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Posted by kutenay on March 21, 2008 at 6:27:11 pm EDT
In reply to Looking for a new sleepng bag posted by WISam on March 17, 2008 at 11:06:22 am EDT

I don't really know as I seldom read Backpacker or any other magazine, although I DID buy this year's "Gear Guide", largely a waste of money.

So, I have no idea WHO Bob Collins is, was or may become, you have me completely baffled here....no pun intended.

However, I was born, raised, went to work in and have lived in mountains all of my life, including being in Alaska. A 5.5 lb. bag that is rated to 0F simply will NOT meet the weather conditions there and it is TOO HEAVY to backpack in steep country on skis or snowshoes.

Your winter camping is in regions of dense human population where rescue is immediately available if you get into trouble. This is not the case in much of Alaska and even less so in northern Canada; you CANNOT compromise on your gear in order to save money or indulge a personal philosophy about gear makers, costs, or whatever your issue is.

In Alaska or northern Canada, even where I grew up, temps to -40F are commonplace and one is often camping in such conditions fot 2-3 weeks on end. When you have done this, it becomes obvious that certain sleeping bags ARE superior to others.

I have lived in mountain tents, in the snow, over 100 miles from the nearest town for periods of 4-6 weeks at a time and often solo; this gives you an appreciation of cold, gear and weight as you backpack it all in on snowshoes in VERY rugged mountains that is why I choose the bags I do...and recommend them for others going into the same areas.

My first solo winter camp, on a Kootenay Glacier, was in 1970, late January and my next purchase was another, heavier down bag, this one a "Fairydown" from New Zealand.

As to fleece inner bags, blankets, etc., I don't like them as they are too bulky and heavy for the weight you are going to carry. If, you go with the right bag, VBL, bivy or tent, you will be warmer and able to travel farther in mountain country.

Weight is CRUCIAL when going into remote wilderness as you need certain items that campground camping does not require. Anyway, I hope you can find what you need.

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• Re: Looking for a new sleepng bag - ministercreek 17:11:41 03/22/2008
  • Re: Looking for a new sleepng bag - ministercreek 18:25:07 03/24/2008

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