Big Agnes Battle Mountain Sleeping Bag: -15 Degree Down/Bamboo - 2009 BCS

Well, Mike, your "comprehensive" answer is wrong. By reading the description (see above), you'll see that Big Agnes utilized the bamboo insulation on the BOTTOM of the bag. And, while you may think the sleeping pad you suggest is heavy, I can assume that weight is not an issue (perhaps price), given that this -15F bag is over 5lbs. Thanks for your "help" Sherlock!

Mark, between you and me (and everyone else who reads this Q&A on BC.com), the 20"x78" pad will fit the long. You could combine the Big Agnes insulated air core pad with a closed cell foam pad underneath, and that should work well. Reading the reviews of the BA insulated air core pads, people have used them on Ranier and Denali treks and been quite happy.

And now for a more comprehensive answer to Mark's question, any 20" wide pad will work in this sleeping bag. Big Agnes even makes one that is 48" long. NOT recommended for winter camping. There's nothing on the bottom. This is the major drawback with this type of sleep system. Also BA pads are heavier than most others. The 78" long pad will give you the most ground coverage but at the cost of weight. The 1.5 x 78" pad weighs 2lbs, 7oz and the 2.0 x 78" pad weighs 2lbs, 14oz. These are more than twice as heavy as other pads with the same R-value. Between you & me dude, I would consider a more versatile system, period, end of answer.

Can you give more details as to what your activities will be?

Overall a solid bag with dual insulation. Rectangular shape is a bit more comfortable, and allow you to keep gear warm.

It does come with a stuff sack, and I'd say you could sleep in a -15 degree bag comfortably (without a ton of clothes on) down to zero. I've never done it, but I've slept in a 0 degree bag down to about 15, so that's where that guess comes from. Keep in mind that a tent adds about 10 degrees and a bivy sack 15.