Am I backpacking or car camping?
If the low is 41 and I don't think it's gonna dip any further, than probably something that goes to 30F or so.
\* Backpacking would be my old Big Agnes Deer Park 30F long down bag, or might risk it and run the Zenbivy 40F synthetic quilt (but I am also a human space heater) and good wool baselayers.
\* Car camping would be Big Agnes Echo Park 20F long, because I sleep like I'm in my bed at home in that thing.
General rule is that most bag ratings are more or less their absolute LIMIT rating. A 30F will help you survive at 30F, and is comfortable around 40-45+ depending on what temperature you typically sleep at. If you sleep too warm like me, you'll be fine. If you sleep a little on the cool side, I would offset the rule from around 10-15 degrees to at least 20F bags.
The lack of filling on the one side in the bag you mentioned is because the side you lay on (against the sleeping pad) will be compressed so much as to be generally useless as insulation. Cotton is a bad idea for anything intended to maintain warmth. I like the suggestion of the quilt and sheet made earlier.
I’d highly recommend a Big Agnes Echo Park. The interior feels more like cotton. Not at all restrictive and super comfortable. It’s also budget friendly. For a backpacking option, I really like my Zenbivy. The design seems a little gimmicky, but it’s just as comfortable as my car camping setup and really light and packable. Not at all budget friendly.
I just got back from a 6 day trip with a new set up that I absolutely loved - zenbivy overland XL + exped xlw + rollacot xlong and wide. This was the greatest combo I’ve ever used - I woke up each morning so pleased with the combo. I had just received the zenbivy the day before we left on the camping trip and was a little skeptical (so brought my BA echo park as a backup). Never took the BA out of the car - LOVED the zenbivy. I’m 5’11” 165lbs but want the freedom to spin like a rotisserie chicken and do whatever I want w my legs, all while climate adjusting as needed. Obviously not backpacking so might as well be comfy (but even this setup was more contained/compact than I thought it was going to be).
Big Agnes echo park long/wide. I’m similar in size to you and love mine! If you can’t find one for a good price (they sell $200 new but I got mine $140 on sale) then go for a camping quilt or Coleman big and tall instead
Basement_Armory
