You want a bag that’s rated for real cold, not just “summer temps” so a bag rated around 20°F (–6°C) to 30°F (–1°C) is the practical sweet spot for those conditions.
With that said, your pad is decent and pairing that with a bag that actually matches the sleeping pad’s insulation would keep you warm bottom-to-top instead of leaving a cold gap at your torso. The 75-liter pack size you have also gives you enough volume for a real backpacking-appropriate bag like either:
- the REI Co-op Magma 30°F
Or
- Feathered Friends Flicker 20°F / Down
Or
- Mountain Hardwear Lamina Z-AI 20°F
Which I personally think are all really good for your use case, the REI Co-op being my personal choice if I had to choose. Otherwise, try [11 Best 2-Person Tents for Camping and Backpacking](https://alaskanarrows.com/11-best-2-person-tent-camping-and-backpacking/) for other options
GL
I'm a 58yo side/stomach sleeper and it's dramatically improved my sleep. That said, If you're looking for something down to 0F, I'm skeptical a quilt is gonna get you there. My FF quilt is rated to 20F and I've been ok with it (zipped up) in subfreezing, but if it was gonna be substantially colder than that I'd either want extra layering to sleep in or a more fully-enclosed bag, I suspect.
I've always had a problem sleeping cold. For the past few years, I've been using the Feathered Friends Flicker 20 degree and an X-Therm. That combo works for me down to a little over freezing. Below freezing, I have to add a Nemo Switchback foam pad on top of the X-Therm, a Nunatak over-bag around the FF Flicker. I also have an EE Torid jacket and insulated pants to use as needed.
The combination of the Flicker, X-Therm, Switchback, Nunatak over-bag, jacket and pants works, but it's a lot to carry.
I recently purchased an El Coyote 10 degree quilt to see if the extra down could take the place of the over-bag, but it still wasn't warm enough just a few degrees below freezing.
What would be the lightest and most compact way to stay warm in the winter? I have thought about selling the El Coyote quilt and getting a super warm bag like the Western Mountaineering Antelope instead, but the weight is identical to the Flicker and Nunatak over-bag combo (which is extremely warm, btw). Is there anything else I should consider?
I have a Zpacks brushtail possum beanie, which is really warm, plus the hood from the Torrid. My head is plenty warm. The over-bag is like a zipperless sleeping bag, so my entire quilt goes inside of it. That combo of the Flicker plus over-bag is the only thing that works for me, but it's heavy (40oz total). Yeah, I'm leaning towards a 0 degree or -10 degree bag. That might be my only option.
Yes, I've always been a cold sleeper. I've had the Feathered Friends Flicker for a long time. It's a great bag / quilt for most of the year, but hasn't worked for me below freezing. Last weekend, I went out with a new 10 degree El Coyote quilt and it was cold below freezing too, until I added the overbag.
That's a great deal. I haven't used that one. I really love the Feathered Friends Flickr quilt personally, but it costs a lot more.
I hope it's a great time camping in the national parks!!
I'm gonna dodge and parry the question. Personally I need a quilt, I'm a whiny little bitch and a mummy bag is too constricted for me, but it's pretty fine for normal people like you So my advice instead is three things:
In the North Cascades (PNW) most people think a 20 degree bag is just right for 3 season backpacking.
I've camped sleeping in my base layers and even a down jacket in October. If you're worried this bag won't be quite enough, you can get down booties and whatever to push it a little.
An air mattress has insulation, and it's messed in R Value. You can also make up for a not quite warm enough bag with a warmer pad.
So, I don't know what's right for you, but I know you have angles to work with if you like this one but aren't quite sure.
Feathered Friends makes a quilt called the Flicker that zips on the side and has a drawstring footbox so you can leave it open or closed, zipped or unzipped. I love mine!
Before you buy, I'd read through Dan Timmerman's blog: [https://timmermade.com/blog/](https://timmermade.com/blog/)
He says it better than I will. But it comes down to wrapping yourself with the right thickness of insulation for the least amount of weight and money, which means you need a bag that fits your body and sleeping position, and uses the right amounts of top-notch materials.
**Keep in mind insulation is a complete system**. It includes sleeping pads and shelters.
\-A thin CCF pad under an air pad boosts R-value for cheap. Decathlon's foam roll is 210g and 9 Euro. GG thinlite is half the weight and double the price, which is still cheap.
\-A bivy bag can easily add 5C to your warmth because it prevents wind from stealing your warmth. You can find them on aliexpress for \~30 Euro in the 250g gram range, or from cottage makers in US for more $ and less g. Keep in mind, you do still want good ventilation to prevent condensation.
Feathered Friends is gold standard. Quality is top. The price reflects that. Any of the FF 10F (-12C) or 0F (-18C) bags could work. Don't get confused by names. Just look at the girth specs, and fit to height. **Maybe** in your price range with the USD being cheap right now.
I think the Cumulus Panyam and Teneqa series check all the boxes at a fair price. Choose the weight you need, add an extra 60g of down, and size it to fit yourself. Good options on website. You'll come in right around 400-500 Euro.
Cheaper than that is Aegismax.
\-G is the 850 FP goose down UL winter series, Choose your weight and length. Is it totally dialed in? No, but it's a really solid choice.
\-D is the 650 FP duck down budget series. Adequate, not ideal but worth mentioning though
My best personal experiences have been with
\-Feathered Friends Flicker 20 (-7C) for general 3 season use, which I like for versatility. It works down to actual rated temp with the right shelter, pads, campsite selection, clothing.
\-Aegismax Mini 6C which is good for summer use (which is half the year where I live), but was impressed with brand.
Top Outdoor Sleeping Bags on Reddit
1
NEMO
Disco 15 Series
78% positive of 120 users
Spacious for side sleepers; bulky, temp rating optimistic.
Alaskanarrowusa
