Comment on forecasts: I do not trust them to be accurate for the mountains where we usually go between towns.
....bulk bothers me more than the weight of a sleeping bag.
Understood the mountain forecasts. Very difficult at best and pretty unreliable at times, even here. Could be sunny in one spot and 25� colder with snow 20 miles away. I've seen a temperature variance of over 20� less than a mile from my house with a 600 foot elevation change. That's in the Appalachians, I know in the Rockies it's even more dramatic.
I agree 100% with the bulk comment. That's my big complaint with a heavier bag. Don't mind the weight, it's the basketball in my pack that is irritating.
This year I'm upgrading my pack to a Paradox. Next big(expensive) gear upgrade will be a bag.