Which Backpacking Sleeping bag

[Jeluloha]

I'm looking at alot of backpacking sleeping bags, with my family, and need to find 3 good backpacking sleeping bags for a budget price. I also have to buy 3 hammocks, so i'm trying to save a little dough on buying my gear!

What bag do you guys reccomend?

[cmoulder]

Do you plan to hammock primarily or sleep in a tent?

Most hammock folks use top quilts (TQ) and underquilts (UQ). And you'll need tarps as well.

Better to go to HammockForums to learn about this because proper hammock hanging has a bit of a learning curve to it. (to say the least)

[ncwild]

Maybe out of your budget range, but I have been looking at Western Mountaineering's Terralite bag, rated at 25 degrees, and only weighing 1lb 13oz. You can shift the down to either top or bottom with the continuous baffles, to adjust conditions. I can't stand the confines of a "mummy" bag, and this is a semi-rectangular with lots of room. Decided not to go with a quilt due to poor winter applications and no insulation on the bottom. You could add a liner and or extra clothes to get this bag to a lower temp. rating.

[mclaught]

For budget bags, I think you'll have a hard time beating a Kelty Cosmic 20 down bag for around $120 or even less. It's lightweight and good down to 35 degrees easy. It's definitely not in the same class as a terralite, but you could buy 5 keltys for the cost of one of those. But I'm a tent guy, I know that the hangers seem to like quilts. You're going to have a harder time finding good "budget" quilts, they get pricey.

[cmoulder]

You're going to have a harder time finding good "budget" quilts, they get pricey.

Hammock Gear "Econ" line is the best bet. Very well made, true to temp ratings, reasonably light and good resale value, if it comes to that.

[Gambit McCrae]

My approach to budget has always been shop for high end, used gear. You can find deals on ebay, on here, local gear trades and FB groups. I would 10/10 times always prefer to have a used Western Mountaineering bag than a brand new kelty.

[devoidapop]

Budget quilts can be found on etsy, fb marketplace, and Ebay. Lots of people making quilts from Costco down throw blankets. usually less than $100 shipped.

A cheap pad like a ridgerest solite can work in a hammock as bottom insulation. leaves your sides a bit exposed but it's better than nothing at all.

[MuddyWaters]

Red.
Go for red sleeping bags.

Since you didnt bother to specify how it is to be used, or what budget is, thats the best advice can give.

[cmoulder]

Red.
Go for red sleeping bags.

Since you didnt bother to specify how it is to be used, or what budget is, thats the best advice can give.

Maybe re-think that? RED attracts bulls!

[elray]

Those Kelty Cosmic bags mentioned earlier are a nice choice for warmer weather use and the price is right. They're pretty well made.

[OCDave]

I'm looking at alot of backpacking sleeping bags, with my family, and need to find 3 good backpacking sleeping bags for a budget price. I also have to buy 3 hammocks, so i'm trying to save a little dough on buying my gear!

What bag do you guys reccomend?

Forget "budget price". Find the bags that fit you best. After fit, select the bags you would not mind stuffing and carrying ing your pack.

[Feral Bill]

Your sleeping bags are probably the last place you want to save money, unless its a matter of cheap or no trip. Save money on shelter (use tarps), pads (cheap blue foam), clothing (lots of cheap options), kitchen gear (see Ebay, Costco, and Goodwill), and miscellany (bring less). You can probably get packs that fit well on sale, used, and/or a little on the heavier side for reasonable prices. And don't forget to have fun with your family.

[Tipi Walter]

If you really want to go cheap---try to find used Army feather bags---it's all we used back in the 1970s.

Johnny B in celo during a cold winter night smaller 91.jpg
My buddy Johnny B getting thru a cold night indoors.

TRIP 70 014-L.jpg
"The Canoe". Set up by Gramps in the Green Cabin on Tellico River.

You're not a dirtbagger until you've humped an old Army bag.

[OCDave]

Red.
Go for red sleeping bags.

Since you didnt bother to specify how it is to be used, or what budget is, thats the best advice can give.

My guess is post was meant only to drive traffic to the hyperlink. I am always suscpicious of the first post that is not an introduction.

[Slo-go'en]

My guess is post was meant only to drive traffic to the hyperlink. I am always suscpicious of the first post that is not an introduction.

Err, that could be. It got me.

Good thing I didn't go on and on with a lengthy discourse.

[cmoulder]

Err, that could be. It got me.

Good thing I didn't go on and on with a lengthy discourse.

Yes, it usually pays to start off rocketsocksian rather than dogwoodian.

[devoidapop]

Don't let a bot get in the way of a good gear argument

[kevperro]

I agree with above. I've never owned them but the Kelty brand is known for value.

You have to decide on what you mean by value. If you are going on a few hikes over a couple years and then you won't backpack again for the rest of your life then I'd just get synthetic insulation bags. The best value bag I've ever owned though is a Feathered Friends 30-deg bag. It wasn't cheap but I'm still using it 25-years later which makes it my best long-term investment by far in backpacking equipment.

I own one of the Hammock Gear Econ series quilts and I agree that it is an excellent value too. It is more versatile than a bag but you have to buy other pieces to make it so.