Using one bag for an AT thru-hike

imported
#1

Having looked all over, it seems to me that the Western Mountaineering Versalite, rated at +10*F, and weighing in at two pounds, is the best overall choice for one bag to carry all the way.

When I read the AT journals, the lowest temperature I’ve come across so far, even for January 1 starting dates, is about +5*F.

Any comments on this choice? Has anyone out there used this bag straight through? If yes, please let me know how it performed during both the winter months (did it keep you warm–and down to what temperature) and summer months (was draping it over yourself satisfactory.

This is a money issue. I know it would be preferable to switch out bags. But, my budget dictates just one for the whole shebang. If you think another bag would be better, as one that must serve me all the way through, please identify it and let me know why.

Your experience and expertise is invaluable to me.

Thanks.

Nunam Iqua

#2

I was planning an AT hike for 2011 but decided to do the PCT instead. The PCT requires only one bag so now I have nowhere except my home to use my already purchased summer bag. You could pick up this bag at REI.com for only $60 plus shipping, it’s the REI Travel Sack rated at 55 degrees. Check it out, this is really a nice bag for the very low price and I expect it would do the trick for the hotter summer months on the AT.

Miguel

Miguel

#3

Miguel: Thanks for the tip. But, there’s only five ounces between the two bags, and I’ve really got to stick with just one. Having said that, thank you for taking the time to respond.

Nunam Iqua

#4

You’ve posed a tough question.

Have you considered a somewhat colder bag (25° or 30° or so) AND a silk liner? I’ve done well in my 25° ‘Hooded Aspen’ (semi-rectangular) Western Mountaineering bag (currently named the Sycamore I think) in the LOW teens with a silk liner inside… one night, water froze solid in completely full Nalgenes; I was toasty on a self inflating mat on the ground in front of the shelter.

The silk liner works pretty well on those somewhat warm summer nights, while adding about 10° to your bag’s rating on the cold nights. A bag that can be zipped all the way open (like Western Mountaineering’s ‘Sycamore’) makes draping (or putting only your feet out on chilly nights) a lot easier. The silk liner can be bought at a VERY reasonable price from Jagbags (Google them) in New Zealand… their price includes air mail to the USA… go with the heavier silk rather than with the fine spun silk.

A word to the wise… noseeums and mosquitoes will eat you while you (try to) sleep if you’re not inside a tent or a bug screen. Noseeums can only hit exposed parts… skeeters poke right through silk.

TBott

#5

I used a single 20 degree bag on both my AT thruhikes. I started April 1. There were a couple of cold nights in the Smokies, and some hot ones in the mid-Atlantic - but I was happy not to have to deal with switching bags.

Ginny

#6

Ginny,

What +20*F sleeping bag did you use on your two AT through hikes?

Thanks.

Nunam Iqua

#7

I carried a fleece blanket and a foam pad from extreme N. Va to NH, then switched back to my +20 bag that I started with in 83. Then again, I ended my hike in July which makes a difference, and I have a tolerance for cold. Fleece is cheap.

Once you’re out there you’ll decide what’s best for you. Good luck.

Tim

#8

Tim: Do you mean to say that you did your hiking on the AT in 1983?

Nunam Iqua

#9

Tim: Do you mean to say that you did your hiking on the AT in 1983?

Nunam Iqua

#10

Yes, sorry. On re-reading it does appear confusing, doesn’t it? :smiley: A 27 year old bag would be pretty funky…

Tim

#11

I’m somewhat surprised that no on seems to have ever used this bag, the Western Mountaineering Versalite, rated at +10*F, to hike the Appalachian Trail. How can that be?

Nunam

#12

i thru-hiked this year with a ula catalyst, a hennesssy ultralight a-sym, and a wm versalite! you cant go wrong with this gear! pull the trigger on the versalite, you won’t regret it!!!

maddog

#13

That’s what I’m talking about! Thanks maddog!

Nunam Iqua

#14

Nunam Iqua,

I have a WM bag of the version that preceded the Versalite, also rated at 10 degrees, also weighing around 2 pounds, also too thick for the summer!

I have section hiked from GA to just past the Hudson River, most of it in the off season in relatively cold conditions. For this, a Versalite bag was appropriate as I knew I would only be out for two weeks and wouldn’t be stuck with a useless bag in hot weather. Section hiking gave me the opportunity to experiment with different options (bag, pad, shelter and cooking) to find what works best in what conditions. Having qualified myself, here is what I would recommend you do given your desire to buy only one bag:

Buy a WM 20 degree bag. WM has a reputation for understating their temperature ratings unlike other manufacturers. Get the best down you can afford.
Buy your WM or equivalent ultra-light weight jacket, hooded or not. Use this jacket to extend the range of your bag by stuffing your feet in the jacket. That’s right, your feet!

Buy an insulated (closed cell foam or Big Agnes insulated inflatable) sleeping mat. Stay away from self inflating mats as they are not closed cell foam and don’t insulate well (as I found out one very cold night on Mt. Rogers).
When it gets real cold out, sleep on the ground, not in a shelter. The floor boards in a shelter will cool off to the air temperature whereas the ground will not.

Finally, use hand and feet warmers! They are available everywhere, they are cheap, they get lighter as you go and they are effective! Plan on two pairs of feet warmers per very cold night. Use the hand warmers during the days in your gloves or pockets. They will make a big difference in your comfort for very little weight gain and very little cost and, when the weather turns warm, you can drop your excess in any hiker box to get rid of the weight.

And, that’s how I now go hiking down to the upper teens in a 35 degree WM Ultralite bag!

Good luck and remember to HAVE FUN!!!

Bob

Bob Martin