TIL my old sleeping bag was way too heavy for summer trips

Honestly, I was stuck between buying a cheap 40-degree synthetic bag for $60 or saving up for a nicer down one around $180. I went with the cheaper one for a weekend trip to the White Mountains last month. Ngl, it was fine for warmth but took up my whole pack and weighed over 3 pounds. After that trip, I realized I should have just waited and got the lighter one. Has anyone else regretted going too cheap on a piece of gear right away?

3 comments

3 Comments

abby_henderson2mo ago

Three pounds is nothing. My first pack was a 70 liter monster that weighed six pounds empty. Carried it for years. You get used to the weight, it just makes you stronger. That synthetic bag will last forever and you can stuff it wet. Down is fussy. Seems like you're overthinking it for a weekend trip.

tara_williams12mo ago

Wait, but why should we just get used to carrying extra weight if we don't have to? I used to think like that too, but my knees feel way better now that I pay attention to every pound. A heavy bag takes up space you could use for food or layers, and it just makes the whole hike less fun. Saving up for the right gear that you'll actually want to use on every trip is totally worth it to me.

cameron_owens491mo ago

Seriously, Tara, you're so right. I used to be like @abby_henderson and just muscle through it, but switching to a lighter pack changed everything for me. My old one was over five pounds empty and my shoulders would be killing me by mile ten. Now I actually enjoy the hiking part, not just the views.