Algonquin Adventures / Summer sleeping bag

**Posted by BarryB** 12/08/2025 8:39 pm

For many years, during the mild months, I‘ve used a light-weight summer sleeping bag with an optional thin fleece ‘liner bag’. However, that summer bag’s insulation and zipper have degraded. While I still have a bulky functioning ‘spring and fall’ bag, I’m looking to replace that old summer bag.

With strength and stamina challenges that come with being in my late ’70’s, I’m preparing to ‘go ultralight’.

I’m asking for your experiences with and links to recommended compactible light-weight summer sleeping bags .. and for that matter, any other ultralight gear.

**Posted by BarryB** 12/09/2025 10:20 am

Thanks SP . Here's a link to it .. https://www.eddiebauer.ca/c/20062/home-blankets-throws

**Posted by ShawnD** 12/09/2025 10:50 am

Hey Barry.

I support geartrade.ca for a lot of my ultralight purchases now.
A lot of people use Quilts in summer and these guys carry many of the top ultralight versions. They aren’t cheap but no decent ultralight gear is.
https://geartrade.ca/collections/ultralight-quilts?page=1

Personally I use a zpacks classic 30 degree bag in summer now. 14 ozs.

https://zpacks.com/products/classic-sleeping-bag?srsltid=AfmBOopz-Zaau9Qtgg-Uyeis2h3fGRw_9dlwAn4ClLuCVHD2saDCnZGc

**Posted by ChristineCanoes** 1/21/2026 7:10 pm

Barry if you posted a current gear list it would help people make suggestions that are relevant.

Ultralight can be a pretty big range so knowing what you use now would allow comparable ultralight suggestions

**Posted by BarryB** 1/22/2026 8:06 am

My gear has been accumulated in over three decades. I have a viable 3 season bag and I do have a viable fleece inner bag. I'm looking to replace my old summer bag (with long-gone labelling) and simply want to keep the 'packing-bulk' down.

As for water filtering, I have an MSR MiniWorks Pumping Filter that's approaching the point of needing a new filter and I'd appreciate any experience-based recommendations for more compact alternatives.

Other than that, I'm pretty well equipped with light equipment.

**Posted by scoutergriz** 1/22/2026 9:59 am

to be honest, I've tried several filters over the years, but keep going back to my old miniworks- sure it's a little bulky and you have to pump it, but it's easily field maintainable (rinse it out, scrub the filter, a dab of vaseline and go) robust (various kids have dropped my dozens of times), and you know when it's working properly just by the pressure needed. you can get a new filter element and rebuild kit just about anywhere, and it has a built-in go no-go ring to check for wear. Also you can fit a new element and rebuild kit in those oversized pill bottles from the pharmacy.
I just fill my bottles in the morning while drinking my coffee- I get 3 Nalgene's to the cup...

**Posted by ChristineCanoes** 1/22/2026 6:01 pm

For light packable sleeping bags I’d recommend:

Little Shop of Hammock Quilts
Sea to Summit Ultralight sleeping bag line
MEC ultralight line (if on a budget)

For water filtration both Steripens and BeFree water filters are pretty light options

**Posted by ShawnD** 1/24/2026 7:09 am

Solo I use a Platypus Quickdraw filter and 3L CNOC bag. Weighs 6 ozs or 10ozs less than a mini works. It’s fast and I have never had a clog. (used the befree before this and moved over because of clogging)

Don’t think you could go wrong with a Sawyer filter either like the Sawyer Squeeze. Been around forever. People swear by them.

**Posted by BarryB** 1/24/2026 8:29 am

Thanks Shawn. I've referenced this YouTube video about the Platypus QuickDraw ..
https://youtu.be/Qcdu_HRHbAU?si=uOzQ_ecV_8qawi0C
.. and am quite intrigued by it!

**Posted by ShawnD** 1/25/2026 9:33 am

BarryB wrote:
Thanks Shawn. I've referenced this YouTube video about the Platypus QuickDraw ..
https://youtu.be/Qcdu_HRHbAU?si=uOzQ_ecV_8qawi0C
.. and am quite intrigued by it!

Ya Justin does good gear reviews. They have since improved the filter since this video Barry.

It comes with a quick connect cap that allows for attachment to other size bottle threads and to use the filter in a gravity system. See video.

https://youtu.be/Dlwd5dks2ew

Summer sleeping bag - going ultralight.

BarryB wrote: