PSA: People are still buying sleeping bags rated for way too cold weather.

I see it every year, folks dropping $250 on a zero degree bag for summer in the Sierra. They sweat all night, hate it, and blame the gear. I learned this after three miserable trips with a 15 degree bag in 60 degree nights. The comfort rating is a starting point, not a guarantee. You add about 10 degrees for actual comfort if you sleep average. So what's a good summer bag rating for most mountain camping?

4 comments

4 Comments

aaron_perry2mo ago

I used to think that too until I tried a 30 degree bag.

aaron8542mo ago

My 40 degree bag is perfect for summer.

sage_moore372mo ago

Yeah, if your summer nights are spent in a walk-in freezer. I tried that once and woke up shivering at 3 AM, had to wear every piece of clothing I brought. A 40 bag is for like, a warm climate car camping trip, not actual backpacking anywhere with elevation. You must sleep really, really warm.

the_paul2d ago

Ha, classic. @aaron_perry probably also thinks a fleece liner counts as a winter bag. It's like how people insist their car's "all season" tires are fine in snow. Technically true if you never leave the driveway. Just because you can survive the night doesn't mean you're comfortable. I'd rather carry an extra pound than wake up counting my own teeth to stay warm.