Bag/Sleep system for Brooks Range

[badlander]

September in the Brooks Range.

I have an Enlightened Equipment 20F down quilt and I really like it, but most recommendations I see for this trip are to go synthetic.

Considering a few options.

Kifaru Slick 0 and just having that?

Kifaru body bag and using that over my down quilt for a bit more full coverage and protection in case I do get a bit of moisture in the tent?

I suspect the layered version would be warmer and slightly heavier, just the hassle of 2 bags. the Kifaru bags sure appear to be the lightest synthetic option Ive found. I like the idea of being able to "sleep my gear dry" in the synthetic bag, not sure how well that works and retains insulative value in the layered system.

Thanks!

 

[Wapiti151]

just my .02, I always use down and was on a trip very similar to you a few months ago for caribou as well as a VERY wet blacktail trip a couple years ago in the PWS of AK. I've never had a problem with my bag getting wet, at least not to a point that inhibited insulation. My hunting group of 4 all had down bags, either 15* or 0* and my partner in the PWS also had a down bag. However, we all had this water proof bivy from MLD https://mountainlaureldesigns.com/product/event-soul-bivy/, which you can put your bag and sleep pad in to keep everything together and dry. In PWS we used these to sleep in a floorless shelter on top of snow and completely saturated, spongy ground....never got wet and was still able to sleep everything dry per usual. Like ground saturated to the point of a puddle forming wherever you stepped. I also keep my down in a waterproof compression sack anytime it's in my back to keep it dry even if I fall in a creek, or whatever.

The bivy is amazing, and use it in my sleep system for all hunts now regardless of weather...it's also only 12oz and takes up less space than a nalgene.

Sounds like this could be a good option for you. Just take the necessary steps to keep all your down as dry as possible and you should be good to go, IMO.

 

[t_carlson]

Problem solved for $120 if you want a synthetic bag:

https://www.mountainhardwear.com/p/lamina-15f/-9c-1938461.html?dwvar_1938461_color=403

I like the Lamina series. I've had one for 5 or 6 years now.

 

[stvnshnn]

As he said above, Lamina bags are good. If you’re looking for the same Apex insulation, some of the Eddie Bauer bags use them. I had a slick bag and it was just ok. Traded it for a Chilkoot 15 and haven’t had any down wetting out issues on two long hunts—one a very wet sheep hunt. I didn’t use any special bivy or bag. When my feet might rub on the tent, I cover the foot of my bag with my rain jacket.
I picked up one of the Eddie Bauer 20 degree bags with the Apex for $99 on sale and used it on a short hunt. Worked just fine. I still think I’m going to stick with the Chilkoot for just about everything.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[cubdriver84d]

You should be fine with your quilt. That's what I use for most fall hunts up here plus puffy pants and jacket when needed.