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?

3 comments

3 Comments

aaron_perry10d ago

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

aaron85410d ago

My 40 degree bag is perfect for summer.

sage_moore3710d 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.