20 Decree Bag Recommendations

[Scrum]

I am looking to pick up a new 20 degree bag, light weight (not UL), and not overly expensive. In other words, I am looking for good bang for the buck. Any recommendations would be welcome. Thanks

[HooKooDooKu]

In the past, I've heard lots of people suggest Kelty Cosmic Down when you're looking of good product at a low cost.
Other thing to do is see what's currently available at discount places like Sierra Trading Post.

[AllDownhillFromHere]

What's your definition of "light weight"? <3 lbs?

[Venchka]

All mummy bags are not created equal.
Do you want a 20 degree bag that has you shivering at 30 degrees?
Or do you want a 20 degree bag that weighs less than 2 pounds, carries an EN Lower Limit rating of 16 degrees, has room to toss & turn and has been verified by me in my backyard at 12 degrees?
Your choice.
Wayne

[Hosh]

I am looking to pick up a new 20 degree bag, light weight (not UL), and not overly expensive. In other words, I am looking for good bang for the buck. Any recommendations would be welcome. Thanks

Steep and Cheap has several quality manufacturers at discount prices. It's a web outlet for Backcountry.com. Right now they have some Marmot down and BA down bags in your temp range at 20 to 35% off list. Not the best pricing I've seen, but better than list.
They have had Mountain HardWear bags at 40% plus discounts
Here's the URL https://www.steepandcheap.com

[One Half]

How big/tall are you? I may have one for sale.


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[Slo-go'en]

I went middle of the road and bought a generic REI bag. $189 and about 2.5 pounds. Anything lighter and the price ratchets up quickly.

[scrabbler]

REI Lumen bags are nice and can be had for a good price if you wait for a sale.

[Venchka]

REI Igneo 17.
One of the better mid-level bags. It comes with a 1 year trial period. Start your 1 year in the cooler part of the year. Real world testing is critical in finding a bag that will keep YOU warm at 20 degrees. Proper insulation, R-5 at least, is required to get to the bag's rating.
The Igneo is a slim fitting bag. That's ok for some and terrible for others. Only you will know for sure.
Good luck. Sleeping bags are tricky.
Wayne


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[Venchka]

That should be:
Proper GROUND insulation, R-5
Insulated air mattress.
I use an Xtherm Large. So far, it's worked at 12 degrees.
Wayne


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[scrabbler]

Venchka reminds us of a good point that the ratings are based on testers using a HIGH R-value sleeping pad. Make sure you have a good sleeping pad at lower temps. Pads with R > 5 might actually cost you more than the sleeping bag.

[Venchka]

Venchka reminds us of a good point that the ratings are based on testers using a HIGH R-value sleeping pad. Make sure you have a good sleeping pad at lower temps. Pads with R > 5 might actually cost you more than the sleeping bag.

Don't forget the required clothing inside the bag. The EN test procedures are specified online.
A healthy, fit mid-20 something male for the Lower Limit number and a similar female for the Comfort number. Add a complete layer, head to toe, of long underwear, socks, gloves and hat. I prefer Merino wool.
Wayne


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[AllDownhillFromHere]

Venchka reminds us of a good point that the ratings are based on testers using a HIGH R-value sleeping pad. Make sure you have a good sleeping pad at lower temps. Pads with R > 5 might actually cost you more than the sleeping bag.

This is how the new "ultralight" bags make their hay - they claim great temp ratings at low weight, provided you use a multi-inch thick pad and are fully dressed inside the bag. An R5 pad might actually WEIGH more than the bag. Some pads don't even cite an R value anymore, preferring to call that old-fashioned (looking your way, Nemo).

[Kaptainkriz]

I also use the XTherm and add a foam Z pad. It blows if your pad deflates and you have no other insulation at 12 degrees...i use both together if it is going to be 20. The hat is also sooooo important.

That should be:
Proper GROUND insulation, R-5
Insulated air mattress.
I use an Xtherm Large. So far, it's worked at 12 degrees.
Wayne


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[Rex Clifton]

I know you said not expensive, but cost is relative. If you fork over the $$$ and get a Western Mountaineering Alpinlite, it will probably be the last bag you ever buy. Plus, it's an incredible bag.

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[Venchka]

I know you said not expensive, but cost is relative. If you fork over the $$$ and get a Western Mountaineering Alpinlite, it will probably be the last bag you ever buy. Plus, it's an incredible bag.

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Buy quality once.
Wayne


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[TTT]

If you get a large inexpensive sleeping bag it takes up a lot of room in your pack and then the struggle really begins. You will spend about half your hiking time inside it so you might as well get the best you can. All said and done, I bought a Zpack's 20 degree extra wide bag and a long neo air mat. The problems I'm now faced with it getting the very puffy sleeping bag into the stuff sack, which is harder than finding the solution on a Rubik cube, and turning blue in the face blowing the mat up.

[Kaptainkriz]

I'm relatively happy with the Cosmic Down 21 (2015). The mens regular weighs 2.6lbs and is ok for me down to 20 (in a tent, on a pad, with a layer, and hat). I started driving weight out of my system and this is now my single heaviest item. I got it cheep as an amazon closeout after a lot of web surfing, so I don't feel bad replacing it. Like many have said, buy once if you can. I'd be ahead and almost a pound lighter if I had just bought a better bag to start.

[TTT]

This one is a 30 degree bag that has good reviews - see 4:00

[zig-zag man]

All mummy bags are not created equal.
Do you want a 20 degree bag that has you shivering at 30 degrees?
Or do you want a 20 degree bag that weighs less than 2 pounds, carries an EN Lower Limit rating of 16 degrees, has room to toss & turn and has been verified by me in my backyard at 12 degrees?
Your choice.
Wayne

You aren't getting any rest if you're shivering. Good point, Wayne.