Just curious what people use in the BWCA. I know you would not want to head out in winter with a 45 bag, but in the summer (say June - September) what are people using. I am looking at a new bag that is rated to 30, is that good enough for early June?

I like to stay warm so I use a 20 degree down bag all summer (May-early October). On warm nights I use it as a blanket or go without anything if it is real humid and warm. On cool nights I sleep in it in my shorts. June can see temps down near freezing as can July and August-although it is not all that often. BTW I did see snow once in early June.

If you sleep warm a 30 degree bag with a good insulating ground pad like a thermarest will be fine for most June through August trips. May and late September you may appreciate a lower rated bag.

FYI Bag rating vary by manufacturer so be careful. A 30 degree bag for one my be a 40 degree for someone else. Sometimes it depends if they set there ratings with a pad or not. If they rate a bag with a pad, then you will see a lower temp rating. It also assumes a certain type of person-if you like to stay warm I would recommend going with a lower rated bag than you think you should.

I like to be on the cooler side when I sleep so I use a 45 bag and a ground pad (without the ground pad, if the dirt/rock/root/pinecones are cold you'll freeze) If its a cooler time of year (may, september) I'll also carry a fleece liner for the bag, which seems to help.... I don't rember the last time I was to cold with that setup.

Hex