Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Equipment, Travel > Camping Equipment and all Clothing
Camping Equipment and all Clothing Tents, sleeping bags, stoves etc. Riding clothing, boots, helmets, what to wear when not riding, etc.
Photo by Daniel Rintz, Himba children, Namibia

The only impossible journey
is the one
you never begin

Photo by Daniel Rintz,
Himba children, Namibia




Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #16  
Old 4 Nov 2009
klaus's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Ehime-ken, Japan
Posts: 273
Sleeping bag ...

I hope I am not getting kicked out again for advertising, however, if you are looking for good and reasonable priced stuff, maybe you want to got to the Sierra Trading Post homepage.

I got a North Face sleeping bag there, packs "ultra-small" when using a compression bag (size, well something around 25 ~ 30 cm in hight and 20 ~ 25 cm in width). The price was great, my girlfriend used it during our Hokkaido touring this year and she was more than pleased (of course, using a Thermarest pad, too!) .
This is one they got on sale now, $144. You should check every now and then for updates!
__________________
Klaus D. Orth
A German in Japan
1992 Honda TA
Reply With Quote
  #17  
Old 4 Nov 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,598
Since the early seventies I used a bulky but warm sleeping bag. Two years ago I had to admit it was well past its best and bought a modern 3 season bag. I never got a good nights sleep in it below 15C. So now I have bought a bulky, yet light and warm Coleman Hudson 450. I will live with its bulk and leave something else behind, It is bulk, and not weight. The liner is no size at all. The cost £33
Reply With Quote
  #18  
Old 5 Nov 2009
*Touring Ted*'s Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
Posts: 5,654
Right..

The sleeping bag came in the post this morning. It's an "Integral 0C". Immaculately clean and looks in very good condition.

Really nice having a built in thermarest. It rolls up with the thermarest and its still smaller than just my other 2 season bag, even when compressed.

BUT !!!!!!!! Its VERY thin. Holding it upto the light, there is practically no down in the bag (theres not meant to be on the bottom) .. I don't know how down bags are meant to look to be honest but i'm a little concerned.

Update: I've just had a 2 hour nap in it INDOORS (11c) and I was cold.. I can slide the shell cover between my fingers and feel no down in there. I think its practically empty..

0c bag !! More like 10c bag.

This is why I hate buying second hand.
__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.

Last edited by *Touring Ted*; 5 Nov 2009 at 14:57.
Reply With Quote
  #19  
Old 5 Nov 2009
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Bellingham, WA, USA
Posts: 3,898
No, this is why you hate buying off ebay, sight unseen. It has nothing to do with "used," and everything to do with being too credulous and woefully uninformed.

Ted, I don't want to get all critical on you, but you really need to do some more research if you intend to fulfill your goal of buying a cheap, warm, ultra-compact sleeping bag. Grabbing something you've got no way of checking out in person off the internet just makes it likely you're going to get ripped off. FWIW, you paid a good price for a summer sleeping bag (though personally I don't like the integrated pad systems because they don't permit me to toss and turn at will). Accept it for what it is.

First, all manufacturers exaggerate temperature ratings. Believe it. If Mountain Hardware (or anyone else) claims 0 degrees, that just means that if you wear your long underwear, gloves and a hat inside a small, stuffy tent, you'll perhaps be comfortable down to near freezing....if you remember to drink hot tea with honey before bed, aren't tired in the first place, can maintain proper blood sugar through the night, and tend to sleep warm. And that's brand new, off the shelf.

Second, warmth is directly proportional to insulation thickness. A thin bag will not be as warm as a thicker one. There's no real way around this (except certain reflective liners, which you can research on your own). When you buy a bag, what you want to know is not the manufacture's rating or the claims of the seller, but the actual measurable loft (thickness).

Third, responding to your other post, there's no practical way to re-loft down bags, particularly on a budget--you might do this with a US$500 expedition bag, but not with a thin cheapie off the internet. You can wash them with a certain degree of care in order to fluff them up....but it sounds like this was already done with the one you bought.

Again, you've got a perfectly serviceable summer sleeping bag. Now you can resume researching the bag you really want. You can do this by inspecting--up close and in person--both down and synthetic bags. Go to a few shops. Read a couple of catalogs. You'll catch on quickly.

