Sleeping Bag Question

[GoingNowhere]

For those of you who hike/camp - I have a question. I am going on a week long trip down a river. I have been told that the nights could get as low as the mid-thirties, but could be warmer. I have a 30 degree bag, but it is down and I'd rather not bring it on the river lest I risk getting it wet. I also have a 55+ liner/summer bag. I found a REALLY good deal on a 40 degree bag ($24!) and am wondering if using the 40 degree bag plus the 55+ bag as a liner would keep me toasty in 33-37 degree weather.

Anyone have a clue? I've never used my 55+ bag as a liner before, but it kept me comfortable at the bottom of the grand canyon in August, haha (probably not a comparable example)!

 

[xpaeanx]

In theory that should work, but the best thing I would say is put them together and sleep outside and see how you do.

What is the temp where you live now? It's still pretty cold at night where I am, so it'd be good for trying things out.

 

[Raegan]

Sounds like it would work, I agree with testing it out ahead of time. If it was me, I'd probably just bring the 40* bag but I like sleeping cool. The other thing you might consider is having good padding under your bag. More than cushion, it keeps the cold ground from sucking out your warmth.

 

[GoingNowhere]

Thanks for the ideas. I might have to sleep outside ahead of time haha I've been pretty happy with my sleeping pad as well, so with any luck it'll be good.

 

[MicksMom]

Another option is to get a waterproof stuff sack for your 30 degree bag. They used them all the time for canoe trips when we lived at camp.

 

[Annabell]

I think that would work, but if you do end up getting chilly you can always throw on extra layers (fleece, long underwear, etc.)

Although if it were me I would just take the down bag. Sleeping bags are made to be outside where it is wet a lot of the time, so I wouldn't be concerned if it got a little wet (although falling in the river is another story). And the waterproof stuff sack is a great idea.

 

[GoingNowhere]

Thanks all. I ended up borrowing a synthetic 32 rated bag from a friend, so I think I'll bring that. I think it was a good call to borrow it because the cheap Walmart bag came in the mail and I am very skeptical that it would actually keep me comfortable to 40. It has roughly the same amount of insulation as my 55+ degree bag. I figure I'll test it and my layering idea on a single overnight trip versus a week-long excursion.

 

[PennyD]

Thanks all. I ended up borrowing a synthetic 32 rated bag from a friend, so I think I'll bring that. I think it was a good call to borrow it because the cheap Walmart bag came in the mail and I am very skeptical that it would actually keep me comfortable to 40. It has roughly the same amount of insulation as my 55+ degree bag. I figure I'll test it and my layering idea on a single overnight trip versus a week-long excursion.

That sounds like a good plan. In general, I always go for 10 under the actual conditions just to be safe and warm. Also, as long as they aren't ripped, water should not be too much of an issue unless standing water collects. If its going to be decently wet though, a bivy sack over your sleeping bag might be your best bet.

Best,

-Penny D