It would be a lot more convenient if you could just purchase a single sleeping bag to meet every possible weather contingency. Unfortunately, that is not the case, and my closet is filled with different sleeping bags to meet different needs.

During warmer weather, a "summer" sleeping bag is often the best choice. Generally speaking, a summer bag is rated from about +30 degrees to +55 degrees, depending on who you speak to. Using the work "summer" to describe this class of sleeping bags is a slight misnomer, as summer temps can vary considerably around the globe. Summer temps on top of Mount Rainier are a lot different than summer temps in Death Valley. Because of this, instead of thinking about seasons, think about actual expected night temps instead. If you expect the weather to be between +30 and +55 degrees at night, then a "summer" sleeping bag might be great. But if the temps are outside this range, then you will need to consider other options.

Another important consideration for selecting a warm-weather bag is its ability to deal with moisture and water. This is because your will bag will be more subject to getting wet during warmer weather. Whether it is rain, or condensation from a tent, sleeping bags used during warmer temps tend to get damp. Because of this, you should either consider a synthetic bag, or a down bag with a moisture-resistant covering.

When I expect moderate nighttime temps, I break out my Mountain Hardwear 1st Dimension +30 sleeping bag. Here's why I like this world class bag:

• It is very comfortable over a wide range of temps. Although the bag is rated to a low of +30, more realistically, it should be rated to +35 to +40 degrees, unless you are going to sleep with lots of clothes on. The upper limit of the bag is about +65 to +70 degrees, and that is assuming that you don't zip it up and are sleeping in your underwear or a lightweight base layer.
  
   
• One of the unique features of the 1st Dimension bag is expandable by 8", if you so desire. All you have to do is to unzip a special zipper, and the bag expands 8 inches, which not only give you more wiggle room, but is also helps to cool you down. This feature greatly adds the the flexibility of this bag.
  
   
• The bag uses Polarguard Delta synthetic insulation. One of the biggest advantages of this is that if the bag does become damp or wet, it will dry quickly given the opportunity. Down bags, on the other hand, if they get wet, take a long, long time to dry out. So if you are expecting to get wet on your adventure, bring along a synthetic bag can be advantageous.
  
   
• The bag is mummy-style (to reduce its weight and to boost its warmth), has a contoured footbox so your feet won't be restricted, has an insulated draft tube, and includes a hood that can be snuggled around you face during cooler temperatures.
  
   
• The bag is durably built, and the zippers are snag-proof (or at snag-proof as is possible).
  
   
• While not as light as a comparable down bag, the bag is by no means heavy, running about 2 pounds 7 ounces, depending on the length you purchase.
  
   
• The bag comes with a cloth storage bag and a water-resistant stuff sack.

The 1st Dimension sleeping bag meets most of the needs of the warm-weather crowd, and best of all, it is one of the lower cost, top-quality sleeping bags available.

Using the Mountain Hardwear 1st Dimension Sleeping Bag in the Real World

I have used the 1st Dimension bag from as low as 30 degrees, all the way up to about 65 degrees. At the low end, I didn't feel the bag was warm enough, which is why I suggest the bag is better rated at about 35 degrees to about 40 degrees. This doesn't mean the bag is bad, it only means that you won't want to use it at colder temperatures.

Invariably, when I camp in humid or wet weather, condensation builds up inside my tent, and water leaks on my bag. Many times my 1st Dimension has gotten damp. But as long as I hang it out in the sun, it will dry quickly, before I stuff it back into its sack. For those times when it is still raining when I break camp, I stuff it wet (not much choice) and hope that when I make camp again, the weather has improved and I can dry the bag before I go to sleep. Even if damp or wet, the bag still has some insulation ability.

The ability of the bag to expand 8" is a great feature, one that can't really be appreciated until you have used it. At the bottom range of the bag's temp, not expanding the bag keeps you warmer. But at warmer temps, expanding the bag allows more air in, preventing it from getting as hot, without having to open the zipper. Of course, at the higher ranges of the bag's temp, you will want to open the zipper also to prevent from getting overheated. The expander really helps to increase the comfort range of the bag.

Recommendation

If you are looking for a general, all-around sleeping bag for warmer weather, the 1st Dimension +30 bag from Mountain Hardwear is tough to beat. On the other hand, if you are into lightweight backpacking, you may want to consider a water-resistance down sleeping bag instead, as they are lighter and will pack much smaller.

Product Notes

The 1st Dimension bag is available in three lengths (short, normal, and long) and is available with either a left- or right-hand zipper. MSRP is $145 for the small bag, $155 for the normal bag, and $165 for the long bag. The bag can be washed and dried in your washer and dryer. Mountain Hardwear also includes other sleeping bags in its Dimension line, including ones that are designed for much cooler temperatures.