HikeArizona.COM

So, I am going to be purchasing a new bag for winter outings mostly, if not exclusively for use here in AZ. I already have a katabatic bag that is decent to about 40 degrees for summer/spring/fall. Im looking at finally investing in a western Mountaineering bag. im just kinda torn on what to get....a 0deg, 5 deg, or 15deg.....

i do alot of cowboy camping so im looking at their gore stopper line. I do plan on doing some camping this year at high altitude (locket meadow in the winter) and would rather not be cold....

I just dont think a 0deg bag is necessary....And I dont sleep overly cold or hot...

Anyone else have this dilemma?

I have used a WM summerlite bag for over 12 years and use it with a liner and carried a little bit more weight with an insulated pad. For me I consider it a 3 season bag even tho not rated that low it seems to be pretty accurate. I carry it because it packs very small and is very light.

20 degree bag should be good. if your do cowboy camping invest in a wool blanket. wool is fire retardant. 55 gallon trash bags and all weather emergency should act as the water/ weather barrier. winter= wool and thermal layers. Putting rocks form the fire next to work well when it get COLD.

I sleep a little on the cold side and do most of my backpacking on the edge of winter or higher elevations. My final upgrade was the WM Versalite (10F), which I've been very happy with. For about many years prior I carried a Marmot Pinnacle (15F) that was fairly comfortable, but about a pound heavier.

@skillpore
do you backpack with a wool blanket?

@BRichard
Make shift bed rolls work great. Can allways stuff the blanket in your bag or wrap around the bag you already have.

In Arizona a get a lot of use out of my 40 degree bag for the warmer half of the year (not always used fully zipped) and 15 degree bag for the rest of the year (not always used fully zipped), I also have a 0 degree bag but have found it is too warm to ever get used again. Unless you plan on camping in snow, I'd say to get the 15 degree bag.

Edit: I missed the "lockett meadow in winter" part. If that's the case, get the 0 or -20 degree bag. I doubt though you will use it for much else though.

I have an EE 10 degree quilt that gets used year-round pretty much. When it's warmer, I just kick my legs out to regulate the temperature but it's still warm enough for most everything else in the winter I've done.

I have a UGQ Bandit that's rated for 30º and 0º, I really like both quilts. I have used the 0º bag in below freezing conditions twice and have no complaints. Good luck on your purchasing decision.

WM Apache is nice.

don't rule out cottage quilts. like DmN, i use top quilts (by hammockgear and my own DIY) and i'll never go back to a mummy bag again.

*keep in mind the Apache is $580 - you can get a nice wide winter quilt(10°) from adam @ hammock gear for around $390

places to look:
UnderGroundQuilts
Cedar Ridge
Hammock Gear
Loco Libre
Dutchware
Dream Hammock

0 deg Bag. Always easier to adjust up, open foot vent, leave head loose, sleep with an arm and leg out, sleep on top of it.....

Western Mountaineering... the best. Depending on your measurements, I would second the Versalite (slender) and/or Apache (slightly more girth) bags.
Their bags are usually 10 degrees (or more) UNDERrated. To clarify, their 20 degree bags can be compared to others' 10 degree.