The best bags for big people - Big Agnes Deer Park 30 Sleeping Bag (600 down)

There are essentially no options for a high-tech bag for big people. The Big Agnes Park series are special, not only because they are big, but because they are able to remove unnecessary weight & bulk where it is not needed (bottom of the bag). To keep weight low, try using a pad with reflective foil in it (Therm A Rest X-Therm, etc). The bags are not cheap, nor the X-Therm pads, but if you are backpacking AND want comfort, this is the setup. I have 9 BA bags and love them all. The zippers open & close very easily (they use YKK zippers). Once started, you can unzip the entire bag by GENTLY pulling the bag apart. Zipping up, the zipper may occasionally snag on the internal wind break (flap), but it is not as bad as with other bags. The pad pouch is great, so I don't roll off the pad. Most BA bags come with a heavy duty nylon stuff sack & an X-large cotton storage bag. A note on the temperature ratings... If you are hot-natured or are used to a cold environment, then BA's temperature ratings will probably be accurate for you (especially if you use an insulated pad like an X-Therm). I live in a moderate climate & are neither hot nor cold natured. Here are my comfort levels for different BA rated bags:
BA -15 with insulated pad = 0 to +15 degrees (most comfortable at +10).
BA 0 with insulated pad = +10 to +25 degrees (most comfortable at +20).
BA +15 with insulated pad = +20 to +35 degrees (most comfortable at +30).
BA +15 with non-insulated pad = +25 to +40 degrees (most comfortable at +35).
BA +30 with insulated pad = +30 to +40 (most comfortable at +40).
BA +30 with non-insulated pad = +40 to +45 (most comfortable at +45).
BA +45/50 with non-insulated pad = +60 to +70 (most comfortable at +65).
You can probably add another 5 or so degrees by wearing a thermal base-layer, 3 degrees by using a liner, etc. If I put one bag in another, I am comfortable with the following temps:
BA -15 and 0 with insulated pad = most comfortable at -20.
BA 0 and +15 with insulated pad = most comfortable at -5.
BA +15 and +30 with insulated pad = most comfortable at +10.
When trying out bags from a company that is new to you, you might want to bring a high quality reflective emergency survival bag - just in case. Until you can find the right temp range for you, you can always unzip if too hot, or put the BA bag in the emergency bag if too cold.
If you camp with a partner that is more warm or cold natured than you, you can save some money by buying 3 bags of different temperatures, which will keep everyone happy for a wide range of air temps.

This review was written in the old system and had content requirements that are different than reviews written today.