Herbie Murray
When it comes to sleeping bags for the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), there are several factors to consider, including temperature ratings, fill type, and weight. The temperature can vary significantly along the trail, ranging from desert heat to snowy conditions, so choosing an appropriate sleeping bag rating is crucial. While some hikers opt for a single bag rated for all seasons, others prefer having separate bags for warmer and colder conditions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Temperature rating | 10°F, 20°F, 30°F, 40°F |
| Sleeping bag type | Mummy bag, quilt |
| Fill | Down, synthetic |
| Sleeping bag weight | 29oz, 31oz, 31.3oz, 27.1oz, 22oz, 350oz |
| Sleeping bag features | Full-length zip, hood, footbox |
| Additional items | Sleeping pad, backpack, ground cloth |
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What You'll Learn
- Sleeping bag fill: goose down is lighter and more compressible, but synthetic is cheaper and better when wet
- Sleeping bag shape: a mummy bag is snug, reducing dead space and maximising warmth
- Quilts vs sleeping bags: quilts are lighter and more versatile, but sleeping bags are more beginner-friendly
- Temperature ratings: a 20°F bag is most common, but 10°F bags are recommended for cold sleepers
- Budget: Feathered Friends bags are highly regarded but expensive. REI bags are
Sleeping bag fill: goose down is lighter and more compressible, but synthetic is cheaper and better when wet
When choosing a sleeping bag for the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), you'll need to consider the bag's fill, temperature rating, and weight.
Sleeping Bag Fill: Goose Down vs Synthetic
Goose down is the traditional choice for sleeping bag fill. It is much lighter than synthetic fills and has a better warmth-to-weight ratio. Premium goose down can reach a fill power of 900+, meaning it fills more space and achieves a certain temperature rating with less material. This makes goose down sleeping bags more compressible and less bulky than synthetic bags. Duck down is also an option and is cheaper than goose down, but it does not insulate as well.
The major downside of goose down is that it loses its insulating properties when it gets wet, so it is important to keep it dry. Synthetic fills, on the other hand, are quick-drying and can insulate even when wet. Synthetic bags are also generally cheaper than goose down bags. However, synthetic bags are less compressible than goose down bags, which means they take up more space in your pack.
Temperature Ratings for the PCT
When it comes to temperature ratings, a bag rated for 20°F is common on the PCT. If you tend to sleep cold, a bag rated for 10°F may be a better option. For warmer conditions, you can sleep on top of your bag.
Weight Considerations
The weight of your sleeping bag is an important consideration, as it is one of the heaviest items in your pack. Most PCT thru-hikers recommend keeping the weight of your sleep system (including your sleeping bag, sleeping pad, and tent) to less than two pounds if possible.
Sleeping Bag Temperature: Picking the Right Rating
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Sleeping bag shape: a mummy bag is snug, reducing dead space and maximising warmth
When hiking the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), it's important to choose a sleeping bag that will keep you warm and comfortable. The temperature can vary greatly along the trail, from the desert heat to snow and temperatures as low as the teens.
To make the most of your body heat, it's essential to choose a sleeping bag that minimises dead space. A mummy bag is an excellent option for this, as its snug fit keeps you warm by reducing the amount of air that needs to be warmed. Mummy bags are designed to be close-fitting without being restrictive, ensuring that you have enough room to move without compressing the insulating material.
The PCT is known to be a relatively dry trail, but it's still important to keep your sleeping bag from getting wet, as this can affect its insulating properties. Down sleeping bags are a popular choice for PCT hikers due to their superior warmth-to-weight ratio, durability, and compressibility compared to synthetic bags. However, down loses its insulating properties when wet, so a synthetic bag might be a better option if you're concerned about moisture. Synthetic bags are also more affordable and dry faster, but they may not provide the same level of warmth and compressibility as down.
When it comes to temperature ratings, a sleeping bag rated for 20°F is commonly used on the PCT. This rating is suitable for most conditions along the trail, although some hikers may prefer a 10°F bag for colder nights. If you tend to sleep cold, a bag rated for 10°F will provide extra warmth, while a 20°F bag can be combined with a down jacket for colder nights. For warmer conditions, you can sleep on top of your bag or use a quilt, which offers more versatility in temperature regulation.
In addition to the shape and rating of your sleeping bag, consider other features such as a waterproof shell, a snug-fitting hood, and extra zippers to enhance durability, warmth, and functionality. Ultimately, the goal is to find a sleeping bag that keeps you warm and comfortable throughout your PCT journey, ensuring you get a good night's rest for the next day's adventures.
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Quilts vs sleeping bags: quilts are lighter and more versatile, but sleeping bags are more beginner-friendly
When preparing for a hike on the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), it's important to choose the right sleeping system. The two most common options are quilts and sleeping bags, and each has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Quilts
Quilts are an increasingly popular alternative to sleeping bags, especially among thru-hikers on the PCT. One of the main benefits of quilts is their weight—they are smaller and lighter than sleeping bags due to having less fabric. This makes them attractive to backpackers optimising their gear setup. They also offer adaptable warmth: they can be opened up during mild nights or secured tightly around the body for insulation in colder conditions.
