Sleeping bag

[Melalvai]

I need a sleeping bag. Any suggestions?

I've been wanting to visit a collaborator at the University of Nebraska in Omaha, NE. My old boss thought it was a waste of time when we accomplished so much by phone and emails. (And he shipped me some rats.) My new boss thinks that I should meet him in person, but doesn't have the money to pay for the trip. So I came up with the brilliant idea of biking there. I'll get the trip I've always wanted to do, and meet the professor who gave me my rats!

I found a route that would take four days, puts me in a state park each night, but it's a little tough: two 70-mile days followed by two 100-mile days. I think I can do it, but I'd prefer to find a 5-day route that I'm more confident of.

The nice thing about this destination is I have family and friends who can rescue me without terrible inconvenience to them along the way. Of course I hope I don't have to be rescued, it's just peace of mind.

My collaborator in Omaha used to bike a lot himself, and has given me some advice about the ride. He also offered to pay for a hotel while I'm in Omaha, very nice! But I almost wish he hadn't because now I'm only saving the cost of gas which will probably equal what I spend on the trip. It's harder to justify taking so much time for something that is entirely for me.

[Cataboo]

Check on rei or rei outlet and see what's on sale. You can end up spending a lot of money on a sleeping bag, which could then do away with the price of gas... Are you planning on continuing to tour with your bike or hiking? IF that's the case, then you should go ahead and invest in a nicer bag. If this probably a one time thing and you don't have much to spend and it's going to be relatively warm - then don't spend very much on a bag.

It really depends on what you want - a down sleeping bag is going to compress smaller than a quallofill bag - however, a down sleeping bag will not remain warm if it gets wet. A quallofill bag will remain warm when it's wet, but won't be as compressible - and this is a bike trip you're on.

It also depends on what temperatures you will be sleeping in - you can get sleeping bags that are rated to -15 degrees, 15 degrees, 30 degrees, etc.

REI's housebrand of bags tend to be good deals:
http://www.rei.com/outlet/search?sea...2Csleeping+bag

If you're a tall person, you should get the longer length bag. Women's bags are wider in the hips for women's hips - so you might be more comfortable in one of those.

I like the mummy style ones that pull over your head.

I use a marmot helium 15 degree for hiking, and a sierra designs glow for kayak camping.

[Zen]

Check Backcountry.com, check SteepandCheap.

Don't sacrifice $$ for weight.

Take the trip. You only get one life. Well, as far as I know anyway.

[PamNY]

If I were buying a new sleeping bag, I would check into the Big Agnes integrated bag and pad system. I don't know about weight or how it breaks down for packing, but the concept makes sense. Here's the web site:

http://www.bigagnes.com/

Have a great time on your trip!

Pam

[Melalvai]

Thanks for the suggestions. I'll look into those.

We go camping occasionally, and we've been talking about the need for new sleeping bags for ages. We don't use them often, maybe a couple times a year. I hope this won't be my last bike trip but I imagine it is not something I'll have leisure to do often.

I'm really excited about it. But I admit, I am a person who enjoys the planning as much or more than carrying out the plans. I am having a great time planning this trip.

It will be in early May, mid-Missouri to east Nebraska. It won't be very cold, but it might be wet.

[Tri Girl]

I have a suggestion, but it might not be popular. I bought a Coleman fleece sleeping bag (found it at the thrift store for $3). It keeps me plenty warm in the summer and packs down small for the bike. I put it in a waterproof bag so it wouldn't be soaked if it rained. Plus, for $12, you could use it as a sleeping bag on this trip and if you decide to buy nicer bags later on, it can be added to the inside for more warmth, or used as a throw in camp.
http://www.campmor.com/outdoor/gear/...0&CS_010=41895