Update: I was wrong about needing a zero degree bag for fall camping in the Rockies

I always thought you needed a super cold rated sleeping bag for mountain trips, even in early fall. I used a zero degree bag on a trip near Aspen last October and ended up sweating most of the night, which is just as bad as being cold. I looked up the average low temps for that area and month, and it was only around 35 degrees. A 20 or 30 degree bag would have been perfect and saved me from carrying all that extra bulk and weight. I found this info on a weather history site, not a gear review, and it made me rethink my whole packing list. Now I check actual historical temps for the exact place and dates before I pick a bag. Does anyone else think we over-rely on bag ratings without checking the real numbers first?

2 comments

2 Comments

margaret_bennett311d ago

Oh man, my buddy did that once and ended up sleeping in his truck seat because his bag was like a sauna. Checking those old temps is a game changer for sure.

taylor.jessica11d ago

Okay but checking historical weather data for a camping trip seems like a lot. Most people just look at the forecast for the weekend and grab a bag that feels safe. You had one sweaty night, it's not like your trip was ruined. Gear ratings exist for a reason, to give a general idea. I'd rather be a little too warm than freeze.