Sleeping bags-canvas vs ripstop/poly

[Youngunner]

I've been trying to decide between a canvas and 'ripstop' sleeping bag, but it's hard to find a side-by-side comparison. I'm looking at double size for my RTT if that helps. Any input guys and gals?

[007]

The only difference is that the ripstop is a bit lighter and it breathes better. Canvas will be a little more bulky but less likely to rip if caught in the hinge of the RTT or its own zipper.

I'm not sure if you intend to camp in the extreme cold or not, but I would buy a bag that was rated 20 degrees below the anticipated temp at least. The standard rating is like a survival guide not a comfort guide!

I would buy a double square bag that has a foot print similar to the tent, you can always fold it over if you are alone. I'm not sure what kind of tent you have but I would get a bag that compacts well so you can just leave it up there. Use some adhesive and velcro on the two corners that lift and fold. (assuming its a book style RTT)

Zipper! zipper! zipper! most failures and headaches from bags are caused by poor zippers. Check the stitching to be sure it won't blow out and lube the teeth occasionally.

A good bag will have most of the insulation on top because it is utilized better. The bottom gets compressed by your weight and is not nearly as efficient, you have a mattress so you should really go for more top insulation.

You can also run a 12 volt heating blanket and an in cab switch to turn it on before you setup so the bag is warm when you crawl in.

[OneTime]

I'm not sure if you intend to camp in the extreme cold or not, but I would buy a bag that was rated 20 degrees below the anticipated temp at least. The standard rating is like a survival guide not a comfort guide!

I agree! I got a 20 degree Moutian Hardware bag a few years ago. I get cold in anything below 40 degrees.

[djrez4]

The only difference is that the ripstop is a bit lighter and it breathes better. Canvas will be a little more bulky but less likely to rip if caught in the hinge of the RTT or its own zipper.

Yes, but if you ever intend to take a trip where you'd have to carry the bag on your back, you do NOT want a canvas bag. The weight difference can be significant and canvas sucks when it's wet. If you choose canvas, be prepared to buy a nylon/poly bag as well.

I'm not sure if you intend to camp in the extreme cold or not, but I would buy a bag that was rated 20 degrees below the anticipated temp at least. The standard rating is like a survival guide not a comfort guide!

I have had the exact opposite experience. I have a 40* North Face down bag that I've used for the past 17 years. It's probably more like a 50* bag at this point. I have had no issues using it down to 20* at 12,000' ASL. I also generally have trouble sleeping in bed with anything more than a top-sheet and we keep the house at 64* at night in the winter. If you sleep warm, like I do, you'll be just fine in a lighter bag.

[007]

Yes, but if you ever intend to take a trip where you'd have to carry the bag on your back, you do NOT want a canvas bag. The weight difference can be significant and canvas sucks when it's wet. If you choose canvas, be prepared to buy a nylon/poly bag as well.

That is very true, but he stated he wants a double size for his RTT so I doubt he will ever pack it.

I have had the exact opposite experience. I have a 40* North Face down bag that I've used for the past 17 years. It's probably more like a 50* bag at this point. I have had no issues using it down to 20* at 12,000' ASL. I also generally have trouble sleeping in bed with anything more than a top-sheet and we keep the house at 64* at night in the winter. If you sleep warm, like I do, you'll be just fine in a lighter bag.

Good point about sleeping warm, this article explains the temp ratings and how they differ: http://adventuresportsonline.com/sleepingtemp.htm

[Youngunner]

I have a british SAS mummy bag that is in my survival kit as well as a couple nice REI single mummy bags. I have a technitop RTT but I will be purchasing a flip-pac soon. I recently picked up a 12 v matress pad heater too. I live in northern nevada and I do plan to camp in the snow.

I've been looking at a couple 0 degrees F bags including a couple manufacturers called grizzly and teton sports. Both are around $100-120 which i think is the best part. Worth a try at least instead of a bad costing hundreds (which i need to save for the flip-pac!). They seem to get good reviews at least.

I know there is a double bag thread already on the board, but some of those things are expensive! If a cheaper double bag doesn't work I'll just use my REI bags.

I'm leaning more towards the canvas since weight isn't a concern. I do like the breathability of the other bags tho.

[STREGA]

I've been trying to decide between a canvas and 'ripstop' sleeping bag, but it's hard to find a side-by-side comparison. I'm looking at double size for my RTT if that helps. Any input guys and gals?

I'am also looking for a double bag for our new RTT and have come across a local manufacturer of bags here in Grand Junction, Co. Wiggys is the name of the company. I want one light wieght bag and one that will go down to about zero to zip together,They recommend the Nautilus (light 40 degree) & the Hunter (heavier 0 degree). They are both Rectangular, 84"x36" which will be about the right size for our tent which is about 54" wide & 96" long. The things I like about these bags are that you can wash them in your washing machine @ home (they recommend that you wash them often), they pack down into a small stuff sack, use a good quality zipper, they are made in the USA (about the only bag still made here) and have a lifetime warranty. The downside is they cost about twice as much or more than the other bags that I have look at such as the Kelty and Northface double bags (both are made in China). We are currently using a canvas style bag and haven't like the performace of them at all. Is anybody using Wiggy's sleeping bags and if so are you happy/unhappy with them?

[Youngunner]

There is another thread on the forum talking about Wiggy's. Pricey, but seem like great products.

[craig333]

Nylon for backpacking and some tent camping. Canvas for camper and some tent camping. I much prefer the fabric to sleep on if I"m not worried about weight or cold. I'd never use a mummy bag in my camper, but otoh, I'd never use a fabric bag backpacking.

[toyota_jon]

Where is a good place to get a double canvas or ripstop bag? I have been looking for one at REI, Wallyworld, Dicks etc and havn't found anything halfway decent.