Sleeping Bags for the Alpujarras and Sierra Nevada

[Andy2]

I have officially retired my old lead lined synthetic bag and am now looking for a set of sleeping bags for year round Alpujarra distance walking and Sierra Nevada escapades. I’d welcome any advice, comments and suggestions on the kind of ratings, makes and styles which work well out here.

I tend to feel the cold so will normally opt for a bag which is slightly warmer than most. I have a good mat, a Pacific Outdoors Ether Thermo 6 which is like a Neo Air but half the cost and I would look to add a traditional closed cell foam mat to this if camping high in the SN in winter.

My main interest is long distance thru hiking so weight is an important factor. I plan to wild camp a lot with a light tarp and eVent bivy during the spring/summer/autumn normally below 2,000m. I also hope to have a go at a couple of long distance paths in the UK this coming autumn, the West Highland Way and the South Downs Way. As I am distance hiking I am quite prepared to upgrade the bag with extra clothing if the temperature drops in exchange for a lower weight.

So far I been tempted by the RAB 250 for summer use and the 400 for winter use. These bags seem to get consistently good reviews, especially for warmth. However, PHD are currently doing an offer on their Ultra/Minim/Minimus range with a Combi bag which seems to offer the best of both worlds – an Ultra light summer bag (1 season), a Combi bag which is good for -3C or lower and still light weight and the option to combine the two for comfort in temperatures down to

[El Perro Negro]

Both Kiersten and myself use PHD. We got them late 2007 in a sale. Warm and lightweight. We upgraded to 800 down from 700.
- Hispar 800 Down Sleeping Bag (FS)

So far have been great for Sierra Nevada winter and Patagonia Icefield use.

Too warm for Sierra Nevada summer use, so for Los Tres Miles Integral for eg, we drop to
Minim 300 Down Sleeping Bag (AS13) - Outer:: Red Drishell

Hope this helps

[El Perro Negro]

I should add that PHD have a couple of sales a year. These are the best times to get cheap quality gear. get on their mailing list and they will send advance warning out of an impending sale.

Think our Hispars were about half price!

[Andy2]

Good to hear!

The Hispar 800 looks like a monster! I'm starting to think that my Ultra & Combi might be struggling in the SN Winter and I would be crucified if I tried to buy another bag after splashing out on that lot for the Summer.

I might be better off with something less extreme for Summer which could strech for 3 warm seasons and go for a bigger Minim of Hispar for real Winter use.

Do you have any idea what sort of temperatures you are dealing with at 2,500m in Winter out here? Your weather records for Lanjaron were really useful in spec'ing the Summer bag but I'm guessing -5 to -10 at altitude in Winter?

[El Perro Negro]

Id work on a bag that would go down to at least -10. It does get colder than this but only sporadically. If needed I wear extra clothing inside the bag. I tend to feel the cold though.

Why not just get the 1 good Hispar bag? This can be used open as a duvet for summer use.

[Andy2]

I'll have a look at that.

Camping lower down the hills in the warmer air in summer is what I will be doing more of this year so maybe I'll go for something like the Minim 400 on its own and then a Hispar or similar if I get into playing in the snow. I can always rent a bag from you if I need a warmer one!

Thanks for your help.

[El Perro Negro]

advice on bags or makes to avoid? Not really. Go for the most expensive you can afford ie don't take the cheap options. Most well known outdoor retailers do good bags and there are plenty of reviews available if you google them.

Personally I dont like synthetic due to space they take up in a rucksack. Ok, I know they are cheaper and better if damp conditions exist. Maybe I'd use if I was camping in Scotland a lot but the Sierra Nevada???? Give me a down filled bag anyday.

[La Gringa]

Andy, if this helps...Ive used a PHD minim 600 with the standard outer material for the past 5 years in the Sierra Nevada and also in Patagonia and been very warm. (I do sleep warm) The only way Id improve it is to opt for a more water repellant outer to help combat the condensation from my bivvi bag. I know PHD have upgraded their down since I bought mine. Why not design your own on the PHD site....you can opt for a more lightwight bag but proportion the down-fill to the upper side. I agree with elperro, you can save money by waiting for the PHD sale period. They are more expensive but you get what you pay for. Lightweight and low volume is a priority for me so you simply cannot beat PHD in these categories !

[Andy2]

Thanks for the info & advice.

I had already convinced myself that I should go for a down bag due to the space and weight advantages over synthetic and that opting for the Drishell outer on the PHD bags would help combat the potential damp problems if using it in the UK or under a bivy bag.

I’ve been playing with the PHD DIY tool and come up with a bag that is just over 500g but on their “comfort” scale is rated down to about 1C. From reading reviews of their gear it seems that their temp ratings are quite credible, so I’m hoping that this will do me for spring/autumn and winter at low level in the Alpujarras, upgrading the bag with more capable mats and/or, a liner & extra clothing as needed. This should also cover most of my planned 3 season low level walking in the UK. I’ll try just using a blanket for the peak summer in Spain and I’ll get saving again for a big Hispar or Minim or similar for the Winter up high, and hope to snag one in the sales.

[El Perro Negro]

Sounds god. Let me know if you get one and how it performs. Like the DIY option that PHD have. Really useful.