40° bag ok?

[HDLV]

I know, I know, this is a newb question, I'm a little indecisive on this and just need a push. Haha. I've been checking ATweather.org and temps in SoCal have been around the low 40°s at night. I have zpacks 20° & 40° Bags. I am trying to decide between taking the 40° with base layers or the 20° and no base layers. I will have a light weight down jacket I'll be carrying either way.

Any advice is appreciated. I'm starting on the 21st heading north.

[Malto]

I know, I know, this is a newb question, I'm a little indecisive on this and just need a push. Haha. I've been checking ATweather.org and temps in SoCal have been around the low 40°s at night. I have zpacks 20° & 40° Bags. I am trying to decide between taking the 40° with base layers or the 20° and no base layers. I will have a light weight down jacket I'll be carrying either way.

Any advice is appreciated. I'm starting on the 21st heading north.

I would go with a 20deg quilt or bag. You will be surprised how cold it gets at night pretty much along the whole trail. I had a 20 quilt and bivy and often still wore my clothing layers to stay warm. You will also get colder easier as you lose weight on the trail.

[MuddyWaters]

After a while on the trail the down 40 is more like a down 50

and the average nighttime low at 11000 ft in Sierra is less than 40, closer to 35, almost always hitting mid-upper 20s during one week each summer

[DuneElliot]

Deserts and mountains both get colder than you think. 20* bag for sure. You can always vent for only a couple more oz

[HDLV]

Ok thanks, folks. 20 it is. Bag is packed, sealed and ready to go.

[tflaris]

I used a ZPacks 20 Degree on my JMT Thru Hike. I'm planning on mid weight sleeping clothes versus thermasilk for my PCT Thru. I had many nights I slept in all,of my clothes. Dates June 29-July 15 2016.

Hope this helps.


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[Malto]

Ok thanks, folks. 20 it is. Bag is packed, sealed and ready to go.

Have a great hike. You will be starting on my 6 year anniversary so you are guaranteed success!