And don't forget that any down bag, if gotten wet through misfortune or misuse, will be rendered almost useless until you can dry it out and fluff it up again. That means that you've got to take exquisite care of it in use.

Hope that helps.

Mark
Reply With Quote
  #20  
Old 5 Nov 2009
*Touring Ted*'s Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
Posts: 5,654
Thanks for your advice Mark. I did do a fair bit of research into brands and models and read some forums but I guess its just experience that counts in used bags.

I buy and sell plenty on Ebay, so don't fret , ill get my money back

I wouldnt be too bothered if I needed a summer bag, but alas I have 2 already !

I knew I was taking a risk, but thats always the way in the modern age of ebay and forums etc. How often do you get to see and touch the things you buy in the modern world ??

Live n learn I guess.. Definately a double edged sword when prepping on a budget !!

Cheers Mark
__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
Reply With Quote
  #21  
Old 6 Nov 2009
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: watford england
Posts: 174
I have four different sleeping bags, none ideal. The reality is, getting a good nights sleep is very important. I sleep cold and hate carrying more weight and bulk than necessary, I also hate wasting money. My favourite bag is an MEC Canadian down bag, like a mummy with no hood. about 1100-1200g and this is rated to 5 degrees c, which is probably more realistic than some claims by manufacurers (but still not warm enough for me).
My next trip I will take a new down mummy bag from a major manufacturer weighing more than I want, being bulkier than I like and costing far too much, but at least I wont be COLD. There are areas where we can all cut costs but riding after a crap shivering night is not pleasant.
Reply With Quote
  #22  
Old 6 Nov 2009
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Posts: 23
The money you talk about looks exagerated to me !?
I had a look the past summer in here Bertoni - campeggio sport - tende - trekking - outdoor - zaini - sacchi letto to buy something for Iceland. The most expensive thing was around 85 euro (we talk about stuff used to camp at 4000 meters!!) I managed with a sleeping bag cover (basically a thin sleeping bag to go over normal sleeping bag) from Decathlon for 14 euro.

All of this stuff is for climbing peoples, they have much greater space problems than us....
Reply With Quote
  #23  
Old 6 Nov 2009
Mike.C's Avatar
Contributing Member
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Brisbane-Australia
Posts: 45
2 Oz manufacturers who make sleeping bags that stuff very small.

Might not meet the "don't break the bank" criteria though.

Sleeping Bags | One Planet

Mont Adventure Equipment Australia : Catalog

Last edited by Mike.C; 6 Nov 2009 at 21:19.
Reply With Quote
  #24  
Old 6 Nov 2009
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Barcelona, Spain
Posts: 8
Ted, did you check Down sleeping bags and down jackets, Alpkit outdoor gear for alpine activities including climbing, camping, mountaineering and trekking This is a British internetshop, designing and fabricating camping and climbing gear.

I bought a down sleepingbag from them last year and was impressed by the price/quality.

Good luck
Ruud
__________________
The road is my home, it's where I am happiest
Reply With Quote
  #25  
Old 6 Nov 2009
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Bellingham, WA, USA
Posts: 3,898
We all seem to be bringing very different ideas about what constitutes "ultra compact," where the line is drawn on "three season," and how to define "without bankrupting me." For example, in my book a three season bag is usable well below freezing, and might be rated by the manufacturer at 10F/-10C. I'd expect it to cost over a hundred dollars on sale, probably over two hundred if it was down, certainly as much as four hundred if it was a really good one.....and upwards from that figure for a true winter bag.

On the other thread there's a corresponding difference of opinion about what constitutes "easy care." From my perspective, "easy" means I can throw it in the washer at will, dry it in whatever manner suits me, don't need to worry about using a liner or special soaps, and can ignore cuts and burn holes in the cover because the filling won't leak out. That means synthetic, not down.

Probably, if the goal was to locate a good deal on a cheap, compact, warm sleeping bag, the OP would have been better served by stating a price point, a degree range, a filling material and a stuffed size. As a means of stirring up discussion while I wait for it to stop raining here in Antigua Guatemala, vague terminology ("ultra compact") seems to serve admirably well.

