best sleeping bag - any bargains about?

[boris]

Where are you miguel?
If within a short drive of Alfreton, Derbyshire ask me about the rab factory shop.

I got a new down bag from there having too old to sleep if cold, and it is light and brilliant. A couple of weeks of comfortable nights make the price seem cheap eventually.

[iandriver]

I've heard down sleeping bags can clump and become useless if you get them wet (perhaps reade this bit on down sleeping bags first: http://www.alpkit.com/sleeping-bags/)

I never get this recurring moan about down 'bags (No offence meant, IanDriver...)! Sure a down bag will be a nightmare to try to sleep in if you let it get wet, but A) any bag will be a misery to try to sleep in if the user's silly enough to let it get wet, and B) it's not hard to keep your bag bone-dry, if you put even the smallest amount of thought into your preparation, i.e. pop it into first one plastic shopping bag, & then, another, open end first... Job Done!
Have been using down 'bags, dryly, for years - very happy!

I think the point is a synthetic one will dry and be usable again, a down one won't necessarily. It's something you need to be aware of, a down bag needs more care than a synthetic. As the link says it's not rocket science keeping your bag dry, you just need to make extra sure you do compared to other fillings.

[TerryJ]

down bags dry out without problems and wash with care and soap at low temperature .

My parents bought me one 40 years ago and I still have it . It is now 2 season rather than 3, but has been washed and and washed and used a lot.

if you think you are going to get the foot end wet put it in a bin bag . You need a foam mat at least to insulate the pressure areas more particularly with down than fibre.

Weight is the issue. a 3season down bag is less than 1kg, but equivalent fibre ones 2kg. A really rough tough warm bag is the bitish army arctic bag,< 3kg and great if you don't mind carrying it.

http://www.silvermans.co.uk/ProductDeta ... fault.aspx

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/BRIT-ARCTIC-ISSUE ... dZViewItem

if you think you are going to get the foot end wet put it in a bin bag .

[simonineaston]

Don't know about Mountain Equipment sleeping bags but the zips on their jackets are poor. The sale rail is usually full of jackets with broken zips.

Both ME and TNF have taken advantage of the recent popularity of some of the garments, notably puffas, with the fashion market, meaning they effectively have 2 product ranges... fortunately they appear to have realised that their kit aimed at serious users, outdoors, needs to stay high quality. I agree, though, that the appearance of the other stuff on the sale rails does nothing for the prospective sleeping bag purchasers' confidence. For myself, if I ever need another down bag (they do tend to last a lot longer than bags filled with man-made insulation), I will certainly look hard at the small volume makers, mentioned above.

[kendaljohn]

This seems a great buy, dont know how bulky it would be but certainly warm! http://www.ultimateoutdoors.co.uk/item/ ... 899_1.html

[slowpeddler]

Hi there

I use a Snugpack.

The pack size is fine for my rear panniers and I've never ever been cold.

The reason the military use them is because they are so good.

They are made in the UK. Check out http://www.snugpak.com/

John

[andrew_s]

Alpkit Pipedreams were in stock last night (or possibly Wednesday).

If you are interested, don't delay

[Gotte]

I'd also suggest Snugpack. Looking myself and see some excellent 3/4 season bags for about £40 on ebay. Just watch out for the ones with footboxes. From what I understand, they are lined at the foot with waterproof fabric, so you can get in with muddy boots. Might make for sweaty feet and extra weight/bulk.

[BryterLayter]

I have been looking at the ALPKIT PipeDream 400, unfortunately it appears that the maximum user height is 6' 1'' and I am just a shade over 6' 2'', so I guess I am to tall for this one .

http://www.alpkit.com/shop/cart.php?tar ... ory_id=253

They make the SkyeHigh 600 in a long for £40 less. It looks a pretty good bag to me, but then I am new to cycle camping/touring. Any one got thoughts on this.

http://www.alpkit.com/shop/cart.php?tar ... ory_id=253

[meic]

I have the Pipe Dream 400, it is the lightest of their sleeping bags.

I am 6'3" (well I vary from 6'2"- 6'4" ) and I had exactly the same concerns.
Alpkit were very honest and would not say "You'll be OK".

In the end I bought one thinking I just get in it while dressed and then if it is too small I return it unused and pay the postage.

It was fine for me, I am around 13 stone, maybee if you are 17 stone it may not be so good.

[julk]

BryterLayter,
I use a Pipedream 400 for myself at 5'11", 12 stone and my 6' 3", 16 stone son uses a SkyeHigh 600 long.
Both are excellent bags and they fit us nicely.

I think you will find the Pipedream 400 to be a close fit, is that what you want?
Julian.

[BryterLayter]

I am 16 stone, although I have put some weight on over the winter, I normally weigh about 15 1/2 stone. I think a comfortable fit is what I am after. I have never used one of the mummy shaped sleeping bags before, but from what I have read they are more efficient when it comes to keeping you warm and it is nearl half a kilo lighter.

If I do go for the Skyehigh 600 long I will have to wait as they have none in stock. which can be some time from what I hear.

Decisions, decisions