Hi,
I have experience hiking in Tasmania previously during Feb (Overland, short walls of Jerusalem trip) and a few others. My experience has improved since then in NZ and VIC. I have several hikes planned from late Jan-Feb. A walls of J 5 day circuit, the Overland again (focussing more on side trips and going to Pine Valley), the South Coast Track and Frenchmans Cap.
I wanted to update my gear and purchase the WM Apache MF (-9 more weather resistant fabric) or Versalite (-12) through Paddy Pallin before this trip but the shipment will not arrive until early-mid Feb. I wanted the bag to be flexible for colder camping in Winter here in Vic (probably not snow but definatley deal with a dusting).
I currently have a Western Mountaineering (WM) Summerlite which I have used down to around 2-3C comfortably with a light down and liner. I didnt wake during the night and was using a sea to sumit insulated UL mat (R=3.3). I've used this in Winter on the Great Ocean Walk, and in Tas in summer previously. On only one occasion have I felt cold (not super cold, not dangerous), woke up and added a layer etc, slowly warmed and went back to sleep). It got down to -2C.
I am mainly concerned about the Walls of J circut for warmth. The Overland and Frenchans have huts if its colder than 2C overnight, and I am assuming the temperatures for the south coast track to be a little more moderate in mid Feb (TasParks suggests a 0 bag for the trip). I've looked at record low temps (not averages) and it seems that a night lower than 2 is highly unlikely at this time of year. I've also looked at the summer climate forcast and its predicted to be above average temps in Feb in Tas.
I have a few options that I am considering because I wont be able to get the bag I want in time and considering the above conditions. I would appreciate everyones advice re: gear.
1. Purchase the WM Ultralite (-7) to be safe - not really the bag I want. I wanted a bit more flexibility in colder conditions then this one would allow - its an expensive purchase, I dont want to be wasting my money.
2. Purchase a different non WM bag or quilt - conditions would be 850g or less. I prefer a bag over a quilt (I like being a snug down worm). - suggestions?
3. Use the WM Summerlite (0C) and also upgrade my mat to a Thermarest Xtherm (R=5.7), purchase the bag I really want later. I've been considering upgrading my mat alongside the new bag purchase anyway and this would reduce the possibility of any heat loss to the ground when camping (Walls of J). I am leaning towards this but would appreciate any feedback whether this would be risky for Walls of J (27-31st Jan).
4. Hire warmer bag just for Walls of J if forcast is a bit erratic or snow/cold the week before etc. Otherwise go with Option 3.
Sorry about the LONG post but not being able to get my bag in time has thrown me off a bit in my planning.