Unpopular opinion: I went with a cheap 40-degree bag over a fancy 20-degree one for summer in the Smokies

I had to choose between a $300 20-degree down bag and a $80 synthetic 40-degree bag for a July trip. Everyone said to get the warmer bag, but I knew the nights rarely dropped below 60. The synthetic bag was way less stuffy and packed smaller. I stayed comfortable all three nights and saved a ton of cash. Has anyone else gone against the 'always get a warmer bag' advice for specific trips?

3 comments

3 Comments

blair_nguyen1mo ago

Honestly, I'm the person who brought the 0-degree bag to a desert campout in June because I was scared of being cold. Woke up swimming in my own sweat, felt like a baked potato wrapped in foil. Your logic is solid. For a known warm weather trip, a lighter bag just makes sense. My overkill packing is a running joke with my friends now.

logan_mitchell1mo ago

My last overkill bag purchase is why I own a camping fan now.

kai_webb911mo ago

Yeah, but at least you didn't become a human baked potato like @blair_nguyen. A camping fan sounds like a solid upgrade from that.