I love my BA pad sleeve system as I also cannot do the mummy and get a good nites sleep cause I move around too much. In a mummy, it takes me so long to squirm around and get restraighted. I've had the BA about 3 yrs now and although not perfect, it's a major improvement for me!
i went through 4 different bags and brands finally forked over the cash for the western mountaineering 20 degree
now i never go into the high country without it
I picked up a big agnes zirkel a few years back due to the sizing looking nice. I am a bigger guy and like my space. I have always hated being confined to a mummy bag. However, when I put the pad in the slot, it made it too confining for me by holding the entire bottom of the bag flat(I am a side sleeper/roller). So, I would use it just on top of the pad which was okay unless it got below freezing and the cold would come in where the uninsulated back part rode up. Eventually, I sold the bag and have since found Montbell. I have a couple of their UL SS downhuggers in a couple flavors and I love them. They have some stretch to them which gets me passed the confined feeling and I can roll over without cold spots. Check them out if you get a chance.
Thanks again, good information!
I recognized long ago that if I have a warehouse full of guns, but no public land or public wildlife, I have nothing!
If you want a Big Agnes, but dont want to pay to much to try one out, look at this website. They have used bags for great prices. I picked up a BA Horsethief for $80 and love the bag.
http://www.bwear.com/home.php?cat=364
Anyone tried the Thermarest Haven? At 24oz and rated for 20 degrees it looks like a decent bag, but not easy to get in and out of.
This is my first time trying the Big Agnes and was skeptical about the pad system. It is very nice. I did have one cold spot that the baffle didn't seem to seal out. I also have numerous bags from Marmot (Couloir, Axiom, DriClime Maverick, and a Kid bag). Also have a Mammut bag. It induces claustraphobia, but is warm for its weight and packs super small. If I had to choose one pack to cover most of my needs I would probably go with the Helium Membrain by Marmot.
Another vote for the BA storm king.
I have a Valandre Mirage and love it. It is a 20 degree bag easy. The big three in sleeping bags are Valandre, Western and Feathered Friends. You buy one of those 3 bags and it will be the last one you buy.