Sleeping Bag Recommendations

Hi. I am looking for a new sleeping bag and was wondering if anyone has an recommendations. I am going to New Zealand (South Island) in October and I will be there until the end of January. During my time there I plan on doing a fair bit of hiking and climbing. In addition to this, I would ideally like to be able to use the same bag in Western Australia during the winter and in the UK. The budget is up to about $500. Any recommendations or advice will be appreciated.

Thanks.

[forgie]

I have had this same problem. I think its almost unsolvable, but i'm willing to be wrong. NZ in summer/spring can be much colder then WA in winter. So if you're trying to buy a bag to cover both you can find yourself pretty stuck. I was in NZ this year in Feb/March and I took my Western Mountaineering Summerlite Long 32F (0 Celcius). which i bought to replace a shoddy mountain designs bag. I found this bag to be great! but i also took a down jacket just to ensure against the cold. Ive used -5 bags over here in perth on the bib track in winter and have literally sweltered the whole night. (what the lowest it gets to here 5 degrees if lucky sometime -2 in pemberton etc.) so i feel that any bag u buy for NZ attempting to use over here might not be quite right and can compromise on both ends. Id say for october ud be fine with something in the -10 just to be safe (probably towards -10 i wouldnt want to be too much lower). but it all depends on if you're a hot or a cold sleeper. Similar condition for the overland trek over the summer walking period i think they recommend -7ish IN SUMMER!!. Depends where u are in NZ and where ur tramping. I was fine most of the time. but that one time was hard to deal with. Aside from that if ur looking for something to cover those end periods between spring and autumn i reckon if i could go for one it would be western mountaineering Alpinlite/ultralight or versalite. To use over here i would tend to the first 2. for october/november in nz the versalite. It's pretty hard considering the different condition. if u go the first one. just carry extra clothes. u might not sleep to well a few nights, but u probs wont die. however WM might be more is 100 more than ur budget. but i love mine to death

http://www.ultralightoutdoorgear.co.uk/ ... g-bag-p352
^^i bought mine from here. great guy to ask question to as well. shippings not too bad. cheaper than buying here. or it used to be.

I havent had experience with RAB or anything so cannot comment on it.

I think the MArmot heliums and plasa series are ralted pretty highly, go to Campsaver or REI and read the reviews. thats my best advice

Also dont buy WM in perth, it'l cost you an arm and a leg.

Some of Mainpeaks new stock of the Sea to summit stuff is quite good, plus then u can buy instore and get advice too
http://www.mainpeak.com.au/hike-camp/sl ... -bag-long/

[madmacca]

Forgie makes some good comments on 1 bag meeting such a broad range of conditions.

I use an inner sheet with my bag. In warmer conditions, I'll just stick my feet in the bag and use the sheet over the rest of me. If I feel cold durin the night, I'll zip the bag to my waist.

A few techniques for extending your bag in cold conditions:

* invest in a mat with a good R value (3-5, or even more). Even something as simple as doubling up your existing mat with a cheap foamie can extend the insulative value
* keep your bag dry at all costs, including not wearing wet clothes to bed
* heat some water, and use your water bottle to create a .... hot water bottle
* ensure you have a good meal before going to bed - the process of digestion creates significant body heat.

[Joomy]

Versatility is the exact reason I've decided to move from a sleeping bag to a quilt. They are a little bit fiddlier and not as "fool proof" as sleeping bags, but if you do it right you can in theory use them in a much wider temp range. In warmer weather with my quilt anyway I can use it just like a blanket at home and in cooler weather you can wrap it around yourself (or attach it to your mat if it has that feature), seal up the neck, and add a balaclava or down hood if you have one. And in really cold weather you can use it with a down jacket -- again having it snug enough to eliminate dead air, but not so tight that you are compressing your jacket.

As far as temp range goes, I would also recommend something rated around -7C (limit). The WM Ultralite is a popular choice for 3 season Tassie and NZ, and is actually -9C limit rated under the EN system.

[icefest]

Could you answer the following questions: (To help find out what you want)

Do you want a quilt or full bag?
Do you have an allergy/ethical problem with down?
How tall are you?
Are you male or female?
Do you look after your gear? (can you deal with a fragile bag)
How warm is your sleeping mat?
What tent do you have? (Drip and water risk)
How high will you be sleeping in NZ? (ie how cold will it get)
Do you want to use it in UK winter too?
Where in the UK?

Depending on what you answer there will be some sleeping bags that suit you better or worse. (i.e. females need a bag 3-6 degrees warmer)

[madmacca]

http://www.ultralightoutdoorgear.co.uk/equipment-c3/sleeping-bags-c21/sleeping-bags-c88/western-mountaineering-ultralite-sleeping-bag-p352
^^i bought mine from here. great guy to ask question to as well. shippings not too bad. cheaper than buying here. or it used to be.

I havent had experience with RAB or anything so cannot comment on it.

I bought a RAB Neutrino from that site as one of the best value lightweight bags around, and have been delighted with it.

