Sleeping Bag Alternatives

Discussion in 'Gear' started by Nick, Apr 22, 2012.

  1. Nick >

    Being a rather large and tall person, I've struggled with finding good sleeping bags that actually fit. The North Face makes some good ones for big people but they're synthetic and kind of heavy. Lately I've been using Marmot down bags, they aren't as big as the North Face ones but they're down and way lighter. A little tight but they work. But I only have a 20 degree and 5 degree in that style and I need something for warmer trips.

    This past weekend, I ended up sleeping out on my tarp, no tent and no sleeping bag for much of the night. I just had my nylon convertibles, socks, and down jacket. I used my sleeping bag as a pillow. I woke up after a few hours and pulled it out but only because I was a little cold on my legs. So that got me to thinking, what could I do instead of a sleeping bag. I've searched high and low for a roomy 40 degree bag with no luck. So what about a down blanket or down pants or something. Or maybe an actual blanket of some sort. Any suggestions?
    Nick, Apr 22, 2012
    #1

  2. Deadeye008 Hambone

    I've got some Cabelas brand down pants. They are super warm. I bet combined with a down jacket and some down booties or wool socks you'd be good to go.
    Deadeye008, Apr 22, 2012
    #2

  3. IntrepidXJ ADVENTR

    That's why I got a sleeping bag that completely zips open...so I can use it as a blanket. Since it was so warm on Saturday night, that's exactly what I did...and it worked great!
    IntrepidXJ, Apr 23, 2012
    #3
    barl0w likes this.

  4. DOSS out

    I have mostly moved away from sleeping bags and use down quilts when possible.. much nicer, lighter and fully DIY :)
    DOSS, Apr 23, 2012
    #4

  5. Bill .

    Bill, Apr 23, 2012
    #5
    intuitive cat likes this.

  6. Miss Buffalo Never give up!!

    Miss Buffalo, Apr 23, 2012
    #6

  7. Nick >

    I'm having a hard time differentiating that Selk'bag video between an ad or an abstract music video. Looks awesome... too bad they're 4 fracking pounds. :(
    Nick, Apr 24, 2012
    #7

  8. mattvogt7 Member

    mattvogt7, Apr 25, 2012
    #8

  9. Deadeye008 Hambone

    Deadeye008, Apr 25, 2012
    #9

  10. Deadeye008 Hambone

    Deadeye008, Apr 25, 2012
    #10

  11. Seldom Seen Anderson Member

    Any pics/suggestions on your diy down quilt?
    Seldom Seen Anderson, Apr 27, 2012
    #11

  12. DOSS out

    Mine looks like hell worn over :)
    But I basically followed these two sets of instructions to cobble together something..
    http://purebound.com/homemade/sleepingbag/
    and
    http://www.practicalbackpacking.com/forums/showthread.php?t=4361&highlight=down quilt

    Mostly followed the one on practical backpacking

    I have also modded other sleeping bags by removing zippers and the hood and sewing up those areas so that it was a quilt with a footbox and not a sleeping bag.
    DOSS, Apr 27, 2012
    #12
    Deadeye008 likes this.

  13. Nurrgle Feet on the ground, head in the clouds

    I am 6'4" and broad as can be and was pretty happy with the Stoic Vamp. I posted a gear review.
    Nurrgle, Apr 27, 2012
    #13

  14. intuitive cat navajo sandstone junkie

    BOSS - the local outdoor survival/primitive skills school uses wool blankets. what they do is fold it into a pack to carry their goods & wrap it with webbing that they make into straps. minimal. primitive. wouldn't work well for carrying camera equipment & such or instant access though. just thought i'd throw it in the thread as a concept. they tend to go on courses carrying only 4 to 8 lbs. (most likely not including the blanket weight)
    intuitive cat, Apr 28, 2012
    #14

  15. DOSS out

    Akkk wool is way too heavy.. and sucks to carry for too much distance in a carryall configuration (I have done it and don't want to again if I don't have to)...
    DOSS, Apr 28, 2012
    #15

  16. Nick >

    I think I found my new sleeping bag/quilt. Tried it on at REI tonight, fit my big and tall ass quite well. 1lb 11oz, stuffs down to nalgene size, 45 degree rating (so 25-30 for me). Would have picked it up right away but someone tipped me off to the next member sale that starts on May 18th. :)

    http://www.rei.com/product/746296/rei-travel-down-45-sleeping-bag
    Nick, May 10, 2012
    #16
    Seldom Seen Anderson likes this.

  17. Seldom Seen Anderson Member

    How much are we thinking the sale price will be? Did they tip you off on that as well?
    Seldom Seen Anderson, May 11, 2012
    #17

  18. Nick >

    A bunch of stuff will be on sale but the standard member discount on full price items will be 20% off.
    Nick, May 11, 2012
    #18
    DOSS and Miss Buffalo like this.

  19. Miss Buffalo Never give up!!

    good to know as I need to gear up some stuff on May 24
    Miss Buffalo, May 11, 2012
    #19

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