I'm a side sleeper who tosses and turns a lot. I know that that vents a lot of warm air out of my bag, but I was also wondering if it decreases the loft. For instance, if I'm laying on my back for a while, then I roll over to my side, I doubt the insulation on the bottom of the bag suddenly lofts to its full volume. As a consequence of these factors (and others), I think I'm a cold sleeper.

I'm looking for some (relatively cheap) ways to fix this problem. My first thought was a quilt, but there are a few problems with that. First, the good ones that I would need are out of my price range. Second, the Fanatic Fringe 30 quilt may work, but I want to be comfortable to about 25 (maybe 30 is okay if I really am "comfortable"). I'm 6'5" and I hear the Fanatic Fringe quilt is small and it's only rated to 30 and it doesn't have any straps to secure it under me to reduce drafts. Is there any consensus on that rating? Oh, and I don't have a usable sewing machine and can't sew, so the Jardine quilt is out.

My other thought was a semi-rectangular bag so I could keep the bag in place as I rotate. Bags such as the Marmot Wasatch, or the Big Agnes Horse Theif. But the Marmot bag is heavy and the Horse Thief doesn't quite have the temperature rating.

Any input or experience from others who are side sleepers and toss and turn (and are on a budget)?

I'll be anxious to hear the responses because I have very similar problems.

In the meantime, someone on the BPL GearSwap forum is selling their Frantic Fringe at what appears to be a good price. http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/xdpy/forum_thread/4521/index.html

Hi Eric-

A couple of notes for you:

1) Yes, when you roll over in a conventional bag it does not instantly loft back up -- unless the baffles are overstuffed. Plus, the bottom of a mummy bag tends to trap moisture because it can't breath through the sleeping pad. So, the down in this area is likely to be compressed from the trapped moisture. Finally, the shear forces of squirming around after many nights can eventually degrade the loft of the down in the bottom of a mummy.

2) I believe Fanatic Fringe can make their PGD Quilt longer to fit you for a nominal fee. Also, if you use a quilt with a bivy sack, you pretty much eliminate the draft problems -- even without straps. Finally, by adding warm headwear and torso insulation, you should be able to take this quilt down below 25 degrees. You'll just have to experiment to determine how much extra insulation you'll need. If you are a BPL premium member, take a look at my review here.

3) Other options to consider:

Big Agnes Zirkel

Nunatak Arc Specialist

Western Mountaineering Pod 30

Good Luck!

-Mike

Edited by MikeMartin on 10/28/2006 12:59:01 MDT.

I just wanted to added the Jacks R Better No Sniveller Long quilt to the list of options. I am 6'4" and a side sleeper and am very happy with mine. I use my Montbell hat clips as a strap to keep the quilt around me. The straps aren't necessary when I use the quilt in my hammock.

I have experience with Big Agnes. Big Agnes isn't a good choice for a side sleeper. The pad is part of the sleeping bag system and it makes it much harder for you to sleep on your side with your legs slightly bent.

Craig

Not sure what you budget is but consider the Montbell stretch bags. I've tried one out and I can say they take first prize for comfort. You can actually sit up cross-legged in one. Not as good warmth-to-weight as some bags but if you need room to move, give them some thought.

Also, if letting warm air out of the bag is a concern, look for a full draft collar. I have one on my WM Ultralight and it certainly helps when you roll over.

Edited by rswanson on 10/30/2006 16:01:07 MST.

Eric,
I have the same sleeping issues you mentioned. My Montbell super-stretch bags have 10 slightly stretchy inner baffles which gently hug the bag occupant's body as s/he moves, rolls, tosses and turns; always minimizing the vacant airspace in the bag. The outer baffles expand to allow stretching, sitting crosslegged, etc.. I got the Long bag so I have a LOT of freedom of movement. Depending on your budget, Montbell sells "UL" 750 fill power, 600 fill power, or cheapest of all, synthetic; all with the patented super-stretch system. Don't get the "Alpine" versions, they do not have outer baffles, only inner ones. (unless 1/2 the stretch is OK with you). I suppose many companies would like to copy this system, because minimizing internal airspace is one variable in making a warm bag, but MB has the patent. I will never go back to a non-stretch bag again. By the way, all their bags have a cinch cord around the lowest baffle, so the bag can be cinched off for short occupants, with the end of the bag optionally tucked IN, to keep feet extra warm like a big down foot-pillow (ingeneous). My 5`3" friend also uses my long bag and says it is amazingly comfortable and warm. I have a #7 long, and a #3 long.
Research these on line, they are highly rated, and deservedly so IMHO.
https://www2.montbell.com/america/asp/products/Spg_shosai.asp?cat=1101&hinban=2321670

I had the Fanatic Fringe quilt (just sold it). It is an excellent peice of gear IMO. I used it with a water-resistant bivy which took care of drafts (a good gust can still bring a chill). For me the 30 degree rating was right on. You can order them at a custom length...I suggest adding atleast 5 more inches than you measure though. I added a few inches to the length I measured hoping it would be a bit oversized but it came at just big enough.

The only reason I sold it is because it is time to get a Nunatak Arc Alpinist.

Eric,
OK, took some research but I found a possible solution. The 'selk`bag'..
Simply add fully separating zippers at all the joints (elbow, knee, ankles) and you can hike, sleep, eat, and "grab certain elements with your hands thanks to its reversible zippers"

I suggest adding at least 5 more inches than you measure though. I added a few inches to the length I measured hoping it would be a bit oversized but it came at just big enough.

I had a similar experience with a quilt I made ... added 3 inches and it isn't quite enough.

Took me a while to notice the reason .... we are longer than our height when lying down because our feet don't natually rest at a right angle to our legs, they point away from our head

Edited by jcolten on 10/31/2006 04:49:38 MST.

I'm not sure but if i remember correctly you don't toss or turn in a hammock. Maybe that's sth for you?

i should mention i don't hammock it's only hear-say.

Eins