Ok so I realized that lost my sleeping bag somewhere along my way through life. I was hunting around and found this
http://www.uscav.com/productinfo.aspx?productID=18916&TabID=2000
then i found this at 60% less
http://www.armysurplusworld.com/product.asp?ProductID=18712
they both say brand new and it looks to be the same product. can anyone spot why the huge price difference? also does anyone have any experience with this bag and have any comments?
I know some guys have to have the best, but for those prices you could buy about 5 of these. http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/3-pc-mummy-sleeping-bag-by-mil-spec.aspx?a=163144
I saw that one at SportsmansGuide as well, but what I wish it had (and still at that price!) was the gore-tex waterproofing. This summer my Bro-In-Law, my Son and all went Kayaking down the Allegheny River and we were sleeping on Islands… 2 nights were 55 degrees and massive downpours. I found that my non mil-spec tent is NOT waterproof… and the Coleman sleeping bags are great SPONGES! I wish to remedy this for next years 40 miler!
I think the one for $269 is not a US GOVT Issue, and the one for $600 most likely is a true Govt. Issue sleep system. I could be wrong, but that is what I am guessing. I assume the real deal millitary system is a heavy duty buld that will last many years of civi use when compared to the lesser priced option. Depends on how often you use it. Myself, only a few times a summer would I require something that serious. Normally we plan family camping trips around the weather and avoid rain and also try to avoid temps under 50 degrees.
Now, if waterproof is an issue, Sportsmans guide has this GORE-TEX BIVY for $129 that you can mate with that $50 bag to get the Gore-Tex waterproofing. This is likely the way I’m going to go.
http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/new-us-military-issue-gore-tex-bivy-cover.aspx?a=500829
Once you go Snugpak™ you never go back.
may want to check
also you really need to decide if waterproofing is something that you want
Nice. I missed that one. Good choice.
Unless you anticipate arctic conditions I wouldn’t recommend the GI sleep system as it’s pretty heavy. Anyone who has camped knows the joys of goose down bags for weight/warmth. The only downside is when they get wet.
There are places that ratf*(k the GI systems for the gore-tex bivy cover and sell them separately at a moderate used/surplus cost. Coupled with a down bag and a little care they can provide a cost effective, lightweight and effective combination. I’d recommend a gore-tex bivy no matter what bag you chose.
If you wish to avoid the whole goose down issue than of the artificial lofted bags, I can personally recommend the Eagle industries Carinthia bags as I’ve used them on quite a few camping/hunting expeditions including Canada/New England, I’ve always remained warmer than you’d think with such a thin bag.
Of the consumer bags Kelty and North Face have served me well. I’m not a big fan of Coleman unless you’re car camping.
being that i live in the humid south, during summer i use a marmot trestle trails bag. compacts to just over the size of a HSGI UMMP and weighs less than a pound and a half. during winter i use a north face cat’s meow that i’ve had for over 10 years. don’t forget, practical over tactical.
The only thing nice out of that sleep system is the Gortex bivvy sack IMO. There are other nicer sleeping bags out there. I personally used the Gortex bivvy sack and a recon 3 bag when I was in Iraq.
Absolutely. For the combined price, packability, loft, warmth, and durability, you won’t find a better mix of features for bags that go down to and a bit below 0 deg.
I still own a Marmot down-filled bag, and it’s about the same size, packed, as the Snugpak. Because it’s down, though, I went with a GoreTex shell, so it cost me a metric buttload…which is also totally worth it when it keeps you from freezing in -40 weather.
As some have mentioned I might go with synthetic over down just for the water issues. Also, I’d like to know a little bit more about the intended usage and where the OP is planning on going with this bag. Both the original bag links and some of the posts mention -10, -20, -40 degree temperatures. The OP’s info lists him in Fayetteville, GA–appox. 25 mi south of Hot-F*&#in-lanta:) I’m in NC and have camped all around. Yes it can get cold here in the south but its also not Colorado, Minnesota, etc. If he wants it to be usable in much colder climates than south GA then maybe the sleep system would be the best bet. I surely wouldn’t want to sacrifice other gear though to lug around its 6 1/2 lbs:eek: if I was going very far with it. Ounces are pounds and pounds are pain. Again depending on usage I would probably be more inclined to shed over 2 1/2 lbs and couple hundred dollars and go with something like this.
http://www.backcountryedge.com/mountain_hardwear-switch-20-09.aspx
thanks for the replies.
