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Lauree
I think you are a backpacker, right? I have a (hopefully) quick question for you. We car camp but really want to lighten our gear so we have more options for cart in and hike in sites. How do you stay warm at night in colder weather? Do you pile on thermal underwear? Other tips?
My old sleeping bag was rated to 30 degrees and we had to head to a hotel in the middle of the night once becacuse I could not get warm. It was something like 50 outside. So now we bring wool blankets but that gets bulky fast. I have a Thermarest type sleeping mat and we got a new tent last summer that seems to keep things warmer. I need a new sleeping bag this spring and will look for something rated lower that packs small. Just trying to think of other ideas that will lighten our gear.
I some fun REI trips in our future. 
Thanks!
Tired after a long morning of hiking and swimming.
Re: Lauree
Our first backpacking trip ever I had a 30 degree bag and I froze. It was in October and was a bit chilly. I was dreading the rest of our trip and a friend told me to boil water before I went to bed and pour it into my nalgene bottle. It kept me warm all night long! So if you ever have a situation like that again you can try that! I also bring smartwool long underwear and use that if needed.
After that trip I sold my sleeping bag on craigslist and bought this one: http://www.rei.com/product/780526. I was able to use a 20% coupon with it as well so got it for pretty cheap. It is a bit heavier, but to me, guaranteed warmth is worth it! We are camping overnight at a state park at the end of this month, I'm curious to see how it will hold up. I think I might borrow my friend's 25 degree bag to double up with it just in case it isn't warm enough. The hike in is only a mile or so so the extra weight won't kill me...
For our camping trips we actually have two sets of gear, one set for backpacking, another for car camping. Our car camping gear is quite extensive and we have been able to cut a few things down by subbing out backpacking gear but still, when we are car camping, we like comfort so we usually pack heavy. A few ways we have lightened up- replacing our bulky lantern and flashights with our backpacking headlamps, replacing bulky chairs with our backpacking chairs (see: http://www.rei.com/product/792007 - expensive but so comfy and worth it!), and grilling over the fire rather than our small grill.
On a side note, we went to Glendalough State Park over Labor Day weekend and had a fantastic time! They have cart-in sites and canoe in sites. We borrowed a friends canoe and did that. The lake is motor free so it's quiet, peaceful, and has beautiful water! Check it out if you ever get the chance. Oh and Battle Lake, the town right outside of Glendalough, is the cutest little tourist town- no chain restaurants and lots of local flavor.
Hope this helps! If you have any other questions ask away, I am happy to answer...
Wow, this is great. Thank you! I will definitely try the water bottle trick next time. I would have never thought of that. And thanks for the park recommendation! Canoes freak me out (which is strange, cause I love whitewater rafting) but the cart in sites would be great to try.
I'll definitely keep my eye on that sleeping bag. The dividend checks should be coming soon and I feel like they send a 20% off coupon with them, but maybe that's wishful thinking. Thermal underwear is also on my list.
Do you ever use a sleeping bag liner? It seems like a fleece or flannel one would add a little warmth.
We tend to pack heavy when we car camp, too, and it's hard to give up all of the comfort and rough it even more. On the other hand, our gear is holding us back from sites away from the crowds. We probably just need to change our mind set. I'll have to keep an eye out on craigslist for lighter stuff.
Tired after a long morning of hiking and swimming.
I do use a sleeping bag liner. It's a microfiber one I got off of amazon a couple years ago for $15.
I think you are right and they do send a 20% off coupon out with the dividend! We are really looking forward to our dividend, we are upgrading from foam mats to self-inflating sleeping pads with it this year :-D
Yay for the 20% off coupon! I hope we're both right.
My sleeping pad is the one thing I can't give up. It's a Paco pad. I tried one when I went rafting and there was no going back. It made me enjoy camping so much more. I know people backpack with them but I can't imagine the logistics of carrying one for an extended period of time.
I fogot to mention good luck on your upcoming camping trip! You are a brave woman to be camping in the winter. I hope the weather is nice.
Tired after a long morning of hiking and swimming.