sleeping bag for 58 degree low

[wiiawiwb]

Re: sleeping bag for 58 degree low

It depends on why someone's down bag is getting wet. If it is moisture on the ground, then you should get a bivy. I always have mine in a Borah Gear bivy:

http://www.borahgear.com/eventbivy.html

If it is from humidity, then a synthetic overquilt will help to keep the down dry.

[hwc1954]

Re: sleeping bag for 58 degree low

I dunno. I love my lightweight "40 degree" Marmot Atom down bag. Here's in New England, even mid-summer lows are usually in the 50s or 60s. I have found the ultralight down bag to be fine for summer camping, used as a quilt that can be kicked off. It packs down to nothing and will last forever with occasional washing.

Wet is the reason I would go with synthetic. Down is definitely no good when it gets wet.

[terasec]

Re: sleeping bag for 58 degree low

It depends on why someone's down bag is getting wet. If it is moisture on the ground, then you should get a bivy. I always have mine in a Borah Gear bivy:

http://www.borahgear.com/eventbivy.html

If it is from humidity, then a synthetic overquilt will help to keep the down dry.

it happens,
may set your bag down on the ground to find it wet later
me on occassion my water bladder has leaked and found stuff inside my bag wet
can get caught in rain, and it could get wet,
your tent may have a leak and not realize the water inside until its too late

[wiiawiwb]

Re: sleeping bag for 58 degree low

I understand things happen which are out of our control. You have to be careful and take reasonable precautions with things that are in your control. Everything you mentioned could have been mitigated with an eVent bivy.

I never put my bag down on the ground. Ever. It goes directly into a bivy or on a protective sheet.

If calamity hits and your bag is violated in cold weather, we're now potentially talking about a survival situation. At that point, other measures kick in such as starting a fire and creating a workable shelter to stay warm and dry.

I think everyone who camps in cold weather should know how to prepare a survival shelter. Check out Dave Canterbury's two videos about preparing and using such a shelter. All you need is a 2 or 3 mil plastic sheet, a reflective survival blanket and 550 paracord. It could save your life.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cv1Px1JTQZ0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bq5L-yAwn-E