[pct-l] prospective '09 thru-hiker... 32 degree bag enough?

[Jeffrey Olson]

It depends on the system you're using.  If you're using a tarp then you 
can be colder than as double wall tent you can batten down so no wind 
comes through - arguable from the tarp people I'm sure - but I've never 
been as warm or secure in a tarp.  If you are using a butt pad as a 
sleeping pad, you're likely to sleep a little colder than a 3/4 or 
full-length pad.  If you're carrying extra clothes during the cold parts 
of the trip - the 15 days in the high sierra - you're likely to get away 
with your 32 degree bag.  Weigh how much at this point you "think" you 
will be depending on gear or experience to get you through dicey 
situations.  All of this should go into a choice.  And don't forget the 
bear canister... :-)

Jeffrey Olson
Martin, SD

Julian Plamann wrote:
> Hi all,I'll be thru-hiking the PCT next year ('09)... starting at the
> kickoff, but will pace myself so as to not hit Kennedy Meadows before a week
> or two into June.
>
> I have nearly all of my gear choices figured out and tested, except the
> sleeping bag. I have a Western Mountaineering Ultralamina (32 degree) bag
> that I really like and was hoping to use for the length of the trail. I'm a
> warm sleeper and am hoping to avoid unnecessarily spending money on a 20
> degree bag if I can possibly avoid it. Do you all think the 32 degree bag is
> doable?
>
> Thanks for the advice and hope to meet some of you on the trail next year!
> -Julian
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