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Sleeping bag that does it all

sleepingbag-200x148Q. I mostly do warm-weather camping, but sometimes I go on winter camp-outs. I can only afford one sleeping bag, so can you recommend one that would work for both?
— Sleeping bag-less Seth, St. Louis, Mo.

A. Finding one sleeping bag that can do it all is tough, but I know of a really cool bag that might fit your needs. It’s the Mountain Hardwear Flip. It’s well named, because each side of this bag is made with a different thickness of synthetic insulation — one side is rated for mild weather (40 degrees), the other for cold nights (rated to 25 degrees). When it’s cold you simply flip the warmer, thicker side up. Warm night? Flip it over with the lighter side on top. At 2 pounds 14 ounces the Flip isn’t exactly ultralight, but it’s suitable for backpacking, totally comfy and expecially handy since it’s like two bags in one. ($100; mountainhardware.com)


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4 Comments on Sleeping bag that does it all

  1. I have a coleman taos 32 degree sleeping bag for $30 dollars at an outlet store, it only weighs 1 pound too. unfortunatly they stopped making the 32 degree and are making a 25 degree instead and that weighs like 3 pounds (still cheap and light though)

  2. I use one lightweight summer sleeping bag (40 degree) until it gets to about 20 degrees and then I sleep inside a 20degree bag which I put inside the 40degree bag.

    You’re not taking that on any hikes, but we hardly ever hike in the winter so I find it works out ok. total cost: about $120.

  3. me from Troop 513 // April 1, 2009 at 4:54 pm // Reply

    I just use a -10 degree mummy bag it works in the winter and in the summer just unzip it or lay on top of it.

  4. Texas Scout // March 11, 2009 at 7:57 pm // Reply

    Coleman mummy bags are pretty good!

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