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Sleeping bag, not freezer bag. Sleeping bag, not freezer bag.
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Camping Equipment and all Clothing Tents, sleeping bags, stoves etc. Riding clothing, boots, helmets, what to wear when not riding, etc.
Photo by Marc Gibaud, Clouds on Tres Cerros and Mount Fitzroy, Argentinian Patagonia

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Photo by Marc Gibaud,
Clouds on Tres Cerros and
Mount Fitzroy, Argentinian Patagonia




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  #1  
Old 20 Mar 2009
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I use a Helsport Raudfjorden (check out Portal - English | Helsport | Portal - English | Helsport) which I've slept in down to -20 centigrades. It's rated to -35. Didn't freeze at all. It has a 90 cm zip which makes it useable even in warm weather. You simply can't get a warm enough sleeping bag, especially when you want to camp in the colder parts of the year.
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  #2  
Old 21 Mar 2009
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Quote:
Originally Posted by indu View Post
I use a Helsport Raudfjorden (check out Portal - English | Helsport | Portal - English | Helsport) which I've slept in down to -20 centigrades. It's rated to -35. Didn't freeze at all. It has a 90 cm zip which makes it useable even in warm weather. You simply can't get a warm enough sleeping bag, especially when you want to camp in the colder parts of the year.

Thanks!!

in terms of rating and zipping together these seem to tick a lot of the boxes I had in mind. Packed size and weight seem reasonalbe for the specs. Only the price is unknown!!
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  #3  
Old 21 Mar 2009
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Down is the only way to go if your criteria involve both warmth and compactness.

As for waterproofness on the bike it should not be a problem. I've carried a down bag on numerous very wet canoe and kayak trips with no issues. Seal it up in a plastic bag and put that inside a serious waterproof canoe/kayak bag with a roll top closure. Not so much as a drop of water ever reached the sleeping bag even during a capsize in a fast moving river.

As for possible tent leakage, my down sleeping bag has a gore-tex shell which makes it very water resistant.

Science solves all problems sooner or later.

Normw
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  #4  
Old 21 Mar 2009
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I carry a small plastic tarp that goes inside the tent. It is big enough to lay on and have it wrap around me. Long underwear and socks are a must too.
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  #5  
Old 21 Mar 2009
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Hi,

Problem with warm synthetic bags is they are heavy and bulky. Down, IMHO, is far superior and not that difficult to keep dry. I use down bags for hillwalking, ski-touring, motorcycling and canoe camping and I live in Scotland, which is one of the wettest cold places around!

Just keep it stuffed into a good quality dry bag and it will be fine.

A silk liner weighs virtually nothing and makes a bag significantly warmer also.

Try alpkit.com for very competitively priced down bags.

Matt
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  #6  
Old 21 Mar 2009
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A bit more
If you decide on down, then check out Down sleeping bags and down jackets, Alpkit outdoor gear for alpine activities including climbing, camping, mountaineering and trekking. Also remember that air trapped is insulating you from heat loss upwards. To use two bags, one inside the other, they'd have to be stiff enough not to pack down thinner. That means a down bag can't cope with a blanket or other bag thrown over it. In extreme cold eat a bit of carbohydrate so your body can heat itself and run around a bit to warm up then jump into the bag. Bags only insulate , not heat! Linzi.
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  #7  
Old 21 Mar 2009
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Originally Posted by Matt Cartney View Post
A silk liner weighs virtually nothing and makes a bag significantly warmer also
I struggle with liners. I must be pretty fidgety because I end up all twisted and tied. A clean and dry set of thermals work for me. A woolly hat makes a big difference and well.

The "comfort rating" on my sleeping back is an out and out lie. Or maybe it was tested by a penguin !!
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  #8  
Old 21 Mar 2009
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Rectangular or Mummy shape?
I am about to buy a new bag.
I have never tried a 'Mummy' shape bag.
They look as though it takes some getting used to and restrict turning.
Any comments?
TIA
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  #9  
Old 22 Mar 2009
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Originally Posted by Tony P View Post
I am about to buy a new bag.
I have never tried a 'Mummy' shape bag.
They look as though it takes some getting used to and restrict turning.
Any comments?
TIA
Yes, last year I got myself a new synthetic shaped bag. Turning is more difficult. also it seems to insulate better above than below so is obviously more susceptible to compression air loss. it packs smaller. I usually have my sheepsking below me so the underneath cold is not a problem, and i also use a camping bed so off the floor in th eevent of tent leaking ( so far so good my 4/5 year old 15 euro tent has yet to let me down ) I usually also carry a fleecy blanket. which gets used depending on the conditions. around for more heat, under only (doubled) for comfort, or above only with bag below when hot.
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