[pct-l] Sleeping Bags

[Barry Teschlog]

Dave
   
  "What kind of sleeping bag should I have 
  1) from Campo to Kennedy Meadows and then 
  2) after Kenn. Meadows?

How cold does it get in the desert at night?"

   
  In answer to 1 & 2:
  I carried one sleeping bag the whole trip - a 30 degree down (Marmot Arroyo).  BUT, that wasn't the only part of my sleeping system.  I also had my wind shirt (with very light fleece) & a down vest which were my primary upper body warm clothing along with a insulated cap / hat.  I also had long johns & a 2nd (long sleeve) hiking shirt.  If I anticipated a cold night, I'd put on the wind shirt & vest as well as the long johns & extra shirt.  I tested this system at home prior to the hike - I slept out in the back yard on a 22 degree night and while not toasty warm, I wasn't cold either (so I guess 22 degrees was the lower limit of my system for comfort).
   
  More generically, I'd suggest getting the highest quality down bag you can afford (Western Mountaineering, Feathered Friends, Marmot, 800 fill minimum).  It'll be the lightest and most compressible for the temp rating you choose.  In addition, consider your other warm clothing as part of your sleep system and plan your bag rating accordingly.  A nice down vest or parka (WM Flight, FF Hyperion or Helios) doubles as your jacket & for extra sleeping warmth.
   
  How cold in the desert at night:  
  My 2nd or 3rd night out of Wrightwood (later in May) I decided to cowboy camp.  It was a clear night and I was in the open.....in a gully.  Well, all the cold air decided to settle into this gully.  I woke up in the morning to a wet from dew through to the inside, crusted with ice on the outside sleeping bag and a watch thermometer indicating about 28 degrees.  I know others have had it colder in the desert, but it was an unpleasant combination of wet bag and cold temps.  I didn't cowboy camp much after that.
   
  Regarding north of KM:  In reality, it wasn't all that cold in the high Sierra during normal thru hiker season - no worse than the desert in 06.  My coldest nights were in the desert and northern Washington (I picked up an extra 200 weight fleece top for Snoqualmie Pass to the end).
   
  You're in for an amazing experience - good luck.
   
  TC, '06.

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