[pct-l] Pct-l Digest, Vol 15, Issue 84

[Pat Megowan]

Hi Sean,

Check the Gear Deals (Backcountry 40% off thread) and Gear Swap forums at 
Backpackinglight.com for possibilities, and of course ebay. If you are going 
to continue hiking in mountains after the PCT a good bag in the 15-25 degree 
range will be a good friend. I'd scrimp on a few nights of motel bills 
before scrimping on a bag. I've been very happy w/Western Mountaineering and 
Marmot, a bit less w/REI. These bags have different fits - I find WMs a bit 
shorter than their specs suggest (I'm 5-10 and their 6' bag is a bit short 
for relaxed feet), and volumes can feel very different too - a WM ultralite 
is quite a bit snugger than a Marmot hydrogen. Up to a point snugger is 
warmer, but then it isn't, and you have to be comfy enough to sleep. Can you 
possibly get to a shop and try? Are you small, medium, big, and how restless 
a sleeper?

More important, technique, judgment, hydration and nutrition are huge parts 
of staying warm when things get cold and wet. A 20 degree bag in a shallow 
watercourse is no longer cozy even at freezing...according to unnamed 
sources;-).

Pat


> From: Sean Carey <seanpct75 at gmail.com>
> Subject: [pct-l] Pinching penny gear questions.

> Hello,
>
> One of the items I have left to buy and that is going to be the most 
> spendy
> is my sleeping bag. After doing research I really like the Marmot helium. 
> I
> am wondering if anyone knows anything similar or any other bag that is 
> good
> and is cheaper? The good things about the Helium is that it packs down 
> good
> and it is light. Is it even possible to find anything comparable? LOL. If 
> I
> have to I will buy this bag, but I figured I would come here and see what
> other options I might have. Oh yeah. I am only bringing the one sleeping 
> bag
> and probably a liner for the sierras. Thanks everyone.
>
> Sean C.
>