When planning for Cheltenham PA BSA Troop 22's triannual trip to Quetico the criteria for sleeping bag and pad selection was primarily pack size. Many chose down bags but I selected a 3M Thinsulate Lite Loft filled one. It was a cross between a mummy and a square bag, so it had a little more room. Its also warm when wet, making it ideal for canoe camping. I'd recommend it from NorthWest Outfitters. As far as a pad goes a full size thermarest is absolutely ideal from a comfort perspective but it was too large to pack. I choose instead a thermarest ultralight 3/4 length pad. That worked well. Finally a pillow is handy. If you don;t want to make one out of clothes in a stuff bag, a small compressible one should work fine.

Hope that helps

Posted by John Mellor on August 11, 2000 at 11:52