Someday soon: a return to blue skies and wonderfully twisty mountain roads down the spine of the continent.

enjoy,

Mark
Reply With Quote
  #26  
Old 30 Nov 2009
mj's Avatar
mj mj is offline
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 303
Quote:
Originally Posted by markharf View Post
We all seem to be bringing very different ideas about what constitutes "ultra compact," where the line is drawn on "three season," and how to define "without bankrupting me." For example, in my book a three season bag is usable well below freezing, and might be rated by the manufacturer at 10F/-10C. I'd expect it to cost over a hundred dollars on sale, probably over two hundred if it was down, certainly as much as four hundred if it was a really good one.....and upwards from that figure for a true winter bag.
Second that. In my opinion, a good three season bag needs to go down to between -5 and -10°C. The $400 pricetag is very accurate, too. We've just spent 350€ each for two Yeti VIB 600 sleeping bags - 1000g, very compact, 95% down and goes down to -10°C. We spent three VERY cold nights camping in late October and the VIB 600 has passed the ultimate sleeping bag test: it has managed to keep my wife's feet warm at night

What I'm trying to say is this: you might get lucky and find something sorta decent for $150, but if you want something really good be prepared to spend upwards of 400 bucks. In my experience more often than not when it comes to outdoor equipment every dollar saved is a dollar you'll eventually regret.
__________________
"Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in one pretty and well preserved piece, but to skid across the line broadside, thoroughly used up, worn out, leaking oil, shouting GERONIMO!"
Reply With Quote
  #27  
Old 1 Dec 2009
*Touring Ted*'s Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
Posts: 5,654
Well, I had a budget of about £100.. Looks like im going down the second hand route.

I bought a second hand Mountain Equipment bag which although advertised as -5, in most places it had no down at all.

Through advice of people here, I washed it with "Techwash" and tumble dried it with tennis balls and low and behold its about twice the bag it wasw .

Still 2 season max though but at least it wasnt a complete waste of money.

If I actually want to get on the road to capetown in 2010, I can't be spending £400 on sleeping bags ! I'll just have to suffer .



Thanks.
__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
Reply With Quote
  #28  
Old 1 Dec 2009
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Wirral UK
Posts: 226
hundred quid!!

£100, Bloody hell that is more than the budget I had for two bags with silk liners!! Seriously "without breaking the bank" is very subjective. nearly everything I have bought has been from the internet because the stuff I wanted was not available in any shops I could find and if I could it was twice the price. This meant buying stuff I could not touch or feel and trusting to the gods and brand names.

My budget for bike and equipment has come in at just under 8k sterling. To some this is extortionate to others it is less than what they spend a year in Touratech! Best of luck!
__________________
www.frothandflames.com
2012 Kawasaki W800
1997 NX 650 Dominator
Reply With Quote
  #29  
Old 1 Dec 2009
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Lochmaben, Scotland
Posts: 67
sleeping system ex MOD

just to put the cat among the birds. You should nip down to to your local army suplus store and get the all weather sleeping system. the temp range for this is + 20 to -30... Yes it has a wide range.( I can recomend this system as I have used mine since it was issued to me in 1988.)

The countries I have used it are :-
1. Norway in winter temp -45 Norcapp
2. Canada Nothern ter. Inuvik temp upto -50
3. Middle east temp from -5 upto +40
this was while in the Army and temp is centigrade not farenhight.
Since leaving the army i have taken it to :-
1.Russia Yakust and Magadan coldest it got one night was -65
2.India temp +45
Reply With Quote
  #30  
Old 1 Dec 2009
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Lochmaben, Scotland
Posts: 67
oops to above

As you can see I rely on a system that 20 years old. This when new cost about £300 Now you get this system from Army surplus stores for about £80 to £100.
kit inclueded

sleeping bag
Gortex outer bag and stuff sack so can be very small and light-ish.

Bring on the snow and winter biking.

RTW on a Goldwing. I AM MAD:funmetery es:

hOPE THIS HELPS YOU ALL
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
12v mini microwave - do they exist? karter257 Camping Equipment and all Clothing 17 31 Aug 2010 13:28
Carb rebuild kits.... Do they exist? ulyesse Yamaha Tech 6 27 Apr 2009 10:27
Square 3 season sleeping bag? Chris of Motocross Africa Camping Equipment and all Clothing 7 24 Jun 2007 22:17
Ultra lightweight tent mcdarbyfeast Camping Equipment and all Clothing 9 30 Jan 2004 13:16
94 ultra classic bc_hombre Equipping the Bike - what's the best gear? 4 18 Jan 2004 03:39

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 11:35.