Generally speaking, what rating bag am i likely to need for a Grand Tour of the US SouthWest/Colorado/NorthWest + Canada BC/Yukon? I'm planning on taking a synthetic bag for tent-condensation reasons (1-man mini-tent...), and looking towards a Snugpak rated at +3C/-7C[+38F/+20F](Comfort), and -12C[+10F](Maximum).Is this a comfortable range or is a higher-spec bag likely to be required? :confused1:

Pottsy:

It can be darn cold in the mountain parks of North America even during the warmest months of the year - the problem is the high elevation of many of the mountain parks, and the katabatic winds (downslope winds) that are common in mountain areas.

If you are thinking of buying a sleeping bag in North America, be aware that there are two broad categories in the marketplace: 1) What parents buy their 12 year old so he/she can sleep in a tent in your back yard during July - this is about 90% of what is on the market, and; 2) High Quality stuff that is sold to folks who are interested in serious camping or hiking. Obviously you will be interested in the second category only, which you will find at specialty shops and not in the 'big box' retailers. Plan on spending perhaps $300 or so for a good sleeping bag, bag liner, stuff like that.

It would also be to your great advantage to try and purchase the sleeping bag from a specialty retailer who is close to the mountain parks, and is thus familiar with what is needed for mountain camping. If you go shopping in the UK or in New York City, you will likely find that the sales staff are not aware of what is needed for mountain camping, and that the shop likely doesn't stock the best selection of what you are looking for.

I think you picked a good range. As previously noted it can get cold in the mountains, but not typically colder than your specs. At least in the summer. <img>

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On the trailing edge of technology - chris

Cheers chaps! At least i'm looking at the right temp variances (hopefully...), but i would like to get a bag prior to leaving so i can get the packing sorted out - some great-looking bags are huge when stuff-sacked. And you're spot-on, PanEuropean, re some urban shop assistants' lack of interest/knowledge in the kit - just looking at Trangia stoves and the young lad knew zip about the fuel required for it (or the Coleman Sportster)! Bought the Trangia anyway..., isn't the Net a fabulous resource.