Fleece sleeping bags from Walmart

imported
#1

Going to do a two month section hike starting in Harpers Ferry in early May. I was wonder if just using two Walmart fleece sleeping bags (2 lbs a piece) with a cost of 20 bucks would be sufficient at first. Since they claim it is rated to 50 degrees for one bag, I figure with two, one inside the other, would lower it to 35. I also the two would take up less space than one normal sleeping bag. Also do space blankets work? What do you think and if not wise, suggestions for one on a real tight budget?

Brandon

#2

Bad idea. If you do this, you’ll be cold at night. EVERY night.

Is it 35 degrees at night where you live? (Maybe not now, but in the next month or so?). Sleep outside for a week with this gear. See if you sleep well. Then decide if it will work on the trail or not.

If you’re on a real tight budget, you’ve got to find someplace else to cut back. A good night’s sleep is critical to the success of your hike. An extra $50 spent on a good sleeping system could mean the difference between an enjoyable section hike and 2 months of hating the trail.

yogi

yogi

#3

On my LT hike last year I took only my fleece bag, for about a week it was fine. I was in a heat wave. But when the weather turned it got cold at night and so did I. WhenI got into Waitsfield I picked up another blanket. You can believe me this summer Im bringing my 20 degree bag. Yogi is correct about sleep, its one of the most important parts of your adventure.

Chef

#4

You can pick up a fairly inexpensive bag at sportsmansguide.com They sell a very light weight 20 degree down bag. However, remember you get what you pay for. I have used this bag several times and it has cold spots and the rating is suspect but if you wear long johns to bed on cold nights you should be okay.

Big B

#5

Campmor has a 20 degree down bag that can often be found on sale for about a hundred ten dollars or so. Much better choice.

Yo-YO

#6

Brandon,

Just my 2 cents worth, all of the above are right, dont take chances with your sleep. I use a North Face Cat’s Meow 20 degree bag, Even though I’ve been in temps well below that I’ve never been cold! Add $70 to what you were going to spend and you’ll get a good nights sleep. My bag I got on sale for 89.95. Retail they are around 139. I didnt see anybody mention a sleeping pad. If your planning on staying in shelters you need to put something between you and that COLD wood. Atleast have one of those cheap rool up pads.

BearKat

#7

Check out www.sierratradingpost.com They have some pretty decent closeout prices on bags, down and synthetic.

Rogue

#8

actuallly the fleece bags from walmart weigh one pound. I used one from Damascus to Port Clinton, than I switched to only a silk liner. Then back to the fleece up to conneticut. Everybody has different comfort levels. If it drops to 35 degrees you will freeze and spend a very uncomfortable night or nights. When I went to fleece it was very hot. When I used only a silk liner it was even hotter. I tend to sleep warmer than others. If you are an experienced back packer I would agree with your idea. If you are novice that is a nice way to get sick and or hypothermic. I would agree with everyone else and check out budget buys for bags… I have a used REI 20 degree synthetic bag I’ll sell you for 50 dollars.

aswah

#9

i have a wonderful 0 degree bag from REI that only cost around $80. it kept me nice and toasty atop the snow-covered, fire-banned Blood Mtn. a few weeks ago. you should check out their webstore. and as yo-yo said, campmor is also great. i plan on getting a new tent from there. cheers! roadie

roadie