RE: [Philmont]: sleeping bag rating for Philmont

The thing to realize here is that Sleeping Bag Temperature ratings are not
the result of any standardized testing, but rather are a claim made by the
manufacturer for their bags. One universal fact is that a pad is required
to achieve otimal results and I'm told are assumed for the ratings
specified. So, while a temp rating is useful when comparing bags from a
single supplier, its less useful when comparing bags from different
suppliers.

I used a 35 degree bag (EMS Velocity 35) with a 3/4 length Thermarest
Prolite pad in 2004. We spent the bulk of our trek, six nights, at over
8500' including Beaubien; Crooked Creek and Cyphers Mine (all over 9000')
and Clear Creek at over 10,000. I wasn't cold any night, and wore shorts,
a tee shirt @ cotton rag socks in the bag. At the same time, other advisors
from our crews staying in the same camps, the same nights in the same tents
were cold. I'll probably change the pad for '06 as the 3/4 length coupled
with my crazy creek didn't do it for me.

Point is that many factors, of which bag rating is but one, must be
considered in choosing the right bag for you. Google "sleeping bag ratings"
for endless insights and opinions ... one good synopisis is at
http://www.slackpacker.com/sleepingbag.html

Jim
ASM T6
PSR '74, '04, '06
www.troop6bsa.org?cmd=philmont

-------------------------------------------------------
Scouting E-mail Discussion Lists @ usscouts.org
Subscribe/Unsubscribe at http://usscouts.org/lists/
Listserv Commands at http://usscouts.org/lists/lc.asp
-------------------------------------------------------
Send listserv commands to: listserv@troop47.com
Send postings to: philmont@troop47.com
List FAQ found at: http://usscouts.org/lists/faq.asp
List Administrator: philmont_owner@troop47.com
-------------------------------------------------------
As you gather around this virtual campfire with fellow
Scouts and Scouters, do your best to be trustworthy,
loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient,
cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean and reverent.
-------------------------------------------------------

 
Received on Fri Mar 10 20:11:22 2006