I have to buy a new bag for an upcoming 2 week trip in the Adirondacks, and I also want the bag to be as useful for other trips as possible. I can get the sub kilo for $140, and the SD nitro 15 for $200. I'm trying to decide between the two, I don't mind spending a bit more, but if anyone can chime in I would appreciate it!

I've read the sub kilo 20 is a bit optimistic, but would work sleeping with layers, the SD 15 might be too warm for summer though. I've never had a "real" backpacking bag, always used heavier bulky bags, so experience is welcome.

Would the nitro 15 be more useful say, if I decide to do the AT in the next few years? I don't want to be limited, but I can only have one bag at this time, and since I am going into summer and on a budget, leaning toward the REI bag.

Thanks for any input!

Cheers,

B

I'm leaving in a week, and expecting possibly the mid 20's at night...

I'm not sure how it would fare during summer, but I've used the SD Nitro 15 in Fall, Winter, and Spring conditions and it worked great. It's a great bag. You could always keep it unzipped and use it like a quilt during summer if you find it too warm. For a trip with temps into the 20's, it should work great.

I did not like the Sub-Kilo, I found the fit to be too restrictive, to the point it was hard to unzip in the morning (I'm 5'1", 160#). Also, it's nowhere near a 20 degree bag, IMO. I woke up feeling pretty cool, but not cold, on a 30 degree morning, wearing a 300-wt fleece jacket inside the sleeping bag.

The subkilo is really more of a 30 degree bag. Nice bag though and at $140 it is a great buy.

The SD Nitro by all accounts is a much warmer bag, probably close to a true 15 degree bag. Also a nice bag and at $200 that is great buy.

So the choice is yours: Do you prefer a bag that is a little heavier and is going to be too warm or one that is a little lighter and is going to be too cold? If you want only one bag for a wide variety of conditions this is unfortunately the trade-off you have to make.

I do not have any experience with the SD bag but I own 2 of the REI Subkilo 20's long.
I paid around $120 for each of them.
For me it's closer to a 30 degree bag, for my wife it's more like a 40 - 45 bag.
It's a really small bag, I don't have room for both of my arms in the bag comfortably and it's tight around the knees (I'm 5'11" and around 210# and a side sleeper) on me. I don't find room for extra layers. For the price it's a decent bag if you can fit comfortably in it. Mine have mostly been turned over to my kids to use but I'll still use it like a quilt once in a while.

My last sleeping bag was A Sierra Designs down bag, and it served me well for 11 years. So I went with the same company for my new bag, the Nitro 15. I was changing to a more exposed bug-net, tarp system type sleeping shelter and needed more warmth from my bag, so I went with the SD nitro-15. I've used it for winter and summer conditions for a year now. here are my comments about the purchase:

-I would look into some of these quilt type bags which are equally light and warm ( cottage industries) that I didn't know about ( some of these bags are really light!)
-My SD nitro 15 is a well made -solid constructed bag
-VERY VERY comfortable
-Great weight-warmth ratio

cons
the zipper is a little finicky at times


Hope this helps!

Thanks everyone who posted!

I forgot to mention the sub kilo 20 is available to any REI members for $143 right now with coupon.

I ordered one, and I will see how well it fits (I am pretty small, 5'6" 135lbs) and pick up the SD bag if the sub kilo won't cut it.

I was looking at the cottage quilt makers, but I couldn't find anything to fit my budget. Maybe that has changed? Any ideas? PM me if you know of one, I would prefer a quilt.

Check out enlightened equipment's revelation X line of quilts. Great pricing on quilts that I think you might be interested in. You can find them here. I have a 0 degree quilt and its great.

Edited by catalyst81 on 04/03/2012 16:58:37 MDT.

I love the Sub Kilo. I bought mine last year at about $160 and for me it was the perfect balance between size, weight, and cost for a 3-season. I just can't afford some of those 850 or 900 fill down bags and making a good quilt seems daunting.

I'm actually surprised by how much dissent showed up on your post so I thought I'd chime in to help you feel better about your purchase. I'm 5'10" and 175lbs and I have no problem with the size of the bag. I'm in MN and have used it close to its temp rating without issue as well. $143 is a stupid good price for this bag; IMHO I think you'll be very happy with your decision!

well, I got the sub-kilo and slept out with it a couple of nights. I think it will do the trick at least until I can afford something better. It was 25 one night, and I was cold, but my big agnes air core wasn't helping stay warm underneath, so I can't blame the bag. Next night it was 30, and I was warm enough with the air core plus blue closed cell foam under. Both nights I had thick merino wool base layer, heavy wool socks, and hat. I honestly can't see how anyone larger than myself would be able to use this bag though, it is almost too small for me. I think with a higher R value sleeping pad I can use this down to 25 degrees.