Thread: Help picking a 3 season sleeping bag

I'm after a new bag as i only have a nasty summer bag. I had a look in a few shops and the choices are a bit overwhelming prices can vary alot for similar rated 3 season bags. I will probably go with a synthetic as they seem more economical.
I don't do many over nighters but that's mostly because i have been studying, now that im almost finished im hoping to improve on that. Instead of buying another rifle i will spend the money on getting better equipment.
Last overnighter i did in an open 3 sided hut and i had on most of my clothes just to stay warm. I really don't want to do that again, it was a horrible sleep.

Most of my hunting will be in the central north island. And usually sleep on a foam mat or thin air mattress under a tarp. price range im thinking about $200 but can spend more for a well recommended bag. Packablilty is more important that weight but light still helps. I see hunting and fishing do a Palm Visa 0 degree comfort rating that looks like it will do the job nicely. Is it worth going to a -5 rated bag?

and does anyone have any recommendations for ground mats to sleep on?

Thermarest Neoair is the best mat I reckon, but it is expensive. Exped synmat 7 is a cheaper alternative.
A good sleeping bag is not cheap unfortunately and $200 won't get you much and would be wasted money. I have a Macpac Express 400 I picked up off trademe for $250, but new are a lot more. Keep an eye out on Macpac for sales you will save a lot. Try and find an 800 loft 500-700 g bag.

Here is a 2nd hand Macpac express for $80ish http://www.trademe.co.nz/sports/camp...-977672933.htm

Will A down bag like that be cool in summer? or do you get too hot and stuffy?

Just unzip it and use it as a quilt. A 400g bag won't be too hot. I use mine from now until autumn down here in the South Island

Gee thats light haha. I will go in stores and have a proper look at some of the down bags. seems like most are water resistant now days to keep the down dry.

Remember that you spend roughly a third of your trips in it so getting a good night sleep is pretty high on my list and would spend the extra dollars if I could. Even hold off until you have a bit more money. A would also go for a down bag rather than synthetic, they just packdown and weigh so much less.
Remember buy once cry once