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came across a few discounted bags at REI, and was thinking of getting an additional bag

Will primarily be a backup, but I dont have and 'old' bag that friends can use, and I thought it would be a good thing to have so they cant use that as a excuse to not come out

as such i really am not concerned about the bags weighing 3-4lbs, hey i dont gotta cary it plz:

Kelty Taiga +15 Sleeping Bag
Alps Mountaineering Clearwater MX +20
Sierra Designs Wild Bill +20

I dont have any experience with bags made by any of them, mostly I am wondering about the rating, are they being generous?

I wouldn't say the temperature ratings are generous; I'd say they are optimistic. I don't have any experience with these bags, but I do own a Sierrra Designs 20º bag. I use it for car camping, and for backpacking trips that are going to be rainy, since the bag is waterproof/breathable. It's been a great bag.

What is the name of it?

Funny - I wasnt even in the market for a bag, noticed cheap ones thought huh an extra, now im looking for a new one for myself rather than a backup or friends use

im thinking of one of the following two, probably the first as i really enjoy cold weather backpacking

I love my Montbell UL Super Stretch Down bag, I have the #7 which is a 50 degree and I've used it in the high 30's. Been comfortable in the 40's with it and a liner. The first link on sale isn't the UL model though, the second one isn't the Super Stretch but I'm sure it's still a good bag.

Check with MikeInFHAZ, I remember a while back he had a Montbell UL SS Bag (I think the #3) for like $170. I keep wanting to pick it up.

Edited: here is his post. http://www.hikearizona.com/dex2/viewtop ... =26&t=2913

Crocodile Ryan wrote:What is the name of it?

I'm pretty sure it's called the Sierra Designs Thunderbolt. I'm not sure if they make it anymore.

Even though it wasn't on sale, you can't go wrong with that U.L. Alpine Down Hugger #3.

I used to have the thunderbolt by s.d. That thing saved my @$$ one night, just ask te-wa and desertroux, that waterproof material is awesome

I looked at the UL versions of the montbell but i cant rationalize spending an extra $100+ for only 6-8oz ouces in weight difference

dont really care whether they are on sale or not, just ran across these in my incessant bargain hunting

you might want to try the stretch system before you buy it. Or, you might be ditching the bag just like I did with the one I had.
If you really want quality, for dang near the same price as those Chinese made bags by Mont-Bell, just look at Western Mountaineering. The Ultralight Super is the end all of quality down bags for Arizona. You will never have to buy a down bag again.

or, try a quilt, which is like a bag but without a bottom (hence saving the weight of useless insulation and fabric that wont do any good once compressed) I have the Jacks R Better "Hudson River" a 19 ounce 30 degree quilt that feels like your comforter at home. Quilts may not be for you, but they sure are dang useful, and versatile. Personally, Im done with mummy bags unless its around 20° or less.

In real estate there's the age-old saying "location, location, location" - in backpacking, the age-old saying is "Western Mountaineering, Western Mountaineering, Western Mountaineering".
"Quality... marks the search for an ideal after necessity has been satisfied and mere usefulness achieved". ~ Willa A. Foste

But, HEY, if you don't have to USE it, try craigslist

I'll also recomend Western Mountaineering, as a matter of fact i'll be picking up one of their bags to day (The Highlite, 35 degrees and only 1 lb, oh boy oh boy!)