Nevertheless, this is our favorite women’s sleeping bag and an excellent choice for any serious backpacker. We have stayed nicely warm while sleeping in the cold in this bag. We layer a blanket between the sleeping pads and the sleeping bags for some extra insulation. When it is very cold I also use a comforter over the sleeping bags. Hand warmers in our socks and body warmers in our shirts are helpful as well. Our sleeping bags zip together, allowing us to take advantage of the shared body heat.
I’m so disappointed with this product that I advise anyone buying sleeping bags not to even look at Ozark and buy Coleman instead. I used this bag from February of 2002 to June of 2002 on the Appalachian Trail, and I still have it. The first night out it was less than 14 degrees F, and I had at least 50 nights under 40 degrees F.
I could have gotten better quality from a teenager’s home ec project and lighter weight. The biggest issue most shoppers will have with the MegaLite is the expensive price tag. Beginners or occasional backpackers will likely be happier with a budget model for half the price, like the Mountain Hardwear Bishop Pass 15. Serious backpackers, however, should really consider spending extra for the MegaLite, or another bag from Western Mountaineering or Feathered Friends. The Polara has synthetic insulation that simply isn’t as lush or comfy as many of the premium options on the market.
For many years now, the Coleman Brazos has been a notable contender for those on a budget. Time and again, it has impressed us with its rugged durability and warmth, especially when considering how stiff the competition is in the world of sleeping bags. This review is the culmination of a decade of hands-on testing by ten separate GearLab expert reviewers. These reviewers included backpacking guides, mountaineers, backcountry skiers, wilderness rangers, guidebook authors, and thru-hikers. The lead author, Jack Cramer, is a former member of Yosemite Search and Rescue and an accomplished climber who has now personally tested more than 70 different sleeping bags. Jack is assisted by Ian McEleney and Jessica Haist, both professional guides with decades of experience and Jason Wanlass, a world-traveler and seasoned backpacker and hiker.
Overall, try not to stress too much about the purchase of a car camping sleeping bag. Simply find a bag that matches your plans and budget, and it should ozark trail chair be up to the job. These bags are ideal for those following “ultralight” guidelines to keep their packs as light as possible, typically under 10 pounds.
Whether you’ve been camping for years or are just starting out, it’s important to be prepared with the necessary gear to face whatever Mother Nature throws your way. If you’re staying in a cabin, tent, or RV, you’ll want to stock up on outdoor essentials, especially if you’re isolated from stores. I was on a ozark trail chair budget so I figured I would go with a less expensive bag. I got in the bag, tried to zip it and the zipper tore immediately. You’re currently viewing a free preview of a member exclusive premium article. Our premium articles include in depth journalism and insights from the Backpacking Light editorial team.
We just wouldn’t stretch using this bag too far into the shoulder season. It’s rated to 23 degrees Fahrenheit, but we would not be comfortable bringing it along if the temperatures were below freezing. It’s just a tube with few bells and whistles, but that means it’s also pretty light to carry. Weight and packed size generally correspond closely to one another, so you don’t need to spend too much time trying to consider them separately. However, it’s important to recognize that warmer bags are generally bulkier and heavier than colder bags. Therefore, try only to analyze weight and packed size between bags with similar warmth.