Hello everyone! I'm tired of spending the winter months indoors. I'd like to venture into some cold weather camping, but would prefer not to deal with hypothermia. :)

Trying to search BPL for specific gear reviews has me stumped so I'm hoping to get some suggestions here on the forums. If you were looking for a 0*F down bag what would you choose? I'm not too worried about the price because I value my health/life more than $$$.

Thanks for your comments!

-Dave

My winter bag:

My summer bag combined with a, hooded light fleece, light insulated vest, down hooded parka, merino wool pants layered over silk pants, two or three pair of socks.

This combination can get too hot unless it's below 20 deg f, but I can always unzip the parka or don't wear so many layers.

Dave,

I'm a quilt user and admittedly not a fan of very cold weather. But My first thought was to check out Enlightened Equipment.

Tim is a really good guy and his Epiphany and Revelation quilts have models that are rated at 0*F.

You can email him at enlightenedequipment@charter.net

Party On,

Newton

The Katabatic Blackwelder is another winter quilt option. If you want a bag you have tons of tried and true options.

Western Mountaineering Antelope MF if going traditional mummy bag route, or Katabatic Blackwelder if going the way of the quilt.

I have a Blackwelder. I recommend it highly -- especially if you add one of Katabatic's hoods.

Winter backpacking/mountaineering has been one of my greatest delights. But one of the challenges is being comfortable in your bag for long winter nights. As I've gotten older, that challenge has increased, as I am both a side sleeper and a roller arounder. I was starting to find my old 0 and -20 bags too restrictive, waking in the night and feeling like I was in a straight jacket. And waking often, so not getting a good night's sleep. I finally decided that I needed a wider bag, which in most brands means a longer slightly heavier bag. That bag for me is Mont Bell Super Spiral Down Hugger 800 Tall. The extra width makes it the most comfortable bag I have ever owned and it hits its temp rating with only underwear on. Not cheap, but I got it at a 25% off sale. A joy to get into.

of choice. i've have used other cold weather bags over the years and the antelope has been the best. its cut is such that i can layer for extra warmth, but it isn't so wide that it adds to weight/packed volume or is hard to warm when you first crawl in. the microfiber shell while not waterproof does a great job of shedding water and allowing moisture to pass from the inside out.

i've had my antelope comfortably down to it's 5* rating wearing a light-weight base-layer and pushed it into the negative teen's layerd-up and with hot water bottles.

you will not be dissapointed with an antelope.

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Edited by rOg_w on 05/28/2012 17:13:41 MDT.