COLD sleeping bags.....Any opinions???? WINTER CAMPING?

Question

ok, well im planning on doing some winter camping/ice fishing this year in northern wisconsin. I will have a large portable ice shanty and heater .

but what would be the best sleeping bag i could buy for these types of temperatures. It gets below zero in january but in december im expecting it to only be in the teens on average.

I found a nice Coleman square sleeping bag at Fleet Farm rated -5 degrees. $59.99

but does this mean it is comfortable in -5 degree cold? the chart on the box seemed a bit misguiding saying that the comfort temp was 20-30 i think. and below that was dangerous/extreme cold. ????

I know ill have a shanty and heater but i dont want to rely solely on that.

anyone have any good suggestions for sleeping bags under $80???

thanks

Answer 1

My spouse and I love to winter camp, but just say no to Coleman for anything other than stoves and lanterns. I would suggest that you go to backpacker.com and check out their rated gear for 2007. Every brand is different, so, even if the bag is rated to -5, it might run cold, or it might run hot. But the guys and gals at backpacker field test EVERYTHING and the feedback is excellent. Plus, their magazine is essential reading for anyone into the outdoors - they have all kinds of cool stuff!
Good luck and have fun!

Answer 2

Temperatures - check 'season grading' first (3 or 4 season a must) then check for comfort and extreme temperatures i think your right in terms of coleman bag comfortable to -5 (so lets say temperature was -7 -8 you won't be freezing but may want extra layers -20 extreme temp i.e. keeps you alive and thats about that.
Shape - as discussed mummy bags only type that trap enough heat to give you the necessary temperatures.
Filling - keep a look out for down filled bags, they'll keep really warm, pack small although a little pricey HOWEVER if they get wet the insulation drops drastically so be careful, synthetic bags avoid this but will pack a little heavier.

Answer 3

REI Polar Pod 0 is $99. Best bag for the Price. Not quite under $80, but still very reasonable.
Be careful that the temp ratings you're reading are in Farenheit, -5 C is the same as about 25-30 F.

Answer 4

First off I live and camp in Alaska, year'round...I am a Scoutmaster, and have seen every scenario you can imagine so-far as boys and parents with inadequate gear. I have been through winter camping training, as well as had a few mushers show me a thing or two.
Cabela's sells a -20 mummy bag for 69.99...Trekker...I have one and it is warm. This rating however is NOT a comfort rating,but will keep you alive rating...the same with boots. Like those above who said use a liner or put this bag inside of another. keep your head out,but covered with a hat or mask.
Also important...you need at least 1'' of a closed cell ground mat or 4'' of an open cell pad for under you...full body.The ground will suck your heat away quickly.Don't use an air mattress...it;s like sleeping on the ground.

Answer 5

I lived in a tent in northern wisconsin for the better part of two years, and then a school bus after that, (old school hippy--it was no sweat!) so let me tell you what I learned. WOOL, WOOL, AND MORE WOOL. COTTON KILLS. the sleeping bag you described sounds fine--I have had great luck with Coleman products. HOWEVER, it is what you wear (wool, socks, fleece or wool sweater) that is very important, and you must keep a wool blanket or two on TOP of your sleeping bag at all times. Why? Because of dampness, which can cause hypothermia even in temperatures well above freezing if you are dressed improperly and absorb moisture from the air or rain into your clothes and sleeping bag. You will not get warm once you are damp no matter what you do, and if your clothes and sleeping bag are damp, your body will continue to lose heat, which is very dangerous. Also always keep your head covered--again, fleece or wool are best. I also HIGHLY recommend Steiger mukluks. Waterproof them, and they will get you through anything, particularly deep snow. Wear your pantlegs inside them with the tops sinched closed and the bindings on the legs snug and your socks and pantlegs will stay dry. They are light and comfy as bedroom slippers, too. I wear them from November to April here in northern Wisconsin, and my first pair lasted 11 years. I love them! As for your heater--be very careful with your heater in your shanty. Catalytic or propane heaters burn off the oxygen in the air--that, combined with fire danger make them very dangerous. When I lived in my tent, I heated softball sized basalt rocks (blue grey to black in color, hard and smooth) to red hot in my campfire, then picked them out with a small shovel and put them in a cast iron kettle and set that on a towel in my tent, where the rocks slow-released heat all night. It kept my tent warm and helped keep the air dryer too. Take care and stay warm!

Answer 6

Mummy bags are much warmer than rectangular bags. You'll also be warmer and more comfortable if you just wear light underwear or nothing! I have a mummy bag that is rated to -10 and I put it inside a "liner" rectangular bag, which is like a light summer bag that only unzips halfway. I've slept in below zero temps. and have never been cold. If you get warm you can just use the mummy bag or unzip one or both to regulate your temperature.

Answer 7

I use an extra +40 dregree sleeping bag inside my -10 degree bag when it gets really cold. Works well for me. Stocking hat or ski mask is a must.

Answer 8

I have found that a face mask is also essential as I don't like putting my face inside the sleeping bag and don't like getting too cold of a nose while trying to sleep.

Answer 9

If you know you will keep it dry-Hard to beat a good military surplus mummy style “mountain bag”.

Mine is rated to –40f. And have used it down to –30f with no issues, always comfortable.

Expect to pay about 50-60 for one is good condition. And you can purchase nice water resistant external covers for them too.

Answer 10

The most important part of sleeping bags is the protection under you. Be warm on the underside, the rest is easy.