is a sleeping bag always necessary?

[nicholasbeem]

Hello all,

I'm new to the forum. My fiancee and I are headed to the Siamese Ponds Wilderness next week, and we're trying to figure out what gear we need. Our main question: do we both need sleeping bags? How cool does it get at night in the southern part of the park? Could we get by with one sleeping bag that can unzip like a quilt, and then sleep sheets?

Thanks,
Nick Beem

[Wldrns]

Hello all,

I'm new to the forum. My fiancee and I are headed to the Siamese Ponds Wilderness next week, and we're trying to figure out what gear we need. Our main question: do we both need sleeping bags? How cool does it get at night in the southern part of the park? Could we get by with one sleeping bag that can unzip like a quilt, and then sleep sheets?

Thanks,
Nick Beem

Good gosh, no need to bring a sleeping bag of any warmth in this weather! Don't be too fooled, no month in the Adirondacks is guaranteed free from 40 degrees or lower at night, but this season hasn't seen such coolness in a long time. Unless the forecast calls for unusually cold and wet at this time of year, I might bring a "sleeping bag" that is not much more than a lightweight quilt (Big Agnes Lost Dog). If I was to go out this week I'd only bring a thin liner and use a light fleece jacket as a backup. Always check the weather forecast before you go and whatever the temperature, don't neglect some kind of light insulating pad between you and the ground.

[RonandJon]

I agree. Don't underestimate the Adirondacks in August. You can certainly get away with only one bag as a top layer over the two of you - but I also agree that some kind of pad under you is a good idea too - not only for comfort but for warmth, just in case.

If you are in a tent - and there is no guarantee of a lean-to - you can always zip or unzip windows and doors to control temperature, too.

I have slept in a lean-to with just a fleece liner - under a single layer if it was warm, inside it zipped up if it was a little cooler, under both layers if it was cooler than that. I also carry several clothing layers which I can add if it gets much cooler. I've also made unplanned overnites at Bradley Pond in June and at Lake Colden in July with no sleeping bag - but had enough layers and rain gear so I was comfortable for the night. Day pack makes a serviceable pillow, too.

So, go ahead - check the weather, and then bring a sleep/clothing combination that will give you some flexibility. Don't forget - your fiancee will be an integral part of that combination, too!

Let us know how you make out.

[Sasquatch]

Ditto what's been said. I've actually had ice form in a water bottle in August, up high granted, but still.......

[Adk Keith]

your fiancee will be an integral part of that combination, too! Let us know how you make out.

[Boreal Chickadee]

"your fiancee will be an integral part of that combination, too! Let us know how you make out."

Please don't. TMI.

[RonandJon]

Hmmm

Perhaps I should have re-phrased that....

" Let us know what you decide to do, as far as sleeping bags or alternatives, and how comfortably you spent the night."

[Hobbitling]

too late

[nicholasbeem]

thanks

Thanks for the advice everyone. I'm sure I'll sleep well