Sub Zero sleeping bags

SweetiePie · 10-26-2011, 08:34 AM

I have a sleeping bag that says it will keep you warm in temps as low as -10 degrees Fahrenheit or something like that. I am not a huge fan of winter so I have never tested it but I just wondered if that is true. Does anyone winter camp and use one of these? Do they keep you warm?

IndianaHiker · 10-26-2011, 09:01 AM

Yes they can. People use them all the time and in temps much colder than that. People climbing Everest use bags to sleep in temps in the negative 20 and 30. I backpack and carry a 30 degree bag. It is a decent quality bag I have with proper base layers slept in it down to 20 possible slightly colder and bee comfortable. Not sure of the bag you have would keep you warm down to -10 but would be willing to be it would to +10 or +15. That is unless it is really old and the loft has been lost.

outwest · 10-26-2011, 09:21 AM

I ended up getting a sub0 Parka when I have to run errands for work and end up checking the property lines in the winter, lucky for me work paid for it. If the bags are anything like the jackets made, it will last forever!

Pathfinder1 · 10-26-2011, 01:56 PM

I usually don't trek very far,
when all around me black bears are.

Yes, there are many...and many TYPES...of sleeping gear that will keep you warm. A little Hint: when using your sleeping gear...ALWAYS wear thick, warm, and DRY socks, and a warm hat. These will greatly increase your comfort potential.

Will somebody please toss that hand grenade back uphill?

Refrigerator · 10-26-2011, 05:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SweetiePie

I have a sleeping bag that says it will keep you warm in temps as low as -10 degrees Fahrenheit or something like that. I am not a huge fan of winter so I have never tested it but I just wondered if that is true. Does anyone winter camp and use one of these? Do they keep you warm?

well sweetie pie.....I have several winter bags rated -40, -20, 0, 15, 30....I use them for what weather I plan to be Backpacking. Never been cold in a bag. My bags work for me and iffin they didn't...I would make some changes.....

I use Western Mountaineering, Mountain Hardwear, North Face, Marmot sleeping bags. I use both synthetic and Down bags....both work for me.

ponderosa · 10-26-2011, 06:55 PM

Yes, there are bags that can keep a person warm in frigidly cold temps far below zero. That doesn't necessarily mean the one you have would keep you warm to negative ten. Some brands are true to the stated temp rating, and some definitely are not. What do you have?

Grandpa · 10-26-2011, 10:44 PM

The new gimmick with the cheap stuff now is "rated at 0" means you can survive at 0 rather than the old comfort level. The better bags usually intend for you to have base layer, dry socks and stocking cap to be comfortable at the rated temp. Some of the best will actually tell you where the comfort level is even if the rating is lower. My Mt Hardware phantom 15 is actually around a 22 comfort.

dinosaur · 10-27-2011, 04:47 AM

The coldest I ever camped was -10F and my down mummy worked perfectly. I slept like a baby. That bag cost me $185 twenty-five years ago. God knows what they want for it now.

Grandpa · 10-27-2011, 08:24 AM

I might add, proper hydration and nutrition makes all the comfort difference in the world. You let yourself go a little too long without a drink and you will be cold in any bag.

calanta · 10-27-2011, 08:51 AM

They are getting pricy, we looked at a few the other day in just a dinky shop mall outlet store and they had insane prices. Some even advertised a sub # but when you actually look at the material there is just no way possible it would work.