46 degree bag for 7500-8000 elevation?

[AlmostThere]

Warm socks and a beanie hat! A Nalgene for a hot water bottle. Don't camp at the bottom of the canyon, cold flows downhill and pools in the bottom.

[jvquarterback]

Thanks for the info. I'm going to take my chance with the 46 degree bag and a down jacket. Will let you know how it goes.

I think you'll be ok. The only night I was cold was the night I slept by myself this past week in a 40 degree bag. I think it was 36 at TM but I also didn't use my rain fly which would have helped. If you have someone with you it obviously makes a ton of difference. I was hot every other night at lower temps and at 10000 ft without a fly.

[Phil]

If you can keep out of the wind, a fly generally adds about 5-10 degrees to the inside temperature of the tent. Aside from that, you can also make adjustments with a higher R-value on your ground pad. Throw conductive heat retention at it along with better convective heating, you sleep warmer. It's all a system. Gotta love systems.

[schan1w]

I thought I'd report back on my experience. Stay at Yosemite Creek first night, 6500' elevation. Don't know the temperature, but was totally fine with thermal top/bottom and the 46 degree sleeping bag. Air felt cold and if I didn't fully zip and cinch down, was a bit chilly. I estimate the temperature based on forecast and air temp to be about mid 40s.

2nd night I stay on Indian Ridge at 7600' and was warm. Left the bag a little unzip. YMMV, but this bag performed nicely.

[balzaccom]

Excellent! And thanks for stopping by to tell us how you did!