I’m planning to hike the LT from mid-July to mid-August this summer. Based on normal temperatures around here I’m guessing I’ll probably want about a 40 degree sleeping bag, but does anyone with experience want to chime in to either confirm that I’m thinking right or suggest a different temperature of bag to bring?
Thanks!
dhc
A 40 degree bag should be just fine for where and when you are going. If you can spare a few bucks try to get one (mummy) made of down with a full lenght zipper. I picked one up at campmor several years ago and it is still a great summer bag. I hiked with it though the area you will be travelling in during the late summer and slept like a baby.
stealhblew
It can get chilly up there, even in the summer months. Most nights should be warm, but be prepared. I might add a liner to the 40 degree bag. Also, definately have long johns and a hat. Seriously.
A-Train
A-Train has a good point. I forgot to mention that I always hike with a fleece skull cap and gloves (even durring the summer). I also use a wind shirt and wind pants for multi-duty wear such as wind, rain and warmth when needed. The umbrella completes the outfit. Probably too much info yet with these items or someting similar I expect you should get by just fine. Good luck and enjoy your trip. :cheers
stealthblew
thanks both of you! Definitely planning on having warm clothes, and when necessary wearing them inside the bag. I like bag liners to keep the bag clean, but I hadn’t thought of them as significant extra insulation, so that’s another good point. 40 degree bag and liner it is!
dhc
Another factor that people usually have covered is the sleeping pad. I first hiked the PCT without one, my second hike I took one, it made a world of difference. If you don’t have one, it’s good insulation from the ground and you can get a 3/4 length for 9 oz. With that and a 40 deg bag and your clothes, you’d be set. I’m doing the LT starting early to mid june and I’m thinking of doing the summer bag thing too.
banjo boy (hiker miker)
I hiked the LT from end of june thru end of July, I started with just a polartec bag/liner, by the time I got to App gap I picked up another fleece blanket. I also had complete set of long underwear, polartec2 pants, vest and jacket. There were nights when i wore everything including hat and gloves. On future trips on LT I switched to my 20 degree bag plus liner.
chef
Hey!
Just throwing in my two cents… I am really happy with ONLY a 40 degree down bag, and no liner… I like to keep the weight down!
I am pretty happy with that set-up… I didn’t switch to my 20degree bag until september in the whites, and everything worked out worked great…
Bottle-Rocket