Bug Out Bag Sleeping Bag/Quilt/Bivvy Options

[blacklabel]

So I'm working on rebuilding my BOB as well as my wifes and then getting a small bag put together for my 3 year old.

With a three year old, bugging out for us is a last ditch option and I have no dreams of living off the wilderness in the mountains. If we bugout, it will be most likely in urban or suburban areas unless we decide to make a run for WY and then I'll be able to grab our totes with provisions.

Currently my BOB is in a 90L external frame pack (yeah, 90 freakin' liters) and it's just way too big. It's a glorified backpacking setup, and a bad one at that. I'm looking to halve or more mine. I'd like to get it in a 45L pack. My largest items are shelter pieces. This includes my tent, tarp and sleeping bag. I'm going to a poncho tarp setup for shelter to reduce bulk and weight. The thing I'm hung up on is a sleeping bag. I've looked at the SOL bivvys and love the concept but I'm not going to put myself or my family in what equates to a location beacon. I looked at quilts but damn, they're expensive. I need some additional ideas for warmth in an urban bugout scenario.

Keep in mind, this needs to be able to provide warmth for an adult and toddler so some size is important while being compact and light. Yeah, sounds impossible.

[hatidua]

While seemingly obvious, -you can unzip a bag that is too warm but it's hard to get a bag that isn't warm enough to provide more insulation.

I'm just back from a few days in Wyoming and while the first night was really cold/windy, the subsequent nights weren't as bad. I took a -20* bag and used it as intended the first night but as a blanket over the top of me during the following nights. When "Winter" hits in earnest, I take a -40* bag (Mountain Hardwear "Ghost") and have been very comfy down to -16* with the wind howling all night, outdoors. I'm a fan of erring on the side of being too warm, I can always unzip it a bit.

In terms of brands/models, compact+warmth generally isn't an easy equation to achieve if you are considering a true Colorado Winter situation - plan for the coldest it could possibly be. If you do buy a good down bag, treat it well, store it correctly, and it will last a long time. My 0* bag is 23 years old and in fantastic condition.

[blacklabel]

I've got the cold weather stuff down and it's not a major concern. With the kid, I'm not going to put us in a situation that requires us to directly fight the elements in the middle of the winter. It's just not feasible. I'm really looking for something that would work in a car or late spring through early fall if we had to be outdoors.

And is lightweight, compact and fairly inexpensive.

[skullybones]

I will second what Hatidua said.

If you like the SOL Bivy idea, why not look into the military version?
http://shop.sportsmansguide.com/net/...CSE-SPG-15-PLA

They are a little bulky when packed, but are extremely warm and don't weigh a lot.

[Wulf202]

I'm really looking for something that would work in a car or late spring through early fall if we had to be outdoors.

And is lightweight, compact and fairly inexpensive.

read the woobie thread

consider vacuume bagging them

[SuperiorDG]

I will second what Hatidua said.

If you like the SOL Bivy idea, why not look into the military version?
http://shop.sportsmansguide.com/net/...CSE-SPG-15-PLA

They are a little bulky when packed, but are extremely warm and don't weigh a lot.

This

[blacklabel]

I will second what Hatidua said.

If you like the SOL Bivy idea, why not look into the military version?
http://shop.sportsmansguide.com/net/...CSE-SPG-15-PLA

They are a little bulky when packed, but are extremely warm and don't weigh a lot.

Good find, thanks for the link.