I finally decided between a 0-degree and a 20-degree sleeping bag for a trip to the Sawtooths.

It was for a late September trip, and the forecast was all over the place. I kept going back and forth, worried the 20-degree bag wouldn't be enough if it dipped lower. I went with the 0-degree bag, a Mountain Hardware model I've had for a while. It was definitely overkill. I slept hot and unzipped it halfway most nights. The bulk and weight in my pack felt silly for the conditions. Anyone have a good system for picking the right temp rating when the weather looks iffy? I feel like I always guess wrong.

3 comments

3 Comments

aaron88427d ago

Feel your pain, I've done that exact thing. I usually check the average lows for that time of year, then pack for about ten degrees colder than that. It's still a gamble, but it beats hauling a winter bag in the fall.

carter.terry27d ago

Oh man, @aaron884, that is such a solid rule. I froze my butt off once by just trusting the forecast, never again.

jamesm4822d ago

Yeah, what's the deal with forecasts being so wrong sometimes? I mean, I basically do what @aaron884 said now, but I also throw in a mid-weight layer no matter what. That way if it does get colder than you planned for, you can just pile it on. Saved me last spring when a warm weekend turned into a surprise frost overnight.