RAC, Hope you don't mind if I piggyback on your thread. I've got related question.
Question: My sleeping bag concern is volume. I want a bag that will stuff as small as possible.
If y'all don't mind responding again: How small are you getting your bags stuffed down to? Obviously the higher the bag rating, the less insulation, so it'd be smaller - I get that. But, what volume are you all seeing with your 30, 20, 10 degree bags?
Here's why I ask: On winter, alpine day hikes, I take along a sleeping bag and bivy just in case of an emergency need for an overnight bivouac. I don't need to be warm and toasty. It's assumed I'd be wearing most of my clothes in the bag and probably be in a snow shelter. But I do need to be warm enough to survive a night or two. Given that, I can go with a higher rated bag of course. In that category, I'd like it as small as possible.
Again, this would not be a normal "camping" situation where some degree of comfort is desired - just survival. My 20-year old REI 0-20 degree (I forget and it doesn't say) bag that I've been using for this purpose fills the entire bottom compartment of my pack when stuffed, and is still huge even in a compression sack!!! So, I'm in the market for another, smaller, lighter one.
Only place to really get this info is from people who've used the various bags - you guys. I've heard the Marmot bags stuff down really small. Is it true?
I'd really appreciate whatever you can tell me! Thanks!