Posted: 1/24/2008 1:26:19 PM EDT
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I'm confused on which of these three would be the best choice. All are rated for about the same temp, prices vary. Feel free to talk me out of any of them as well. In no particular order: Softie 6 Kestrel $190 Tactical 2 $220 Softie Elite 2 $125 |
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add 10 degrees to the bags comfort and max low temps and that will probably be more accurate. out of all of those i'd probably take the elite 2 just because it packs the smallest and weighs the least. The price also is lowest and olive is a better color than black for a sleeping bag, not only if you're sleeping under the stars and not wanting to be seen easily but also because black IIRC will leach heat from you in the cold if a sleeping bag is black. I also think the pillow pocket in the tactical bag is a joke...I want that pillow next to my face in the bag, not in some pocket between the bag and the pad |
| I have the junglebag and I think it would be sufficient for summer nights, but I might get cold in the spring and the fall so I also bought a kelty fleece liner. I also recommend the bivvy bag, its light and works great. I have a spare one for sale so let me know if you are interested. |
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I was having the some issued with deciding and I just ended up getting both. I have the Softie 6 Kestrel and the Softie 3 Merlin. The Kestrel is an awesome bag, but it is really suited for temperatures in the upper teens to 20+ degrees F. The merlin works great from 30 degree F on up. If you are going to get a Snugpak, do yourself a favor and get a liner to go in it -- this keeps the bag from getting dirty from sweat, body oil, ect. If you always sleep in the liner, you can just wash it so you don't really ever have to wash the bag much. Snugpak makes 4 different ones; If I remember correctly, I have the TS1. The liner also gives you extra warmth by around 5-10 degrees F or so. I also purchased the bivvy bag to go around the outside of the Snugpak bag. This is a waterproof shell that you put the Snugpak back into just in case it rains or condensation forms on the inside of your tent. It also keeps the outside of the Snugpak from getting dirty if you just sleep on the ground without a tarp / tent around you. All together I have the 2 bags, the liner, and the bivvy bag, and I think they are all great. They do their job surprisingly well and are very light. |
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I have a Snugpak Jungle which I used in the Amazon quite extensively. It was great. I wouldn't use it in anything other than the summer. Don't like Wiggy's. I've had several issued. They are very warm, but absolutely ridiculously heavy and bulky in comparison to other brands out there. I vote for a Kifaru Regulator. They are expensive, but worth every penny. These bags rank as probably the best synthetic weight to warmth ratio bags out there. I prefer down, but most on this board don't appreciate the latest advances in down bags and their water repellency  Save you money and buy QUALITY gear. Remember life is a marathon, not a sprint. Rata |