Sleeping Bags - The Colorado Trail

imported
#1

I’m planning on hiking the CT from Denver to Durango starting around the first week in July and am wondering what you more experienced people think about sleeping bags for the hike. I’m thinking about taking a 20*F bag, a z rest, and a bivy for shelter. From experience, I’m fine down to about 20 with that setup and some clothes, teens are tolerable but I don’t sleep well near the lower end. I’d guess that would be fine, but don’t have much experience backpacking in the high country and wanted to double check. Thanks!

Skittles 03

#2

You may want to think about purchasing a silk liner for your bag which is estimated to give you another 8 - 10 deg of warmth when you need it.

Peep

#3

Good kit. I would include a poncho to pitch over the head of the bivy. Sometimes it is nice to pitch a poncho so that you can cook, maintain your gear, read, etc. during the afternoon showers.

There is only one shelter on the entire trail.

Wish I was still young enough to use a Z-Rest.:tongue

food

#4

hey skittles. i am planning on a 20 degree bag. i am also taking more warm clothes then i had on the at. using a down vest for extra warmth.

dirtybird

#5

For what it’s worth, I took a poll of average low temps in towns near the CT to figure out what type of warm gear I’ll need in July as well. Perhaps these numbers will help you with your own decisions. I’m sure actual temps will vary somewhat on the mountainsides and with passing weather fronts but they should provide at least some guidance:

Breckenridge (9600’ Elev.) 39 degrees
Leadville (10,000’ Elev.) 38 degrees
Buena Vista (8000’ Elev.) 47 degrees
Telluride (8700’ Elev.) 46 degrees
Silverton (9300’ Elev.) 37 degress
Twin Lakes (9200’ Elev.) 40 degrees

– BookBurner
www.enlightenedthruhiker.com

BookBurner

#6

I feel comfortable in the bag and my Ridge Rest that I used on the CT down to about freezing, maybe just under and I was comfortable every night except for maybe 2 or 3. A 20 degree bag would be perfectly sufficient, but no need for any more. I would reccomend a bag that’ll take you down to 30 or 35 degrees and then add a silk liner. You’ll have little more versatility and of course you’ll keep your bag cleaner too.

zach attack

#7

Our saying here in Colorado is, “if you don’t like the weather, wait thirty minutes”. The CT throws just about every possible weather situation your way. I distinctively remember sweating profusely one moment in oppressive heat, and then scrambling for my rain gear the next. That’s just the way it is on this terrific trail. As for sleeping bags, I have had success with a 20 degree bag, but now am using a Marmot Helium 15 degree bag. Twenty degrees is fine, but I was able to get 5 more degrees of warmth and almost a pound’s savings in weight. Your choice. As mentioned above, there are really no shelters, so the sleeping bag is fairly important, especially to those of us using tarps.

Lastly, I would warn against bringing really heavy clothing to the CT if you are going to hike between July and September. Layers work well, and take up a lot less pack volume. I will generally bring a long sleeve capilene, a polartec vest, light gloves, and tights/synthetic workout pants. And don’t forget a good stocking cap and gloves. But, I would not worry about a big coat/parka. You won’t need it. I know when I have packed correctly, and that is when I am warm enough at night, and have nearly every item of clothing on that I brought along for the hike. Think layers…

TrailGuy
< 2 miles from the CT Trailhead

TrailGuy

#8

For those interested, my current gear list is more or less what I used on the CT. Did it in September, experienced a large snowstorm on San Luis pass. YMMV. The only major difference from my current vs. CT list is that I used a Marmot Windshirt. The Windshirt is now retired (too much duct tape, holes and tears! :slight_smile: ), use a Montbell windshirt.

Anyway, take a looksee if interested:

Mags