by Hikin_Jim » Tue Dec 31, 2013 12:42 pm
+1 on Western Mountaineering although I don't think Cabela's carries them. I have a Summerlite which is a tight fit on me (I'm 6'0", ~220#), but I'm a side sleeper, so it works. I don't think it would work for a back sleeper.
A couple of general points re sleeping bags:
-- A full length zipper although a bit heavier than a half zip makes for a much more versatile bag. In the summer, I open my bag fully and lay it over me like a blanket. In warm, "middle of the road" temps, I half zip it. In cold, I fully zip and pull on the hood.
-- The "conventional wisdom" is that one should get a 20F/-7C rated bag for all around, three season type use. While that may be true in the Pac NW, I've found that a lighter bag is good for California. My bag is rated at 32F/0C, and I've gotten a lot of use out of it. If it's a bit colder, I wear a down sweater or down vest to bed along with a beanie, gloves, long johns, and socks. I've been down to the mid 20's and been quite comfortable. A lot depends on you and what you want to do, but if it were me, I'd get a lighter bag, something around 30F/-1C, and then get a second bag for colder weather. Two bags is a pricey way to go, but man is it nice to go light in the summer. I had my pack down to about 25 lbs including water for a three day trip last July.
-- Volume is a mixed bag. The more volume inside a bag, the more space your body has to keep warm. Generally, people sleep warmer with a closer fitting bag (and of course a closer fitting bag will generally weigh less). On the other hand, it's really nice to be able to wear a down sweater or vest to bed on really chilly nights. In winter, you may want room enough for a fuel canister and water bottle. Some people even sleep with their boots in a plastic bag inside their sleeping bag so they won't freeze overnight. You kind of have to think about what the bag is for and what you want to do with it and then strike a balance.
HJ