Thread: What sleeping bag ?

Hey Guys

Just starting out based in chch , looking at getting a sleeping bag and don't know where to start .
Mainly for use in huts at this stage , but will be getting a tent when funds allow . Is there such thing as a do it all bag ?
What kind of temperature range should I look at ?
Down or synthetic ?
Any advice much appreciated
Cheers

Thermarest Antares

Basically you want warm, light or cheap. You can chose two. If you want a do it all you are going to start having to compromise. Most people do this by going for something slightly heavier that doesn't pack down too well.

The temp range (and consequently size and weight) depend on where and when you're hunting. Given you're a mainlander I'm guessing you want warm

Simple answer is no

There are lots of great sleeping bags out there you just have to find one that will work in your situation.
one example is a winter weight bag will be big and bulky and way over kill for summer hunting

A great tip is to use a silk liner usually get them on sale for $80 at Macpac or Kathmandu, adds a degree or two to the lower temp range and prolongs the life of your sleeping bag. If your happy sleeping in a set of merino top and bottom you can can fairly small and cheap if it's only for hut use. Have a synthetic one I use if it's summer or inside sleeping.

And get a decent sleeping pad for under what ever you end up with. Will keep you warmer (protects from the ground cold) and comfort.

Originally Posted by 7mmsaum

Thermarest Antares


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Therm-A-Rest Antares Review - Gear Institute | Gear Institute

i'm lucky. many years back fairydown made a bunch of bags for the aussies , a few were imperfect but thrown in the batch as "freebies" along with the required amount of up to scratch ones.
the aussies then opened the container and decided for reasons unknown that they were all imperfect and sent them all back
i got mine at a great price, awesome bag. and has kept me warm as toast for ages.

Exped down mat and a quilt would be my reccomendation. All you need on to of that to bivi camp is a bug net, ground sheet and a fly.

Hmmm quilt is a good point, if I was starting again I'd probably be looking at a Kuiu one but not cheap

The down/synthetic choice is a compromise too. If down gets wet it looses it's insulating properties (there are some treated downs that retain more) where as with a synthetic you can wring it out and it will provide more warmth. Synthetics however tend to be heavier and bulkier for the same temperature rating. Exactly what you want depends on when, where and how you go. A warm bag can be made cooler by undoing the zip. I use a lighter weight bag in the warmer months.

Hmm depends, best way to ruin a good nights sleep is to be too hot or too cold, heat can be reduced by undoing a zip but adding heat needs extra clothing or bags.
Down is good if dry, but sucks if wet.
I go for a down bag that is water resistant (means you can spill you tea on it but not sleep in the rain), add to that an liner liner, I use that hot or cold as it keeps my body oils away from the down, which can compromise the loft ability of the down, also it has a built in mossie net. When it really hot I just sleep in that on top of the open bag.
When it's really cold I add an outer bivi bag, that's water proof and I can stick my therma-rest inside it so that I sleep on it not under it, I have use that combo in a snow cave in a storm and it kept me alive, was -1 in the cave but about minus -15 with wind and snow outside.

I would get the best you can afford, I have had mine for over 20 years now and it's still going strong!

They have treated down thats water resistant these days. The only real reason to go with synthetic is price. Down is like being cuddled by a dozen friendly ducks.

Originally Posted by gonetropo

the aussies then opened the container and decided for reasons unknown that they were all imperfect and sent them all back

They saw the name and thought,"fairy down,these ain't gunna sell"

I was on a tight budget and settled on a Macpac Epic, which I like because:

-They come up on sale for 40% off fairly regularly, and if you ask nicely they might do the sale price anyway (sweet-talking and negotiation skills required)
-High loft, water resistant down
-Stuff sack is a drybag
-Mummy shape, but lots of room inside in case you need to wear all your warm clothes. I can wear my down puffer in mine without compressing the down too much in either (though I haven't needed to).
-Fairly light for their temp ratings through the range.

I'd suggest the epic 600, unless you plan on serious high-altitude winter missions, then maybe the 800. Definitely get a liner of some sort, it's nice to be able to wash it and have it fresh each trip.