Try the pro action ones from Argos we have both the 500gsm mummy(double layer) and the 500gsm cowl bags and they are both very warm and cheap at around £30, may be even cheaper on Ebay
Now that does look good, I've no idea what the grade system means but it looks just right, just the kind of thing I reckon, for the cold nights. & not a bad price either.
I will have a look at the pro-action ones as well, as I'm still saving my pennies at the moment & there's no way I'll be able to get away camping until at least a month or 2 past the new year. (I've still got the small matter of my tent heater invention to see to as well, but the creative juices are well & truly flowing on that one)
------------- Love a lot. Trust a few. But ALWAYS paddle your own canoe!!
Minds are like parachutes:- They only function when they are open!!!
Those who talk don't know.
Those who know don't talk.
I have the US army sleep system, and I'm really not that impressed with it. I think money could be better spent on a carp fishing bag, I'd love to hear from any one else that has tried one. I went for it because it was wider than most mummy style bags, and I can't stand being restricted in a normal mummy size bag. If I do get away tomorrow, I will be trying it, but I bet I end up in my very wide Lichfield 2/3 season bag with a king size duvet under and over the top.
------------- Canvas tent, paraffin light, petrol stove. Heaven
I'd rather be kayaking.
Spent up, not pent up, just had my new tent up.
Quote: Originally posted by millybee on 30/11/2010
I second what Helen (Speedcamp) said re fleece liner. I have both 350 and 450 Nitestar and I would take a fleeceliner with each of them - though they are great bags, to say the obvious, it is extremely cold.
Ensure he keeps a pair of good thick socks aside from his walking socks to change into when he goes to bed and how about a small (childs size) hot water bottle?
Just what I'd advise (cheers millybe saved the typing !) I have an old Jack Wolfskin bag, Mrs Z has a Vango Nitestar - think a 450. Now we're a bit older we're getting soft but in these temperatures I'd take no chances.
Make sure he has lots of clothing to build up layers. Doesn't have to use it all but there if he needs it - chances are he'll be glad of it all.
For cold weather use I'd notconsider buying any sleeping bag that didn't give info on what temperatures the bag is reccommended for - ideally both the comfort rating & extreme ratings. These are still very subjective though. And definitely make sure there's as much insulation from the ground as possible. Brrrr makes me cold just thinking about camping in this !
Post last edited on 03/12/2010 14:44:57
------------- Fools and charlatans know everything and understand nothing . Anton Chekhov
Thanks for all your replies. I am sending him with a SIM rather than just a foam mat which was on his kit list. I have just taught him how to use it, (undo the valve to let the air in, and make sure he does it up before he sleeps on it, lol).
Also going to send him with a thick fleece blanket, either ontop of the sleeping bag, or in it. Bobble hat is a must too.
------------- its me again!
Top End Farm May
RSPB Big Camp June
Diamond Campsite August
I'm sure he'll be fine, it'll be an adventure for him.
And in this day & age of lawsuits & the like, I'm sure the scout master will be taking no chances.
Always good to send them off prepared though, with knowledge as well as kit (one is little use without the other)
As for my sleeping bag shopping, I'm going to stick with the army surplus shop on ebay, that other one looked a bit more expensive. I will also look into carp fishing sleeping bags, they may well be the way to go, & at least it would be brand new & come with detailed info.
Mind you, at the moment I've got bigger fish to fry. My car's engine has frozen up in this cold, it seems my water leak over the summer has diluted the antifreeze mixture more than I thought, which is a PITA beyond belief!!!!
Are you anywhere near Polegate?
If so you could try: Stringtown Supplies
As you should be able to go down and have a look.
If the pennies can stretch I would go for the longer one at £40.
Don't be tempted to go for the matching bag liner as they are useless
The "58" Pattern sleeping bag is really a 3 season bag. I tried one early this week in a borrowed "swag" that a Kiwi mate of mine owns and I was B. cold (minus 6 approx)
The trouble is "how much do you want to spend?" If the young chap is going to carry on with camping/backpacking as a hobby then it is money well spent otherwise...
I bought a top end RAB for winter use and have the lightest Mountain Equipment "Dreamcatcher" for summer use. I bought the 58 Pattern off Ebay, brand new(?) for £21 for old times sake.and would still rate it against any of the top of the market gear for warmth.
The usual worry about down is people saying "if it gets wet etc" Fair comment and all I can say is that after many years I still haven't managed to do something lke that
Don't forget about ALPKIT Their kit seems to be more affordable and is of good quality.
Well, he's been camping in the snow and he is back .
When I dropped him off, I told him to try to keep dry.... a few of the other Scouts were in process of rolling a huge snowball, ready to make a snowman. (Who would think to find 'snowman' and 'camping' together in the same sentance!!!) I also gave him a twin pack of heat pads, only 99p... you get them to put on back pain etc. Just expose them to air and they heat up, stick them on your clothes, and they stay warm for up to 8 hours. He said they were lovely, and used them on his vest, in the evening and they kept him warm all night, he put his hands on them to warm up too. His friend wished he had some.
His sleeping bag was lovely and warm too, he said, just got cold when he had to go outside the tent to pee.
They had a lovely time, did woodcraft, (all were told to bring a pocket knife) cooked Christmas dinner over the camp fire, roasting turkey on some kind of a spit. Toasting marshmallows and then in the morning, cooking a Full English breakfast, complete with black pudding. He really ate well, so its all body fuel.
As it was only 1 night, it was do-able, but he was pretty wet and muddy when I picked him up the next day, so glad he could come home to a hot bath.
------------- its me again!
Top End Farm May
RSPB Big Camp June
Diamond Campsite August
Glad he was ok Chinagirl, I was wondering how he'd got on.
It's all very well people saying he'll be fine but if the weather is very bad not having the right kit might mean not being fine at all. Sadly there have been plenty cases where young people have been taken on various outdoor adventures that have turned into tradgedies - very often avoidable ones - sometimes due to people running these things who have scant practical experience.
To my mind a scoutmaster taking kids off in these conditions ought to provide parents with a list detailing what equipment was needed. Rant over !
Glad he had a good time though.
------------- Fools and charlatans know everything and understand nothing . Anton Chekhov
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Topic: Suitable sleeping bag for this icy weathe
