Thanks for taking the time Mat..........that was quite comprehensive.

I really like the Big Agnes system and will likely use it for the forseeable future. It is worth condsidering, however, that the bag is not filled completely all the way around but rather they omit the pad area. I have an insulated pad and wore silkies PLUS fleece hat, fleece fingerless gloves, added the additional set of merino wool plus down parka and down booties on the really cool nights and although I was warm enough it was barely. Tough call as the only thing worse than being cold is being to hot IMO. At least with being cool you can add clothes.

My canoeing hero suggested the silkies and I can second their effectiveness. I picked up my set at REI. Extremely light and airy yet another layer of warmth without additional bulk. Clean clothes are a must for sleeping especially if your bag is down where constant washings would be counterproductive. Besides, being odor free certainly makes you less interesting to bears (you don't want to be "a fish in a bun").