Magma 15

What’s wrong with the magma 15 from REI? It’s a great bag. I had one on my thru and in the summer I just unzipped it and had it as a blanket with a toe box, no problem at all. 

Gnarly! Sounds like some top tier "type B" fun. Early on in backpacking, after several uncomfortable, borderline worrisome nights sleep in my 20°f Kelty bag I learned the advertised temperature ratings of sleeping bags are actually the "survival rating,", meaning you won't lose any appendages to the elements. The comfort rating is always significantly warmer than the survival rating and you often have to research equipment in advance to find thst figure. I'm PNW-based, and personally, fall-winter I use a rei magma down 15 bag & neoair xtherm pad. I might not ook like Jeremiah Johnson all bundled up but I sleep like a baby. Risking death chasing the bushcraft aesthetic in a cold, damp environment isn't worth it if you lack the ability or materials to craft an adequate sleep system.

Did you get the new magma 15? I got each the 30 and the 15 and while I love them, I feel like there’s such a huge gap in temp conditions. The 15 I’ve slept in down to about 22 and it was WAY too warm still. If I slept in the 30 down to 22 I’d undoubtedly be cold. I just think it’s bizarre they came out with two bags that seemingly have a huge gap.

Oh nice! I’m kind of jealous of that 15. I’ve used it before and it’s really awesome. When they made the new ones they started making them unisex, so the lower limit became more of the men’s comfort rating and the actual number became more of the women’s. Your 15 fills the gap in talking about a whole lot better. Granted I did get the wide version and it’s so so comfy so I guess I’ll deal

After years of budget backpacking, I sprung for the magma 15 last fall and couldn’t be happier with it. I find it very comfortable at sub 20°. My only complaint is the size. It’s a bit large but not a dealbreaker

Got it. I think it’s the Kelty Eclipse 15. If that’s right, it’s very heavy for a backpacking bag at over 5 lbs, but will do you just fine for car camping. You may not care about the weight as much if you’re just doing a couple small backpacking trips a year that are relatively low mileage, and you’ll probably struggle to find a true high-quality backpacking bag in that price range. Just a question of priorities—if you’re on a strict budget and don’t mind the extra weight for the occasional backcountry trip then go for it. If you’re flexible on the budget and want something that’ll be just as good for car camping, but lighten your load while backpacking, then see if you can find a down bag. Just as an example, if you wait for REI to put their branded stuff on sale for 30% off, you can get the REI Magma 15 for $300 or less. The Magma will put you closer to 2 lbs. depending on the size you get.

My REI Magma 15 sleeping bag is my go-to. I have used many synthetic, hybrid, and down, sleeping bags in the past. This in my opinion is the best comfort and warmth for the weight. I’ve treated mine, but the few times it has got a little wet it held up nicely and dried out decently quick in the sun

I also have the REI magma 15 and use it year round in the mountains, some days only as a blanket though but have tested it at 20 degrees and was fine.