ALPS Mountaineering Summer Lake +55 Sleeping Bag - Special Buy

Comments about ALPS Mountaineering Summer Lake +55 Sleeping Bag - Special Buy:

I like this bag a lot, particularly given its price point. While it is certainly not ultralight given its high temperature rating, it packs up fairly small and weighs under 3 lbs. I like that it includes a pretty decent compression sack, too. Most of all, though, I like the option of using the "sheet" side of the bag for the many warm months we have here in Tennessee.

Once the Fall hits, I look forward to trying it out in some temperatures under its 55-degree rating. I feel like with a little more clothing and light weight liner, I could probably get away with 35-40 degrees without problem (though I'm not especially cold natured.)

Lastly, I like the rectangular shape given I'm a bit of a restless sleeper.

For those looking for a very affordable bag who live or camp/backpack frequently in warmer climates, I think this bag is definitely worth considering.

Comments about ALPS Mountaineering Summer Lake +55 Sleeping Bag - Special Buy:

I bought 2 of these sleeping bags. I had intended to use one as more like a blanket, since the description said that it could be opened up to become one. My sleeping bags just arrived and I saw immediately that it is NOT going to be like a blanket, as purported. The reason is that the top part is more like a sheet, so it would be odd to have half of the "blanket" thinner than the other half (when opened). Definitely not what I thought I was getting, from the description given.

The price is good though. Yet, I feel like I should have paid for to NOT be disappointed.

Comments about ALPS Mountaineering Summer Lake +55 Sleeping Bag - Special Buy:

This ALPS bag is a unique find. On one side is the same basic fabric that ALPS uses with their liner bags and the other side is the warmer side of the bag that's more of a nylon, typical sleeping bag fabric and fill. I use mine during warmer weather with my ALPS liner bag as my main covering, but then unzip this bag about 3/4 way down (zipper "locks" nicely) and lay on top of the liner side of the bag. Often times I'm still pretty warm when falling asleep, but during the night I get a little cool and then can just flip the fill side of the bag over me. It's worked great like this.

The big sell for me on this was that it is 33" wide and I don't feel so confined in it. I often fly to camp at the National Parks and this was one of the reasons I picked up this bag for its small size. Rather than have a more bulky bag I prefer this and would rather layer my clothes in cooler weather and have a more compact bag or to use a fleece sleeping bag that I pack in my carry on bag with it since they roll up pretty tight too.

I've never seen another bag like it and am glad I picked this up. Given all the cleanliness concerns that hotels/motels seem to have these days (i.e., bedbugs and other unwanted things) I can easily envision me using this in hotels or if I plan to stay overnight at someone's home so that person doesn't have to wash up sheets on my behalf for a brief visit. Great for sleepovers for kids or for summer camp too!

Comments about ALPS Mountaineering Summer Lake +55 Sleeping Bag - Special Buy:

I like this sleeping bag. If you are summer camping and generally warm it works well. The two sided features gives you some options if the temperature drops a little.

I just wish the bag was longer, I am 6'1" and that is packed up smaller, but overall I am glad I bought it.

Comments about ALPS Mountaineering Summer Lake +55 Sleeping Bag - Special Buy:

I just want to say that this is the perfect sleeping bag out there for all those guys that are "hot natured." I have another sleeping bag (of a big name brand I won't mention) that is way way too hot when late spring/summer/early fall are going on. I love to backpack during these times so I got this sleeping bag.
It's perfect because I am always too hot in my other sleeping bag unless it's below freezing. This is like a giant pillow cover or sheet that you can get in. It's perfect for those summer nights that can turn surprisingly cold. It also packs down pretty small and is pretty light so sometimes I don't use it and it's still not much of a burden taking up some room in my pack.
The price is pretty cheap and it walks that fine line between the too hot sleeping bags and too cold to have something.
I'm also comfort driven so I take this over a long sleeve and pants. The bottom line is I've had this thing for over 2 years now and paid practically nothing for it and find myself using it way more than my very expensive sleeping bag because I'm so hot natured.
It does run a little small though. I am 6' 2" and purchased the large option and my head comes out a little far so just wanted to give you the heads up. Overall, I would recommend buying this product!