2 Sleeping Bags? Pad?

imported
#1

Is it true that I should invest in 2 sleeping bags? Would one low temparture bag be fine? If I feel like it’s too hot for the bag, i could always just sleep on top of it, and wear an appropriate amount of clothing, depending on how hot or cold i was. Yes? No? Any ideas on how to go about this? Does everyone get 2 sleeping bags? I’m planning on a March 1st starting date, in case that matters.
And what about a sleeping pad? Is that necessary? Do they weigh much? Do people go without and still make it 2,000+ miles?
Thanks for your help.

C-Giddy

#2

With a March 1 start, you will be hiking in multiple seasons. The southern mountains are high. Expect some cold nights. You will probably want at least a 20 degree bag, if not one for colder temperatures. Now, in July in the mid Atlantic states, that cold weather bag is going to be way to warm. I used a 20 degree bag in the mid Atlantic states. It was too warm to sleep in, and yet not quite warm enough to sleep on top of it. The next year, I bought a 40 degree bag that I used after Pearisburg.

Another option might be to get a liner and drop that after Mt. Rodgers.

Sleeping pads? Most everyone uses one, except those who hammock. If in doubt, try sleeping on a concrete floor for the night. If that doesn’t bother you, then you don’t need a pad. If it does, then try sleeping on the concrete floor again with a closed cell pad like the Ridge Rest (9 ounces $16). If that doesn’t bother you, then that’s all you need. If a closed cell pad isn’t enough, then try a self inflating Therma-rest type pad.

Peaks

#3

I had 2 but you can definitely get by with one. Just make sure the one you get will keep you warm and comortable in the colder months. Before my hike I had already owned a 50 degree synthetic sack and that was what I used from around Pearisburg to Hanover. Even with that I ended up sleeping on top of the bag several nights in the warmer weather.

Footslogger

#4

Purchasing 2 sleeping bags is mainly for comfort and weight.

A winter sleeping bag is a lot of extra weight to be lugging around in the summer. Some people switch to a fleece liner in the summer, which could save you some money and weight.

I started with a thermarest sleeping pad, 3/4" length, and it really helped with insulation. I ended up with a foam sleeping pad, which weighed half as much, cost about 16 bucks, and covered my entire body. It was not used for comfort. The insulation is mainly what I used it for, because you get used to sleeping on hard surfaces.

bearbait

#5

An insulated sleeping pad is a necessity for staying warm and dry; you must have one; otherwise, the cold ground will suck the heat right out of you and you will never have a comfortable night’s sleep (or sleep straight through the night); and, while there are other ways to stop moisture from coming up beneath you from the ground, a closed-cell foam pad will perform that function as well.

I repeat–you absolutely must have a closed-cell foam sleeping pad or you will needlessly suffer cold and wet nights and lose sleep as a result–this you don’t need for the $8.00-$20.00 they cost. A better bargain you won’t find. The pad completes the bag–its a a system–they go inexorably together.

Conan

#6

I just had one sleeping bag - a TNF Cat’s Meow (an old one with polarguard 3d, rated 20F I think) but I picked up a couple yards of good fleece at Harper’s Ferry and used that as a blanket from there to the Whites. It worked really well, and cost about $3 IIRC. Like Conan said, you need some sort of a pad, a Z-Rest is a good choice IMHO, but a lot of people prefer the comfort of a therma-rest which is a little heavier generally. Have Fun!

                -S-

Skittles

#7

Your age/physical condition might be a factor in what sort of pad you prefer too! I was 38 when we thru hiked the AT and we had thermarest and loved them. When you hike 20 miles day after day, it was nice to give the body some cushioning for the overnight healing/recuperation. Maybe if I’d only been 20, a ridge rest would have been fine, but I’ve tried them and I’ll carry the extra weight of the thermarest any time.

Bramble

#8

Definitely use some sort of pad. I’ve seen ultralighters use 2lb pads because they couldn’t get a good night’s sleep without the comfort and felt it essential to their success. You don’t have a lightweight sleeping bag yet so don’t worry about it at this point. By the time you get to Damascus you’ll know whether you want one to cut your total weight and for summer weather. You’ll see plenty of the latest in lightweight bags in Hot Springs and Damascus. If you buy one they will mail it to the nearest mail drop where you want to start using it.

Chief

#9

When I hike in hot weather, I bring my sleeping bag, 20degrees, my thermarest, and a sheet. I just sleep on the pad and my bag for extra comfort and throw the sheet over me. the sheet helps a little but is also good for keeping the bugs off ya. Then if you get a little chilly at night you can unzip your bag all the way and climb in there. The sheet barely weighs anything and works great.

bonk

#10

I just used my 20 degree bag the whole way. It kept me warm when I needed it, and in the summer I just slept on the pad and opened the bag and draped it over me. My bag weighed less than 2 pounds so I didn’t mind the weight of it.

I agree with Conan, the sleeping pad is a necessity mostly for insulation. I went camping in the summer as a kid once and we didn’t have pads, only sleeping bags and a tent. I was so cold and uncomfortable! The ground just sucks the heat right from you.

Jukebox

#11

All those times I went camping as a kid and young adult I never knew anything about a sleeping pad. Wouldn’t leave home without it now. As others have said, sleeping on the ground sucks… the heat right out of you.

Ardsgaine

#12

You MUST have a pad… as for the bags, I used a lightweight summer bag (synthetic Coleman something that is recommended for lightweights) and then during the colder months I used an overbag. The overbag had no insulation on the bottom and the pad slipped into a pocket on the bottom, it was down on top. I was warm and happy when other hikers were cold, and during the warmer months, I just sent the overbag back to the friend who let me borrow it. I think it was made by feathered friends or something like that. :girl

windex

#13

The Mountain Hardware Galaxy SL bag rated to 15 degrees? I read a review that said it has a “quantum expander” that essentially makes it two bags in one. Not really sure how this works exactly, but my impression was that it is warm enough for the cold months, and the expander creates a draft to make the bag comfortable for the summer months. The price is pretty standard for a down bag ($300 retail) and the weight is less than 3lbs. I would be interested in feedback from anyone who has tried this bag.

The_Murray

#14

We got a couple of MH universe 0* bags and they are fantastic! The quantum expander is kind of like a wedge piece that is zipped in. It gives a bit more room for moving around, especially when you’re hanging out in the shelter in your bag. (less mummy-like) When the bag is totally zipped up and the wedge is inside the bag, it helps insulate and works as a great draft preventer. (Ever feel the air come into your bag if the zip “cover” moved?) Zipped up, it provides full insulation; unzipped, it works lke a higher degree bag. I don’t know about summer use; the Galaxy might work, but may still by too warm for the hot months. We used 40* bags in June and July.

Bramble

#15

Anyone had any experience with the Kelty Arete 15 deg. bag? I have an old 0 deg. (and I do mean old) NF bag that won’t zip around my shoulders and I’m going to need to purchase a new one. A 15 deg. with a liner would probably do the trick but, not to sure about the Kelty bags…packs, I trust. Any input would be appreciated.

Rogue