First i like the goretex seperate purchase idea better than this system i think. I only was looking for a waterproof option that could stack together to create a sleep system. Found this one and about puked at the price, then saw it elsewhere for half?
Where will i camp? likely not much further than upper states in coldest season if that. You’ll never catch me in any arctic zone unless america becomes an arctic zone.
So i think i’ll pick up the gore tex shell, and two seperate bags. One for summer and one for deep winter and just put them together if i ever get colder camping situations.
Yeah i think i’m gonna go lightweight on this one as car camping (which i only do now with my young children) will go by the wayside soon enough.
also the snugpak is very vague, i couldnt find any really good options (without extensive research) got any suggestions?
Go to wiggys.com for one of the best.
For lightweight mountaineering bags look at Sierra Designs
http://www.sierra-designs.com/bags.mens.php
They make both down and synthetic bags, that won’t break your back.
The N.F. makes good bags as well. Look at the Snowshoe 3D or the Cat’s Meow. Not sure what temp range you are looking for.
I do know this, don’t beleive anything you read in a Sportsman’s Guide catalog and I would rahter sleep wrapped up in a horse blanket than buy a bag, or anything else from them.
Don’t hate sportsmans guide too hard, they are like JC Whitneys… they both have complete junk as well as good quality brand named items. You do have to be very carefull buying from these mass retailers, as you mention… the descriptions on all items make them apear to be great… even the total trash. Know what your looking for, and you can often find good sale prices and buyers club deals on things you actually desire from Sportsmans guide. That Gore-Tex bivy was purchased by my Bro-In-Law, he can attest to it keeping him dry while I waded in water beside him in my Dicks Sporting Goods Cleman bag.
i’ve slept many a night in all kinds of bags. my advice is get a summer and a fall weight bag like you are thinking. synthetic summer, down winter, and a separate goretex or similar bivy cover (check out eVent or Pertex, more breathable.)
keep two things in mind: 1. bags warmth rating isn’t worth shit unless you are on a decent pad, especially the colder months and for sure when the ground is frozen. 2. treat a sleeping bag like a pair of shoes, try it out in a store if at all possible, not every bag is built for every body type. if you zip up in the bag and it is a tight fit you will be crushing the fill material that is there to create the dead air your body heats up to keep you warm.
also, waterproof compression bags are your sleeping bag’s best friend.
I use these
Gore Windstopper blanket (waterproof) over a Cocoon Silk Liner bag in hammocks in the jungle or a Hennesy Hammock when its bad
A South African Bag for warm/dry nights (its crap but I own it;))
A Sierra Designs Wild Bill 20 Degree Synthetic Bag for cold wet conditions (there are better bags)
I “need” a 10 Degree Synthetic for colder wet conditions
Best Bags on the Planet are Western Mountaineering (they under rate the warmth)…I have these
Western Mountaineering Kodiak 0 Degree Bag (down/Gore Dry loft designed for broader shoulders)
Western Mountaineering Big Horn -30 Degree Bag (down/Gore Dry loft)
I religiously use Coccoon Silk Liner Bags in my down bags to protect the bag, increases warmth and if too hot can zip down bag and still keep covered with a layer of warm air next to your body
When I need a bag for say, 10 degrees, I like to go down to the next lower rating, just to be sure I will be warm. My Synthetic Sierra Designs is rated to 0, is well under 4 lbs and has an outside material of Pertex. I have seen a cup of water pooled on to of a Pertex lined bag sit there for days on end and not soak through. Far better and lighter than gore tex.
Anyone know of a synthetic bag rated to 0, that is lighter or better ?
Larry 0071
Sportsman’s Guide and we can throw in Cheaper than dirt are among the worst catalog co out there. If there is worse, I would like to know who, so I can avoid them too.
Still waiting on the story with your avatar, if it is a friend and more photos, complete with head not chopped off. Very nice.:eek: