Inexpensive winter sleeping bags

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by Lonewolf2000, Oct 1, 2018.

  1. SixShooterTransport

    SixShooterTransport Light Load Member

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    Ah, gotcha. I can be pretty opinionated at times so it wouldn’t surprise me if some people think I shouldn’t reproduce, lol.
     
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  3. IluvCATS

    IluvCATS Road Train Member

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    Now that’s harsh!
     
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  4. LGarrison

    LGarrison Road Train Member

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  5. LGarrison

    LGarrison Road Train Member

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    so you want us to do your work for you we don't know what your needs are go to Cabela's and find you a good sack if you can't figure it out by yourself call your mommy
     
  6. Lepton1

    Lepton1 Road Train Member

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    I think the OP is looking for a "worst case scenario" bag. I wouldn't want to be draining the batteries with an electric blanket if road service is seven hours past when that electric blanket drained the batteries in sub zero temperatures.
     
    Last edited: Oct 3, 2018
  7. Lepton1

    Lepton1 Road Train Member

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    For about 25 years of my career I designed and sold sleeping bags. The OP is asking for a survival bag for under $200. That limits you to synthetic insulation in a bag rated 20°F or lower.

    Here is the thing, synthetic bags have a NARROW range of comfort. Maybe +/- 15°F tops. DOWN bags have a much wider range of comfort, maybe +/- 30°F against the rating.

    For pure survival get a mummy bag. That's designed with a hood and drawstring so you can pull it around your head and leave a breathing hole. Most heat loss is from your neck and head.

    If you want to go pricey with down, be sure to get GOOSE down rated at least 550 fill power.

    Fill power - Wikipedia

    550 fill power was the minimum required by top brand names and retailers when I manufactured their bags. Some required more. The greater the fill power the higher the price, BUT that was to be ultra light for backpacking and climbing. When I climbed Denali in 1986 I designed a custom mummy bag with lots of leg room, 650 fill power down, and a total of 10" loft. It was comfortable down to -45°F...barely.

    Here is another fact to consider. When you are in a confined space, like the cab of a truck, your body heat warms the space over outside ambient temperature. Even in an ice cave a single candle can add 10°F or more. Inuit live in Igloos and heat them with a single seal oil lantern.

    Therefore don't thing about needing to get a bag that's rated sub zero. I have a synthetic insulated bag from Walmart that's rated for 20°F. It's plenty good. I have had situations where I have had to rely on that bag, while waiting for road service. It's kept me warm enough, even at -15°F outside the truck. Yes, I had long johns and wool socks, and a warm wool cap.

    Layers. Think layers. You don't need the $1000 bag if you are inside a truck.
     
  8. DSK333

    DSK333 Road Train Member

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  9. UturnGirl

    UturnGirl Road Train Member

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    Its that thrill you get when you spill your coffee inside one with frayed wires.
     
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  10. Lepton1

    Lepton1 Road Train Member

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    Remember, charred flesh is a heat source. Anything to survive...:rolleyes:
     
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