Ive got a Marmot Pinnacle 15Deg bag I use for backpacking and non-winter mountaineering, but I'm planning on doing a few 14ers this winter and I think a warmer bag would be needed and I'm looking for advice.

I'm considering getting a below zero rated bag like the Western Mountaineering Puma -25 or the Feathered Friends equivalent, but I'm wondering also if a 0 Degree bag like the Western Mountaineering Kodiak might be sufficient. I don't want to have to buy another bag if I decide to do a bigger mountain some day.

Advice?

I think a -25 degree bag would be overkill for anything in the lower 48. I think a 0 degree bag from Feathered Friends or Western Mountaineering would be all you need. Bear in mind that Feathered Friends or Western Mountaineering bags are likely to be warmer than similarly rated bags from other companies. FWIW I climbed Rainier twice in winter with a +15 degree WM bag and used the same bag on trips to the Ruth Gorge and Mt Hunter in Alaska.

just bought this...

http://www.westernmountaineering.com/in ... ntentId=42

Good choice. Although it's certainly possible to get by with a 20F bag when it drops well below 0F, I think you made the right choice. I've used a 20F bag when the temps dropped to about -15F and it was not a fun night.

Awesome choice. You CAN go lighter, but that's 3lb of save-your-ass-when-hunkered-down-in-a-blizzard, right there.

Damn, that does look like a nice bag! Doesn't say, but 850 fill? Good job. Use it now!

thanks guys. yeah 850+ fill. i cant wait to sleep in this thing.

got the bag, and though its nice, the drawstring around the neck doesnt work nearly as well as the marmot one. im suprised. im actually thinking about returning it.

Seeing that you are from Sacramento, which means you'll be doing winter stuff in the Sierra and Shasta? I think your 15-degree bag is good enough. Since you are already willing to cough up some $$$ go with a zero-degree WM Kodiak. That should be enough for any outings in the lower 48 and then some. There are many, many variables involved in how warm you want a sleeping bag to be.

kevin trieu wrote:Seeing that you are from Sacramento, which means you'll be doing winter stuff in the Sierra and Shasta? I think your 15-degree bag is good enough. Since you are already willing to cough up some $$$ go with a zero-degree WM Kodiak. That should be enough for any outings in the lower 48 and then some. There are many, many variables involved in how warm you want a sleeping bag to be.

thats what i decided. i returned the lynx and am just going to use my marmot pinnacle and wear all my clothes if it gets cold.