Hey guys. I'm looking for a +30-ish (EN Comfort rating) backpacking sleeping bag to fit my very large frame. Is the Western Mountaineering Badger 7' pretty much my only choice?

Thanks guys.

Edited by JDubs on 08/17/2011 22:17:16 MDT.

I'd be looking for a custom quilt from one of the cottage folk.

I am 6'8" and was in the same situation as you. I decided to get the WM Badger. I wish I had gone the quilt route. Don't get me wrong, it is an awesome bag that I will have a long time, but I sleep warm and am always hot in it. It is great for the shoulder seasons, but here in CA it just never really gets that cold in the summer to justify the 15 rating. Also, it would be nice to drop a pound or so with a lighter bag! I have my eye on the Katabatic Palisade when I have the funds.

If specifically after a sleeping bag then pretty sure that PHD could certainly do it - suspect you'd be using their design your own program to get the extra long length, so whatever down fill, zip etc etc you want.
(http://www.phdesigns.co.uk/)

Obviously you do pay a bit of a premium for that extreme flexibility, you'd have to be happy importing of course and no idea what the exchange rate is doing.

duplicate

Edited by MartinCarpenter on 08/18/2011 02:47:39 MDT.

duplicate

Edited by MartinCarpenter on 08/18/2011 02:45:20 MDT.

Um sorry :) Ideal if someone would delete these but I'll edit them down.

Edited by MartinCarpenter on 08/18/2011 02:44:12 MDT.

Thanks guys for the thoughts.

Brian, thank you in particular for commenting. I'm also in CA (Nor/CenCal) and run hot when sleeping. Sounds like the Badger is overkill for sure.

Can you (anyone) tell me more about the quilt method? I've never done it before... can someone describe the 'system' with specific gear/source recommendations for someone my height?

Thanks again all.

I would email Aaron to see if the long would work for you, but I think you'll find that the nice higher end cottage quilt will keep you warmer and it's sooooo much easier to get into, out of, adjust temperature and to answer the call O nature in the wee (pun intended) hours. The collar and attachment method of Katabatic's quilts is unparalleled and I am warmer in the palisdade than I was in the WM Megalite I had. Slip in, slip out. You'll never go back.

Ok thanks I will email him. Although before getting my hopes up, I checked and he lists his "long" as fitting 6'6". Still though, I'll see what he says.

So do I understand correctly that basically you go with a quilt and sleeping pad, and that's it? I have a Thermarest NeoAir Trekker (the wide torso version). Throw that down, the quilt over it and I'm good to go till around +30deg?

Feathered friends have bags to fit people up to 7 feet: http://www.featheredfriends.com/Picasso/Subhead/BagSizing.html

Practice sleeping in a sleeping bag that is zipped up to only about knee to thigh length to see if you might enjoy a quilt.

I own the 6' 6" Katabatic Palisade, and am 6' 4". It is my first and only quilt. I have used it in nighttime temps from 60F to 35F in the Yosemite Nat'l Forest.

I would not recommend buying a 6'6" unless you've spoken with Aaron Martray (owner Katabatic) because I do not think you'll fit. If you do get a quilt, and sleep in your clothes and use a bivy, I'd suggest you consider the Chisos model as well. These can be discussed with Aaron, though. The bivy and clothes can supplement the 10 degree loss in range that the Chisos covers.

These quilts are excellent quality, and service has been long lauded here, along with several other quilt manufacturers who are listed in gear reviews. But these quilts are not entry-level priced and you will likely be paying extra for long, wide or more custom options. Please practice with with an opened sleeping bag first to see if you are interested in one.

Thanks again all. I did talk to Aaron and he's not sure if I'd fit in the 6'6" wide. Basically I'd have to order it and try it. He said he thinks I'd be his first customer this big.

I'm on the fence. The 7' WM Badger would seem to be a guaranteed fit, but the benefits of a quilt make good sense. If only someone made a quilt that was designed to fit...

Jason, set up your PMs and I'll discuss making one with you.

- Ben Smith
goosefeet@hotmail.com

Jason,
I have heard that the Wilderness Logics Top Quilt King Size (a real bargain at $225.00 shipped) is absolutely HUGE:

http://wildernesslogics.com/Top-Quilt-King-Size-Top-Quilt-King.htm

They will do custom stuff, too. Give them a ring or e-mail.

_-------M

Edited by bigfoot2 on 08/20/2011 14:22:47 MDT.

Ben - all set. Give it a try now. I'd also be interested in a down jacket if that's something you can do?

Matthew - thanks! I'll check them out.

Edited by JDubs on 08/20/2011 14:33:00 MDT.

I would highly recommend you check out enlightened equipment. I have two of his custom built quilts (he adds length for me) and I love them.

I have used them a great deal this year and have found them to be of the highest quality.

Tim is great to work with and I know he will design one to fit your exact frame and temp requirements.

I am not sure where in ca you camp but I have found I am able to use his 40 degree most nights as long as I pack my down jacket. I have had it drop into the thirtys twice on me and didn't freeze.

Of course the 20 degree I have is great to and only a few ounces more and honestly probably the better choice for one year round quilt.

There is a good amount of outdoor gear /camping equipment available for big and tall through a company called Gargantuangear.com. They have sleeping bags that range from 84" to 100", for car camping and for backpacking. They specialize in high quality gear that fits with an emphasis on tall and big men and women.

----------
John
A bit more 'disclosure' in such postings please. Make it very clear you are from the company.

Cheers
Roger Caffin
Online Community Monitor
Backpacking Light

Edited by rcaffin on 05/24/2012 15:58:37 MDT.