Sleeping bags - Pacific Crest Trail

imported
#1

I’m planning a p.c.t. hike starting april 19,can anyone give me some ideas on what degree bag to take.Would it be better to have a silk liner or micro fleece or neither. thanks

   southernman

southernman

#2

Bring a silk liner as you’ll be really nasty and dirty and stinky. Washing the liner in town is easy. Washing the bag is less so. I would bring a reliable 20 degree. I froze about 1/3 of the nights in SoCal in my Highlite (40 degree). Also, the 20 will be good for the Sierra. After, say, South Lake Tahoe, the 40 degree highlight was perfect.

Suge

#3

I say 20 degrees. I didn’t bring a liner and washed the bag once after a cat peed on it in town. Have a fine hike.

Garlic

#4

Hey again, SM! I’ve SOBO’d the section from Ashland, OR, to South Lake Tahoe (Echo Lake Resort) in late June to mid August, using a 20° down bag. The bag was comfortable EVERY night except - for some reason - one night spent at Burney Falls SP (unbearably HOT day, and a “mild” night). Even the Hat Creek Rim was nice, after the blazing hot devilishly burning SUN went down! In the early going, you might benefit from the extra 9° or so of warmth from the silk liner… depends on how warm or cold you sleep. Some words to the wise… SKEETER NETTING! Make sure you have something that will stay off of your skin… my bivy sack’s mesh was worthless as it had no hoop or support, and those high elevation skeeters have looooong proboscises! Say Hi to Ursa Minor for me!

TBott

TBott

#5

I used both time a 20 degrees. I liked it. But, next time (some day), I will try to go with a 40 degrees synthetic (like the marmot pounder, may be) and I will sleep with my down jacket, and sleep with my ultra light rain pants when it will be really cold. It’s another alternative. But, it sure that I would be mentally prepared to night hike, if it’s too cold. Using many layers in long distance hiking offer more variety. (I don’t want to debate hiking gear, but…) Some times, I used my liner (in WA), but I feel like if I would sleep in a straith jacket.

Stomp’er

#6

Get a really good 20 degree bag. You’ll need it if you’re hiking all the way. Get good down, make sure it’s super light, and don’t skimp. Western Mountaineering makes bags that would make you warm and happy. The continuous baffling system which allows you to shake the feathers from top to bottom depending on the temp. is really nice, too.

Yes, get a silk liner. The oils from your skin will ruin the fluff of the downey feathers. Also, when it’s hot in the desert, you can sleep under just silk. This is a very nice option. And when you are cold, sleeping under silk and down will make you a grateful and peaceful person.

Keeping your bag nice by avioding contact with sweaty skin is good for so many reasons. Just be sure to wash your liner when you can–and keep the inside and outside straight.

jcp

#7

Thanks for the info,already have a Western Mountaineering bag,went out and bought a silk liner.Thanks-Happy Hiking

southernman

#8

kings and queens of countries and lands have not slept in greater comfort than a pct hiker surrounded by down, silk, the trail, and the superb weariness from the walk.

enjoy the rest.

jcp