Why can’t I just use a blanket to sleep in the backcountry?
I was wondering why more people don't use a blanket to sleep in the backcountry. They are more temperature adaptable, lighter weight (for a given size), there just aren't a lot of options offered. What do you think? Josh Vallejo, CA
Well, Josh, I have to be honest. I dont even begin to agree with your premise. True, there is the historical model of the bedroll," which of course helped win the West or helped rob it from the folks who were already there. But I cant even imagine trying to use a blanket for anything halfway serious.
Aircore Blanket
Lets look at an example. Im going camping where I expect to see low temperatures of around 35 degrees. Chilly, but not real cold. I could, per your theory, pack along something like a Lands' End Aircore Blanket ($50), which is made with Polartec 200 and is a nice warm blanket. Now, I happen to HAVE one of these and it tips the scales at about 15 ounces. And I would need two of themat least. So were close to two pounds.
Meanwhile, my MontBell U.L. SS Down Hugger #3, rated to 30 degrees, weighs one pound and seven ouncesseven ounces less than the two blankets. Plus its warmer because the Polartec pieces arent that windproof. AND...the sleeping bag is much more resistant to drafts coming up from around the floor. One could shave some weight off the blankets by trimming them down to a more oval shape, but then you lose the ability to tuck the edges under yourself. OK, the bag costs $260, but for its vastly greater performance I dont think thats bad.
If someone has numbers that make more sense than this, send them on. Otherwise, Im sticking with a sleeping bag.