I just bought a new bag last year and after a bunch of research ended up with the the MEC Aqualina -7. It's a women's bag but there is a unisex/mens version too. The weight-packability-price ratio was one of the best I could find and it was an excellent price for a down bag. It also has a collar which was important to me. I find that's a super key feature in terms of warmth.

It's a mummy style bag but I find it's great even when I sleep on my side. I can even manage to sleep in the First Aid Recovery position (1 knee bent to the side, 1 leg straight) in the bag. I think they also have a "wide" option in the unisex version.

The coldest I've used it was over Thanksgiving this past fall. It kept me nice and toasty and I sleep cold. I have the temp written somewhere; I can look it up if you're keen. 

I also have a spreadsheet that outlines all the features and benefits of the bags I was looking at. PM me if you're interested (or anyone else is interested). They are all women's bags but many have a unisex or mens equivalent.

I have a MEC Cygnet, they don't make it anymore but it is basically a Drake but rated to -10. I use it in late and early shoulder seasons and increase the warmth by wearing a mountaineering style down jacket and double up on the long johns. The jacket and spare long johns are both things I would be carrying anyways. I use that combo and don't bother with my winter bag unless its going to be atleast -15 or colder. The jacket is nice because you can spin around independent of the sleeping bag, unlike a mummy bag.

I know that isn't a recommendation on another bag, but as a fellow side sleeper, any barrel bag around -10 gives you a lot of flex for temperature changes with a little more or little less clothing when you sleep.

Really appreciate all the feedback. Keep it coming!
ShawnD, thanks for the links. As a side sleeper who moves a lot  the quilt sounds like an interesting option. Question though, how do you ensure the quilt is covering you if you shift during the night? Are the straps truly effective in keeping it in place?

I have a Feathered Friends Snowy Owl and it is amazing.  I sleep really cold so although this bag may seem like overkill to many, to me it's perfect for Algonquin winters.  I too am a side sleeper and could never sleep in a mummy bag.  Although the FF is a "mummy bag" it is huge inside and boasts about the widest dimensions you can get in a bag like that.  I don't feel too restricted in it and can roll from side to side from inside the bag.  They are pricey (mine was about $1500) but I love it!  I looked at the WM bags as well but the FF bags are roomier inside so that's what sold me.  I can post some pics if you like...

Last edited by Steve E (1/22/2017 3:25 pm)

I do a mix of hot tenting and cold tenting.  But even when I hot tent I let the stove burn out so the tent goes down to ambient temps within a couple of hours.  I've been in Algonquin at -35 and tested out the FF at -25 and I was warm.  I went with the warmest bag I could find just because I sleep so cold.  Before I bought the FF bag I bought a Wiggys bag that is rated to -60 as well.  I liked it because it's a barrel bag but in all honesty I get cold in it very quickly.  I saved my pennies for the FF bag but I figure I do enough winter camping and the bag should last my lifetime so that's how I justified it to myself.

A major help in the early spring would be the addition of a foamy under you.  At that time of year, the cold is coming out of the ground under you and a foam pad under you makes a world of difference.

We also have the Cygnets, I believe, and treat them like gold.  Marvelous, wonderful things.  Last fall, I was so comfy inside the bag, but my head was cold.  I had my fleecy jacket set up, so I stuck an arm out to flip over my head.  I was shocked at how cold it was outside of the bag.

Barbara