Quilts can be a good choice for those who tend to sleep hot or for backpacking in warmer weather, as they allow the sleeper to adjust their temperature throughout the night. They are also a good option for those who want more freedom to sprawl out when sleeping, as they are not enclosed like sleeping bags.
However, quilts do have some drawbacks. They can leave sleepers more exposed to drafts, especially in freezing conditions, and are therefore not ideal for colder environments. They can also involve more setup than sleeping bags, as they may need to be attached to a sleeping pad to keep them in place if the sleeper tosses and turns during the night.
Sleeping Bags
Sleeping bags are a more traditional option for bedding when hiking the PCT. They are straightforward to use and require minimal adjustment, making them a good choice for beginners or anyone who wants a hassle-free outdoor adventure. They are also more likely to stay put during the night, even if the sleeper tosses and turns. Their enclosed design traps heat, making them ideal for colder conditions or higher elevations.
Sleeping bags also have some disadvantages. They tend to be bulkier and heavier than quilts, which can take up valuable pack space. While there are ultralight versions available, these often come with a higher price tag.
In conclusion, both quilts and sleeping bags have their pros and cons. Quilts are lighter and more versatile, but sleeping bags are more beginner-friendly and better suited to colder conditions. When choosing between the two, it's important to consider factors such as temperature ratings, pack weight, and budget to ensure a comfortable and safe hiking experience on the PCT.
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Temperature ratings: a 20°F bag is most common, but 10°F bags are recommended for cold sleepers
When preparing for a hike on the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), it's important to consider the temperature ratings of your sleeping bag. The temperature can vary significantly along the trail, from desert conditions to snow and icy temperatures in the Sierra. For an April-September thru-hike of the PCT, hikers can expect temperatures as low as the teens and as high as 110 degrees Fahrenheit or more.
A 20°F bag is the most common choice for PCT hikers. This rating will generally keep you warm in colder conditions, and you can always sleep on top of the bag when the weather is warm. The Western Mountaineering Alpinlite and UltraLite sleeping bags are popular 20°F options known for their low weight, warmth, and quality.
However, if you consider yourself a cold sleeper, you may want to consider a 10°F bag. While a 10°F bag may be too warm in some sections of the trail, you can adjust by laying under it or venting it. The Feathered Friends Lark is a popular 10°F option that provides outstanding warmth and durability.
If you're looking for a versatile option that can be used as both a bag and a quilt, the Feathered Friends Flicker Quilt is a great choice. It comes in multiple lengths and fill weights and can be fully zipped up to form a sleeping bag. The Katabatic Alsek Quilt is another popular quilt option that offers a pad attachment system to prevent drafts.
Some hikers choose to have two sets of gear: one for colder conditions and one for warmer conditions. This allows you to switch out your gear as you move through different climates along the PCT. Mailing your gear to different locations along the trail can help ensure you have the appropriate equipment without carrying the extra weight.
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Budget: Feathered Friends bags are highly regarded but expensive. REI bags are more affordable.
When hiking the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), it's important to have a good sleeping bag. The trail takes you through a variety of conditions, from desert to snow, so you'll need to be prepared for temperatures as low as the teens and as high as 110 degrees Fahrenheit or more.
Most PCT thru-hikers opt for a down sleeping bag with a 20-degree Fahrenheit rating. Down sleeping bags are favoured because they have a better warmth-to-weight ratio than synthetics, last longer, and are more compressible and less bulky. However, down sleeping bags are useless when wet, so if there is a chance of your bag getting wet, you may need to consider a synthetic option.
If you're looking for a highly-regarded sleeping bag, Feathered Friends bags are a great option. The Feathered Friends Lark sleeping bag, for example, is a popular choice on the PCT. It has a 10-degree Fahrenheit rating, outstanding warmth and durability, and weighs 31.3oz. Other Feathered Friends bags include the Flicker UL Quilt Sleeping Bag, the Egret UL 20/30 Women's Sleeping Bag, and the Swallow UL 20/30 Sleeping Bag, which range in price from $379 to $569.
However, Feathered Friends bags can be expensive. For a more affordable option, consider REI. REI offers an extensive selection of trusted outdoor brands and high-quality recreation gear, with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. REI Co-op Members also get 10% back annually on eligible purchases, including most full-priced backpacking sleeping bags.
Ultimately, the sleeping bag you choose will depend on your budget and the specific features you're looking for, such as weight, temperature rating, and durability.
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Frequently asked questions
The most common sleeping bag rating for the PCT is 20°F. However, if you sleep cold, you may want to go for a 10°F bag, and if you sleep warm, a 30°F bag may be a better option.
Most PCT thru-hikers opt for down sleeping bags, as they have a better warmth-to-weight ratio than synthetics, last longer, and are less bulky. However, down sleeping bags are useless when wet, so if there is a chance your bag could get wet, a synthetic bag may be a better option.
Sleeping bags are more common than quilts on the PCT, especially for first-time hikers, as quilts can take some getting used to. However, quilts save weight and are more versatile, as you can open them up if you get too hot.
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