 10 degrees lower than the coldest temp you expect. Works way better than guessing. Also a cheap fleece liner adds like 10-15 degrees of warmth without buying a whole new bag.