I have the Montbell UL SS Hugger 1 for cold weather and a LaFuma X600 45 degree bag for Summer. My LaFuma has seen better days.

I usually run hot, 5'10 and 185 lbs. Use either a 2/3 POE Elite Inflatable Pad or Z-Rest Pad. Looking for something in the ONE Pound range.

What do you use? Why?

Thanks a mil

I'd consider a quilt, which allows adjustment for different temperatures. The Nunatak Arc Ghost weighs about a pound; you might get it lighter by ordering less down. Nunatak's Back Country Blanket is most versatile of all; again, you could cut the weight by a custom order. You can view some of the reasons in detail at http://www.BackpackGearTest.org/reviews/Sleep%20Gear/Quilts%20and%20Blankets/, which has a number of reviews, including mine.

Cheers, Richard

For Canyonlands around Labor Day, I used a Phantom 45 as reviewers said the temp rating was at least solid and no issues with down leakage (my pet peeve). Thinking about a 40*F Nunatek quilt presently to save volume for water.

It will be coming apparently late may but katabatic is working on a 40 degree bag which i am excited about!

I use a mh phantom 45 it's a great bag it's really a 35ish bag en rated 32 it weighs 18.80ounces for the regular the western mountaineering summerlight also fits your specs

Most people knock MH bags (without even trying them), but I've had a MH Phantom 15 for years and I can sleep in single digits on a CCF pad (with a light merino bottom and top) with no problems.

I've been looking at picking up the Phantom 45 but, for a summer bag, I might go with a quilt...

The Montbell UL Super Spirals in the #5 or the #7 temp range are both great & light bags, especially if you're happy with your current #1. My wife has a #3 UL Super Spiral and absolutely loves it. We're a MB family with 5 bags for the 4 of us, so I admit I am a bit biased. Start looking for one on sale, or check out Moontrail with their bonus points system you can get instantly redeem them on other things or just take off a dollar per point from the bag for an instant deduction.

Edit: Just noticed no #7's any more in the UL Super Spiral...

Edited by risingsun on 04/29/2011 11:59:08 MDT.

I sleep very warm and use this all summer and into the low 20s with the right layers. The weight is great at 1lb, and it's very warm fully cinched and zipped up. Lack of full-zip is fine for me - if it's that warm I'll most likely be starting the night off laying on top anyway.

I'd have to agree with you Tyson a lot of people knock the mh bags without tring them they have what it takes to compete with the best there good bags

Aaron's dates have been good in the past.

I'm not sure what temperatures you are looking for, but what about this? It weighs 13.8 oz, is available now, and I've read of people on BPL pushing it into the upper 30s.

For summer quilts I greatly prefer quilts that do not have permanent footboxes so the quilt can be laid out and my feet can stick out if I like. I have used warmer quilts in warmer temps and have had to leave my feet out of the footbox. This makes a big lump on top of my feet.

Given this here are the quilts I suggest...

First I echo the recommendation for the montbell thermal wrap. It is a great quilt that zips all the way up into a close fitting bag. But it can be unzipped into a flat laying quilt. I have used this quilt down to upper thirties with a montbell UL jacket without trouble. It could have gone lower. The negative side of the quilt is max height is 5'10". I really think anyone over this or anyone that is large in size should avoid this quilt, it is just too small.

But I have had the most success with the JRB stealth as a summer quilt. Again this quilt can be used flat or with a formed footbox. If the temps are 40+ degree I have stopped taking any insulating gear when using this quilt. I wrap the quilt around me or use the head hole in poncho mode if the morning is cool. This quilt is just over a 1 lb but it allows you to eliminate an additional insulating item. The down side of this quilt is the width. It uses a straight 48" width which makes the footbox extra roomy and the area around your torso a little snug. But in a summer quilt this is not a big issue. I use it inside a MLD bug bivy with a tarp over head and it provides great summar protection.

Now I am really excited for the warmer weather as it is now time to start testing my MYOG summer quilt. It is a little wider than the JRB, it tapers more in the foot box and weighs only 10.8 oz if made from M50.

LytW8_Summer_Quilt

But if not a MYOG guy I would recommend the stealth. It is hard to beat the versatility. The price is extremely fair and the Jacks will get it to you fast. I recommend them highly.

Jamie

Edited by jshortt on 04/29/2011 16:21:44 MDT.

The MLD Spirit 45 quilt weighs 13oz for a regular and is synthetic. May be worth considering if you hike in very humid or wet climates. I don't have one but know that Andrew Skurka used a Spirit quilt on the Alaska-Yukon expedition.

I've had a WM Megalite (32 F.) bag for four summers and love it. It's a wider version of the Summerlite.

It works great as a quilt W/ my full length Thermarest stuck in its foot. In cooler temps it is large enough to accomodate my down sweater and insulated pants.

Plus it has no side baffle so some down can be shifted from top to bottom. But the 850 fill down is so good that it won't shift much, even when shaken.

P.S the Megalite has no draft collar, it that's important in a summer bag.

Edited by Danepacker on 04/30/2011 13:37:02 MDT.