Montbell - Seamless Down Hugger 800

What temperature rating do you need for your winter camping? Western Mountaineering has some very roomy winter bags available (Terralite, Sycamore, Badger, Sequoia, maybe more). They are very expensive but very good. They really can last a lifetime, so perhaps you can pick up a second hand one if you’re lucky. Alternatively, the Montbell Seamless Downhugger is made from stretchy material that works quite well. I have one of their summer bags. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=_sBs3JFkago&pp=ygUdTW9udGJlbGwgc2VzbWxlc3MgZG93biBodWdnZXI%3D For either of these choices, you could decide to size up as well.

I have come to like Montbell’s super spiral stretch system sleeping bags. I have used it as a down blanket when I open up the zippers to a sleeping bag when it is really cold. I have their full synthetic version as well which if you are a light sleeper or sensitive to feel then I would go with their goose down bags. I prefer the goose down. It is compact and I throw it in my hi ring bag in evening hunts and it doesn’t take much space in my truck where space is a premium.

Montbell ‘Hugger’ series mummy bags incorporates elastic-banding into their bags to tight/loosen the dead airspace as necessary. I can sit-upright and cross-legged in my mummy bag.

There are lighter options but your comment didn’t mention the weight, just that you think it is a gimmick. However, I have owned a few of the lighter options (and significantly heavier options) and nothing has been as comfortable and draft free for me as the ZenBivy. It really is a clever sleep system.

I had a Nemo sleeping bag, a Montbell, and a Sierra Designs sleeping bag (I still own the SD bag- if I need a bag, it’s my favorite sleeping bag ever). Those were all heavier than my ZenBivy. As a lighter option, I had an Enlightened Equipment quilt. And you are right, without the sheet, the ZenBivy is essentially the same as the EE quilt. However, with the sheet, it IS very different from other quilts! It is substantially more comfortable and draft free than any other quilt. The system is every bit as good a advertised. I was skeptical… but then I bought one.

I‘m well aware that the Timmermade is lighter than my ZenBivy. Like I said, I have coveted a Wren bag for a long time. However, it costs $200 more than I paid for the ZenBivy! Also, Michael (who started ZenBivy) is a genuine guy too. He is also selling to genuine customers (like me). I didn’t buy one because of any marketing. As I said in an earlier reply, my favorite bag (when I need a bag), is my Sierra Designs Zissou. I wanted to buy one for my son, but they no longer make that bag. Additional research led to finding out that Michael designed that bag for SD, and that he left to start ZenBivy. Which led me to their website. If you don‘t want their products, don’t buy them. But it seems like you are bashing them without even having tried one. They are a good product. Having options is a good thing for our hobby.

What temperature range do you expect when you backpack? Dry weather, humidity, or lots of rain? Are you male or female? Do you sleep warm or cold? Are you a back sleeper, side sleeper, or do you move around a lot? All of these factors come into play for picking a sleeping bag. I'm in Northern California and am a 3 season backpacker. I don't need a 15 degree bag for my trips. It's mostly dry where I go, so I can use down. I'm male and sleep warm, so I can live with a 30-35 degree bag the majority of the time. I have a warmer bag for those rate trips where I need it. I'm a very active sleeper so I went with a Montbell sleeping bag with lots of give. I would also consider a quilt. If you're anywhere near an REI, you might want to go in and get advice.