Probably repeated about a million times but the search on this forum just isn't the greatest. Looking for a good recommendation for a 0 degree bag. Important features:
* price (as in low=better)
* being able to pack it small (more so than being lightweight)

Weight and durability are probably less important since I really don't stay overnight that often (especially in a 0 degree bag).

I've got the GoLite Venture 0, which has been good. I think if I had to buy another I would try Feathered Friends though. I bought a jacket from them and it's awesome. I also just got a 30 degree bag from them, which I have not tried yet.

Getting a bag with top quality down is worth it. Less weight and more warmth.

My GoLite packs plenty small.

I hope that helps...

Western Mountaineering Kodiak is the way to go. (Im sure Chief will concur) I love mine. Its not cheap but its light, well made compresses pretty well (I use a compression stuff sack) And it actually keeps me warm at 0 degrees.

Yeah, the Western Mountaineering bags look really nice too.

I have been thinking more about sleeping in more clothes and carrying a lighter bag. My GoLite was plenty warm on Huascaran.

I have a Marmot Couloir and love it! I was able to pro-deal it, so price may be an issue. It packs very well and is very comfortable at it's temp threshold (and I'm a cold sleeper).

Ramblindave wrote:Western Mountaineering Kodiak is the way to go. (Im sure Chief will concur) I love mine. Its not cheap but its light, well made compresses pretty well (I use a compression stuff sack) And it actually keeps me warm at 0 degrees.

Holy $$

another good thread, with info on Western vs Feathered:

http://www.summitpost.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=48612

I have a Marmot Couloir EQ, from when they made them with a pertex endurance shell. I got it from hiltonstentcity.com -- periodically they have a 10% off sale if you call in. My guess is that they will have another one towards late fall or early winter. There will probably be some other sales if you have some patience ..

edit: a brief search turned up a sale right now at e-omc.com .. regular couloir's are on sale for $318.

I've got the REI Sub-Kilo and used it down to about 5 degrees and was plenty warm. It packs down pretty small, weighs like 2lbs 5oz I think, and it is under $300. I have been very happy with it, although my wife has the -5 degree version and it is crap for warmth.

You can take mine next winter trip you go on to try it out before you buy (unless I am on the trip then you are on your own)

I have a REI sub kilo also. Packs down small and is lightweight. It is fairly warm and I would buy it again. I've used it in -25 F with a fleece liner and was ok (slept fully clothed).

I've got a 15 year old REI 0 degree bag. While not as light as a down bag, it isn't too bad, compresses well, and was way cheaper than others at that time. It has been very durable, too, and I've taken it up a couple of walls in Yos. in addition to other trips. REI has a Kelty 0 degree bag (long) on sale for about 130.00$. I believe they are also having a 25% off sale on Marmot bags.

Luciano136 wrote:

Ramblindave wrote:Western Mountaineering Kodiak is the way to go. (Im sure Chief will concur) I love mine. Its not cheap but its light, well made compresses pretty well (I use a compression stuff sack) And it actually keeps me warm at 0 degrees.

Holy $$

Yeah buts so schweeeet. Its under 3 lbs, weighs less than my 15 degree bag(which is more like a 25 degree bag) It has kept me warm and comfy to under zero. Most bags I have used don't live up to the actual ratings.

I have an older North Face snowshoe now. It's warm but doesn't pack very small; maybe I just need a better stuffsack or it's just doesn't pack that small because it's synthetic?

Dave Dinnell wrote:I've got a 15 year old REI 0 degree bag. While not as light as a down bag, it isn't too bad, compresses well, and was way cheaper than others at that time. It has been very durable, too, and I've taken it up a couple of walls in Yos. in addition to other trips. REI has a Kelty 0 degree bag (long) on sale for about 130.00$. I believe they are also having a 25% off sale on Marmot bags.

Sounds like I need to make a stop there

mtndonkey wrote:You can take mine next winter trip you go on to try it out before you buy (unless I am on the trip then you are on your own)

Thanks! Since there are not too many winter nuts out there, the chance is small though LOL