Favorite All Weather Bag?

Hi all, need a 4 season bag for backpacking, the one I have just isnt warm enough in the winter. Id like 15F or 0F rated, I dont think I really need a sub 0 bag. What do you all like? Factors for me are: cost, weight, compressability.

I don't have any fancy bags, but I know that Wiggy's is reputed to be the best although pricey. Sometimes you can find a good deal at Sportsmans Guide. For reference you could check Campmoor or REI. Good luck, and let us know what you end up with. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> Tom

Thanks for the leads bud <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />
I dont think the Wiggly bag is in the budget for me right now.
However, the Sportsmans Guide seemed to have some reasonable deals. I guess now I have to decide on this question: is half the weight worth double the price? I'm pretty sure the answers yes. But can I afford double the price after that new scrapper 6...think not.

You're certainly welcome! I'm not a back-packer, but over the years have accumulated several types of bags. From military ECW bags to lighter Colemans, and one small emergency bag that I leave in my truck. They all have their places. By the way, you might check-out eBay for bags. That's where I got my ECW bags at a great price. Tom

Yes I am currently watching the cheapest 0 degree bag on there. Haha.

Good luck - I hope you get it!

Where do you go camping that gets down to 0F?

Many places on the east coast. Mannnnnnnnny places on the east coast sometimes dip down to 0F and the record low for many of the places popular for backpacking is well below 0. Dont want to get caught with my pants down. I've been underbagged before and there are very few things less pleasant. When you simply cant stop shivering, you loose a lot of energy and moral. Ruins the hike and then you just want to go home. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

Anyways, got the ebay bag <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> Ill let you know how it goes.

I'm glad that you got your bag! Once you receive it you'll just have to plan a trip to check it out.
<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

MEatVT, did you get that bag yet?

Yes GF - see my post above your post. Of course, he hasn't provided any details yet.

I meant physically recieved it!.....I see he won it...... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/doh.gif" alt="" />

OK GF - you just weren't very clear on your posting!

My wife says the same thing...I know what I mean ...just other don't~!

Well, not ALL of us can read minds !

Well you should! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> [color:"black"] If you can read this then we are off to a good start! [/color]

I try ! Actually, the closest I come is my wife and I being on the same wave-length. We are so used to each other than we can usually anticipate what the other is thinking before a word is spoken. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" /> I guess that's called teamwork ! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

Ditto - My wife and I are the same way.

My wife is just like ya'lls.....everytime I open my mouth...she knows what I am going to say...so she tells me to just shut up!

Congratulations Junk Yard Dog !!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />
I'm glad to see you FINALLY made it! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> How's it feel big Guy ?!?
I guess we will just have to ask April to stop telling you to shut-up, poor guy.

Well thats why I type....I am on a gag order!

Good one Jason ! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> Just don't smash your fingers! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />

I try not to smash them, but puppy teeth cut like a razor....I have about 4 cut fingers because of that little booger.

Leather gloves.

.....I was thinking pliers! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Ouch! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/ooo.gif" alt="" /> And here I thought that you liked that pup! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />(

I could have all his teeth capped with SR-77! Now the would be one scary pup!

A regular canine "Jaws", similar to the one in Bond - James Bond - movies. You will then need a better pair of gloves!

Sorry guys! Been busy didnt see activity in this thread. Anywho, got the bag. Its a Wenzel 0 rated bag. Pretty cheap, was 25 dollars shipped to my door.
The bullet points on the box are:
1) Filled with 56 OZ of non-allergenic Omega II polyester insulation for excellent warmth retention
2) Polyester outer and liner
3) Machine Washable
4) Drawstring hood for extra warmth
5) Full length weather strip draft tube
6) Double layer offset quilt construction prevents cold spots
7) Self Repairing 2way zipper with anti snag tape for trouble free camping
8) Personal storage pocket at foot for easy to find items
9) Drawstring internal shoulder collar

heres a link to the same bag (diff color scheme) on sportsman guide.
linky for bag

After looking it over and giving it a brief test on the deck...
Seems pretty ok. Obviously what you save in $ you loose in weight penalty. Its ok tho, my money is worth a lot to me so Ill deal with lugging this around. (saving for a garand <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> )Its not soooo bad. The zippers seem like theyll be ok. I really like super mega way to big YKK type zippers but these arent so bad. The storage pocket on the bottom?? Dont see me using it but it doesnt hurt at all. The material the shell and inside is made out of seems as strong as any other bag Ive seen. Im happy with that. The draft blocking strip along the zipper is thick and works well. The strap around your chest and the cord to pull the hood tight make a huuuuuuuuge difference. Would never have imagined. I was instantly way too warm when I pulled them tight around me. (It was only like 65 out tho)

I hope Ill get it out for a real test run soon. All and all well worth my 25 bucks.

Glad to hear that you are happy with your bag - sounds like you got a heck of a deal. The "pocket" on the bottom is for a sleeping pad/air mattress, making it even more comfortable. Good luck on your pursuit of a Garand! Tom

Hmmmmm. Sorry the pocket is on the foot of the bag, not the bottom. So as you are sleeping, the pocket is in a vertical plane normal to your back. Like, if you poked your feet out, they would be in this pocket. Its ummmmmmm not more than say 10 x 6 or so. It is NOT a pocket on the ground-facing face of the bag.

I figure if I pick up enough 30-06 brass at the range...Ill just "have" to buy a garand to shoot it out of, I mean I allready have the dies. Haha. Not till the semesters over and I go back to work!

Did you ever figure out what the pocket is for ?

The package says its just for keeping items close at hand.

"8) Personal storage pocket at foot for easy to find items"

I guess I could fit a sandwitch and a flash light in there pretty easy. Dont know why I ever would though.

That way, the bear will smell your sandwich and drag you out by your feet instead of your head! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/doh.gif" alt="" />