Looking for input

[MkBibble]

I REALLY hate to start another sleeping bag thread. I know there are thousands on here already; I've read most of them. But, I'm going to do it anyway...

I need to get another sleeping bag, and I'm looking for something in the 30 degree range. There are 3 contributing factors (aside from the bag itself) in which one I choose: 1)I have limited funds (read: I'm cheap). 2)I have $100 in REI dividends. 3)Until 08-19-10 I can get an additional 20% off of any item at rei-outlet.com.

I would like to get the Marmot Arroyo +30 - Regular (800 fill down, 27 ounces) for $249, but I'm 5'-11" and concerned about feeling cramped. Any opinions?
http://www.rei.com/product/731789

Alternately, I'm looking at the Exped Lite 300 +30 - Long (700 fill down, 26 ounces) for $206, but I haven't been able to find much information about this bag. Any opinions?
http://www.rei.com/product/811038

Obviously, they both appeal to me because they are fairly cheap and LIGHT. Any other ideas? Thanks in advance!

[Roughin' It]

not sure if this helps, but it might.

I have a Marmot Hydrogen 30* bag (regular size), and I am also 5'11", and the bag fits me just fine. It's not even tight at all. I know these are 2 different bags, but since they are both Marmot, I'm sure they are made similarly, so I think you should be fine.

[Kerosene]

The Marmot Hydrogen is advertised as a 30-degree bag weighing 24 ounces and costing $319.

Marmot lists the Arroyo as a 32-ounce 30-degree bag with an MSRP of $249.

Both have a Regular size which is advertised to fit people up to 6' 0" tall.

I'd go with the Hydrogen, and possibly take a look at Western Mountaineering bags.

[Dblcorona]

$40 bucks more and you can get into a MH Phantom 32. Great bag and light.

http://www.rei.com/product/795978

[Beefstick]

My advice is to not waste $350 dollars on yuppy gear like these two elitists suggest. I'm a 2-time thru-hiker unlike these posers. I'm in a good mood, so I'll throw you a bone:

http://www.amazon.com/Coleman-Degree.../dp/B0000AE8BY

You're welcome.

[Franco]

Yep, 6.4 lbs for only $37.23. That is a lot of weight for so little money.
The only negative I see is that they only have one...hurry up before someone else gets hold of this bargain.
Franco

[MkBibble]

My advice is to not waste $350 dollars on yuppy gear like these two elitists suggest. I'm a 2-time thru-hiker unlike these posers. I'm in a good mood, so I'll throw you a bone:

http://www.amazon.com/Coleman-Degree.../dp/B0000AE8BY

You're welcome.

I'm not sure if this one will work. It says, "Fits People Up to 6.3' ." What is that in American feet and inches? I called Amazon and they still have some with the pink camo cotton shell. Thinking about that one!

Dblcorona, I would love to move up to the Mountain Hardwear Phantom, but since it's not available through the outlet site, I lose the 20% discount; makes it $100 more...

Thanks for the advice! oh, and for the bone too. I'll make some soup with it.

[MkBibble]

The Marmot Hydrogen is advertised as a 30-degree bag weighing 24 ounces and costing $319.

Marmot lists the Arroyo as a 32-ounce 30-degree bag with an MSRP of $249.

Both have a Regular size which is advertised to fit people up to 6' 0" tall.

I'd go with the Hydrogen, and possibly take a look at Western Mountaineering bags.

Kerosene, I noticed in your post that the retail price of the Arroyo is $249, the same price that i THOUGHT rei-outlet was selling it for. I was wrong, it is not available through the outlet site. Apparently... if you have the regular rei site open, and the rei-outlet site open, and you choose to compare items... it combines all tagged items from BOTH websites. oops! So, does anybody know anyone that has ever used a Exped Lite 300 +30 Down Sleeping Bag?

That Amazon bag is looking better and better.

[Dogwood]

Ditto what Franco posted. If you get that heavy arse bag with its super sized volume expect to get a larger probably heavier pack too! It would be OK for car camping, as a beginners bag, or possibly for short outings though.

Elitiest or not I would want everyone to get a good night's sleep. A sleeping bag is one piece of gear in overnight or long distance backpacking where it's well worth it, at least IMO, to drop the extra do re mi on a quality made light wt highly comprehesible accurately temp rated sleeping bag. I tell you this from plenty of thru-hiking and backpacking experience. But, to each their own.

BTW, if you are SO CHEAP how did you amass $100 in dividends?

[Dogwood]

The Exped 30 * bag at rei-outlet is your best in the bunch from what's available right now.

[Jester2000]

Yep, 6.4 lbs for only $37.23. That is a lot of weight for so little money.
The only negative I see is that they only have one...hurry up before someone else gets hold of this bargain.
Franco

I actually thought the negative was THAT they had one.

[Heater]

My advice is to not waste $350 dollars on yuppy gear like these two elitists suggest. I'm a 2-time thru-hiker unlike these posers. I'm in a good mood, so I'll throw you a bone:

http://www.amazon.com/Coleman-Degree.../dp/B0000AE8BY

You're welcome.

LOL!!!

The message you have entered is too short. Please lengthen your message to at least 10 characters

[Franco]

"I actually thought the negative was THAT they had one."

To the contrary. Most likely it is bait and switch advertising. The one in the link is made with real "Cotton Shell with Cotton Flannel Lining "
(cotton is particularly good if you have dry skin)
I bet that when you try to buy it they will flog you off some ultra thin synthetic shell that will probably not last more than a decade or so.
Consumer society gone mad.
Franco

[MkBibble]

BTW, if you are SO CHEAP how did you amass $100 in dividends?

yeah... i was hoping nobody would notice that... but NOW i have to be cheap.

[dcmidnight]

yeah... i was hoping nobody would notice that... but NOW i have to be cheap.

Unfortunately I found that cheap and light dont always go together. I just picked up the ALPS Clearwater +20 although yeah it was another 20% off when I bought it but at $65 still a great deal.

http://www.rei.com/product/782985 (this is the long version)

Plus it came with a great compression sack. Probably too heavy for you but I thought I'd throw it out there.

[MkBibble]

Thanks. I ordered the Exped bag. Didn't have to pay S&H, so the price ended up at $68. If I don't like it, that still gives me a month the get a different one, or just use one of my old bags.