Sleeping bag for the JMT

imported
#1

I’m going to be hiking the JMT late July / early August. I have conflicting information on the type of bag I should be bringing. I was told I need a 20 degree bag, but I’ve seen 40 degree bags on peoples equipment lists. Any thoughts?

Bob

#2

depends entirely on you. i’d never do the JMT with a 40-degree bag, because i’d freeze my posterior off every night. the folks with 40’s are probably carrying additional insulative clothing to wear both in camp and at night in their bags. a 20-degree bag is what i would personally carry, along with a 1-inch thick inflatable pad or a z-rest. temps can drop to freezing or so, depending on where you make your bed.

tarbubble

#3

I did it with a questionable 20* bag, it was more like a 30*. We had a few cold nights but nothing uncomfortable. I’d recomend the Mountain Hardwear Phantom 32. It’s really light (1lb 6oz), packs down to nothing and most importantly, does the trick.

Cheers

Cheers

#4

What about the EMS Velocity 35 …paired with a Western Mountaineering Flight Jacket on cold nights?

Bob

#5

Check out the mountainsmith vision, its a 15 degree bag that weighs as much as the average 20. But even better, it has over 21oz of down fill, where the average 20 has about a pound. Plus, wide in the shoulders. Plus, you can find it for less than $200 brand new online right now. No point in saving half a pound in bag weight if you have to carry twice that in layers to stay warm at night.

gruel

#6

I’ve done the JMT twice at that time of year, once with a 30 degree and once with a 20 degree, and survived both times. I definitely prefered the warmer bag, and even then wore powerstretch thermal pants and top in my bag. I personally would not want to do it with a 40 degree bag because I sleep too cold. A 35 degree bag might be okay if you sleep warm and are prepared to sleep in your jacket AND if you can cinch it down around your head to avoid letting any cool air in. Otherwise, I think you might be cold, especially if you sleep at elevation. As Tarbubble said, it regularly drops to freezing at night, and sometimes drops even lower.

Kanga

#7

I’ve used a Feathered Friends Swift for the past four years in the Sequoia / Kings Canyon bakcountry - mainly the Upper Kern. It has always been adequate.

booger