Atlanta Outdoor Club

Hi everyone,
I'm new to the South and new to this forum, and I'm looking for some advice on getting a new sleeping bag.

I've done tons of hiking/backpacking up in northern New England, and used my zero-degree down bag year round (the nights up there can get somewhat chilly even in the summer). In the course of my move, I somehow lost my favorite sleeping bag, however, so now I'm in the market for a new one.

For someone who tends to like to be warm at night, what degree bag would you recommend for hiking/backpacking in the southeastern US that can be used virtually year-round? I'm guessing a zero bag would be overkill here but I don't want to go too far to the other end.

If you also want to recommend outdoor gear shops in the Atlanta area, that'd be great too. I am a member of REI but also enjoy independent shops.

Thanks!
Lisa

Generally a 20 degree bag is recommended for the area.

I've been using a 10 degree and 35 degree up until recently but that covers me for when I don't use a tent. I also just had a 50ish degree quilt made for my girlfriend and I to use during summer months.

If you do go with a single bag, try to get one with a full zip so you can use it like a quilt during the warmer months.

Depends. Do you have a three or four season tent? Mine is four, so I'd say a 40-45 degree bag and get the liner. A liner keeps the bag clean and adds 5 degress of warmth.

Lisa,

There is not a one size fits all answer to your question. There is not any one bag that will keep you comfortable in all seasons in the SE. IMO, down does a better job under a wider range of conditions than synthetic.

You will probably find a 20 to 30* range bag will get the most use for winter and the shoulder seasons. You may want a down quilt or a bag in the 45-50* range in the mountains and just a liner for the lowlands or beach in summer. You will want a 0* or 10* bag if you camp year round. I have used a 20* bag with a down quilt to extend my range to ~0*.

Not intending to complicate the issue, you may sleep cold or warm depending on your metabolism. Another big factor in your decision is what brand bag are you buying. Not all manufacturers rate their bags the same way. Western Mountaineering & Feathered Friends rate conservatively. Montbell, Marmot, & GoLite are true to ratings. Other brands (TNF) leave you cold ~10* above their ratings. Other factors, do you sleep in a tent, under a tarp, or in a hammock? What R value is your pad?

Visit REI @ I-85 (best selection for mass produced gear), Mountain Crossings @ Neels Gap (best advice and selections for high end gear), High Country on Roswell Road (a local WM distributer), Jacks-R-Better on web for down quilts.

I personally use any combination of the following
Montbell UL Super Stretch Down Hugger #0
Jacks R Better Rocky Mountain Sniveler Down Quilt
Western Mountaineering Alpinlite 20*
Jacks R Better Nest Down Quilt
Costco fleece bag
Silk liner

Good luck with your selection
Egads