Gear Guide 2010: Essentials A to Z

I agree with: Posted: Jun 01, 2010 TimD

This site is unusable.

Don't laugh but I bought the Coleman Klicitat 20 degree mummy last year (http://www.coleman.com/coleman/ColemanCom/detail.asp?CategoryID=9090&product_id=8465-510). I've used it in freezing weather and stayed very warm (wearing a knit cap and socks). The stuff is Climashield XP, which stuffs quite small and it's fairly light. Overall, a great bargain.

I'm a real Gear Hound who likes nothing better that reading up on the latest and greatest, but by God, I absolutely hate the format Backpacker uses on this site. A click thru to a postage stamp size column for everything. And, half the time, you have to click BACK to get to the main menu. The Essentials page has a Alphabet click list, so you have to guess how they've named the item you're looking for, click thru on the Letter and THEN click thru on the item you want. If you're lucky enough the guess correctly. Time for a major overhaul, Backpacker!!

I'm a real Gear Hound who likes nothing better that reading up on the latest and greatest, but by God, I absolutely hate the format Backpacker uses on this site. A click thru to a postage stamp size column for everything. And, half the time, you have to click BACK to get to the main menu. The Essentials page has a Alphabet click list, so you have to guess how they've named the item you're looking for, click thru on the Letter and THEN click thru on the item you want. If you're lucky enough the guess correctly. Time for a major overhaul, Backpacker!!

REI Sub Kilo all the way. Light, warm. Size of a softball in the stuff sack. Highly recommend!

uh, the Gear Guide has it's own section for sleeping bags, the Essentials is just for all the other stuff that isn't the basics

http://www.backpacker.com/gear-guide-2010-sleeping-bags-pads/gear/14106

get the rei sub kilo. on sale now for $139

So the A-Z "Essentials" don't include a sleeping bag... not to worry they include a yoddling lesson and Wine. That should distract you from the lack of a sleeping bag.
Sorry, I have no recommendations on a bag for you beyond going to REI on the basis that you can actually lay down in the bag and try it out.

RE: Sleeping Bag Question

I've been using this bag for the last year or so, and it's treated me very well: http://store.mpgear.com/sierradesignsverde20degreesleepingbag.aspx

The price is really unbeatable for what you're getting. The bag compresses nicely and isn't too heavy. I'd highly recommend it unless you're looking for a down sleeping bag.

No Sleeping bags on the list? That's what made me click the link. I need a new one. Any recommendations for 20 degree bags anyone?