Sleeping bag anectdotes please

[starbaby]

I'm sure you've heard this one before...I want to buy a winter sleeping bag, rated in the -30 to 0 degree range, primarily for winter camping in the Adirondacks.

However, here is my angle....I am not looking for recomendations. But, I do want to know your anectdotes, eg. concrete experiences with your existing bag.

Your anecdote should answer the following questions:

What was the bag you had, what was its temperature rating, what was the temperature at night when you slept, give a description of the clothes you had on to sleep in, and, If you were using a liner, what kind of liner was it (make and type)? You might also want to include things like: I was wet when I went to bed (eg. at the end of a day of climbing), or I was hungry or had a full stomach when I went to bed. These things all make a difference.

Last, the final question is: were you warm enough with the bag in these conditions?

Here, I will start...

Bag: Sierra designs Thunderbolt, rated at 20 degrees. I had on heavy fleece pants, and EMS Bergaline midweight baselayer on the top. At 20 degrees, I was perfectly comfortable. At 15 degrees, I was a bit marginal, but if I would have added heavier fleece upper layer, I would have been warm enough. I used no liner. I was very dry and was adequately fed.

Note, this bag is not in the range I am looking for (that's why I want a heavier bag), but do you get the picture?

Thanks, everyone.

SB

[Dick]

What was the bag you had, what was its temperature rating, what was the temperature at night when you slept, give a description of the clothes you had on to sleep in, and, If you were using a liner, what kind of liner was it (make and type)? You might also want to include things like: I was wet when I went to bed (eg. at the end of a day of climbing), or I was hungry or had a full stomach when I went to bed. These things all make a difference.

Last, the final question is: were you warm enough with the bag in these conditions?

Old North Face Manatee, rated zero, extra long (to put boots, etc. at bottom); made of old style Polarguard (unbelievably bulky!); used to minus 5 or so (if colder night was anticipated I would borrow a bag); wearing good long johns; I always go to bed hydrated, with dry clothes and full stomach. I was warm enough.

I also own a 15-degree Marmot down bag for the other three seasons. Of course, much lighter and stuffable. Conditions as above, except warmer temps (used down to 20 degrees or so). If warmer temp forecast holds, I may consider using this bag this weekend with recently purchased liner. Downside - it's not as long as my North Face.

[Edit: should have added that some of the above use was in a 2-man tent, some with just a tarp. Stayed warm both ways.]

[percious]

Marmot Sawtooth 15 degree bag inside of a Kelty Light year 25 degree bag. Thermal underwear, and a full belly. Fleece hat. Luke warm water bottles. Tucked into a 3 man tent with 3 other men (4 total). I was unfortunate enough to draw an "outside" spot. I put my down jacket over my feet for extra heat.
Temperature was -30*F in Glenn's falls that night, and we were 60+ miles north, at 2500 feet (bushnell falls)

Only my feet were cold in the morning, (the jacket fell off) but I survived with all my toes intact. I really like this system, because I did not have to spend $400+ on a bag I will only use for 3 months out of the year maximum.

-percious