So for people who have already thru hiked, how warm a sleeping bag did you take? I’m headed out april 1 for a thru hike and have never had anything but a 20degree bag, but wondering if that’s going to be too warm, or if its just right because of cold desert nights.
Thanks for the thoughts
brian
For years I’ve been using a 30 degree bag (Marmot Hydrogen) for spring/fall use in the Southwest. Only rarely in spring would it drop below freezing, particularly on your schedule in this case. Wearing clothing dynamically can increase rated bag values, but equally important is the ability to comfortable handle 40-50 degree nights, and to that end a down bag with continuous boxed baffles and at least a half-zip can be helpful.
blisterfree
I used a 35 degree bag (WM Hilite) from Patagonia to Flagstaff and a 20 degree (REI sub kilo) for the beginning and end last year (mid-April to mid-May).
I encountered low temperatures in the twenties at the beginning and end, but it was pretty nice the rest of the hike. The 35 degree bag (plus silk shirt and pants worn every night) felt just right for the majority of the trip. As long as you can unzip the 20 degree bag if you get warm it should be fine.
jamil
I am using a 20 degree FF for the Azt… I will sleep on top if it is too hot some days.
yappy