[KANANGRABOYD]

I know there are some people who immediately think a "QUILT" - is some kind of specialist, UL gear, however seriously consider this- and REALLY consider this:
When you sleep in a tapered Rec bag or Mummy et al - ANY of the down you are laying on is doing ABSOLUTELY NOTHING to keep you warm.
You may think that the only members here that use a quilt are us UL'ers - but not so.
A quilt is EXCELLENT - for a number of reasons ( read on!)
- lighter
-cheaper
- warmer
- more versatile - as it can be used as a bag or open like a quilt.
I would seriously do some research online around the various forums and ask the question about bag or quilt.
I think you will be pleasantly surprised that quilts come out best for most applications.
I have slept outdoors in temps approaching -60c and that was with my girlfriend at the time - we slept with one bag ( A Canadian brand called "woods" - 15kg plus heavy bag with down but cotton and polyester), and we used one bag under us opened up ( thermarests and Caribou skins below), and then the other bag opened up and used as a Doona/Duvet etc.
I think you will be pleasantly surprised at how good quilts are - and there are plenty of cottage manufacturers that are making EXCELLENT QUALITY quilts for a more than reasonable price.
Get in your bag you have now - and then think of all that goodness that is being crushed and wasted - why are you paying for that?
As far as Aussie makers go - Mont and One planet and the newcomer Sea to Summit are the top 3 IMHO - STS being my preferred choice.

[Avatar]

You can use your sleeping bag like a quilt. Just leave it 3/4 unzipped and use like a quilt. Works great above 0 degrees C.
But I have found that when the mercury drops I will always zip it up. It would be an unusual person who doesn't.
Sure the down underneath is getting compressed, but the bag does keep warm air around you better than a quilt, which acts like a leaky bellows each time you move.
Now there may be something to be said for the Thermarest system where quilt and pad are designed as a system...

[icefest]

I think (s)he might be MIA...

Last edited by icefest on Sat 14 Sep, 2013 9:08 pm, edited 1 time in total.

[icefest]

Removed post - accidental double post.

[wayno]

get a bag that will be the right temp for aus and wear extra clothes in your bag if you need more warmth in NZ>... bring an insulated jacket and long johns for that purpose...

[wayno]

otherwise you might want to consider two bags if your budget will stretch to it . having a warm bag is one thing having a bag thats way too warm is another..

[ryantmalone]

I think the MArmot heliums and plasa series are ralted pretty highly, go to Campsaver or REI and read the reviews. thats my best advice

+1 for Marmot.

I own a Helium, and have used it in anywhere from high 30 degrees, down to -4, and its a very versatile bag, very comfortable, and very cheap if you order it from the states.

Only problem is that it is not waterproof, however unless you're going to be regularly trekking out in sub zero temps, you should be fine.

It's the best bag that I've ever owned to be quite frank.

[KANANGRABOYD]

I think the MArmot heliums and plasa series are ralted pretty highly, go to Campsaver or REI and read the reviews. thats my best advice

+1 for Marmot.

I own a Helium, and have used it in anywhere from high 30 degrees, down to -4, and its a very versatile bag, very comfortable, and very cheap if you order it from the states.

Only problem is that it is not waterproof, however unless you're going to be regularly trekking out in sub zero temps, you should be fine.

It's the best bag that I've ever owned to be quite frank.

Honestly-
Plasma and Helium are just "standard" high end bags.
Using same materials and fill as most other high end manufacturers, albeit Marmot now seem to think they can charge a premium for these products.
Their "old Skool" - CWM and similar bags at the time were excellent as were their clothing and tents.
Now unfortunately they have gone like Macpac and TNF et al - lower quality, more products, nothing exceptional
Just so you "know" - I love Macpac gear - I should by all rights be an ambassadoor as I promote, rave, use and collect their gear more than most - probably before Cam was even out of diapers!.
But..... Unless you get it for cheap - Larry Adler sell their stuff for way over retail.
Good, not great.
Not anywhere near the quality of Arcteryx. or STS or Mont.

[KANANGRABOYD]

I think the MArmot heliums and plasa series are ralted pretty highly, go to Campsaver or REI and read the reviews. thats my best advice

+1 for Marmot.

I own a Helium, and have used it in anywhere from high 30 degrees, down to -4, and its a very versatile bag, very comfortable, and very cheap if you order it from the states.

Only problem is that it is not waterproof, however unless you're going to be regularly trekking out in sub zero temps, you should be fine.

It's the best bag that I've ever owned to be quite frank.

Honestly-
Plasma and Helium are just "standard" high end bags.
Using same materials and fill as most other high end manufacturers, albeit Marmot now seem to think they can charge a premium for these products.
Their "old Skool" - CWM and similar bags at the time were excellent as were their clothing and tents.
Now unfortunately they have gone like Macpac and TNF et al - lower quality, more products, nothing exceptional
Just so you "know" - I love Macpac gear - I should by all rights be an ambassadoor as I promote, rave, use and collect their gear more than most - probably before Cam was even out of diapers!.
But..... Unless you get it for cheap - Larry Adler sell their stuff for way over retail.
Good, not great.
Not anywhere near the quality of Arcteryx. or STS or Mont.

[wayno]

I know there are some people who immediately think a "QUILT" - is some kind of specialist, UL gear, however seriously consider this- and REALLY consider this:
When you sleep in a tapered Rec bag or Mummy et al - ANY of the down you are laying on is doing ABSOLUTELY NOTHING to keep you warm.
You may think that the only members here that use a quilt are us UL'ers - but not so.
A quilt is EXCELLENT - for a number of reasons ( read on!)
- lighter
-cheaper
- warmer
- more versatile - as it can be used as a bag or open like a quilt.
I would seriously do some research online around the various forums and ask the question about bag or quilt.
I think you will be pleasantly surprised that quilts come out best for most applications.
I have slept outdoors in temps approaching -60c and that was with my girlfriend at the time - we slept with one bag ( A Canadian brand called "woods" - 15kg plus heavy bag with down but cotton and polyester), and we used one bag under us opened up ( thermarests and Caribou skins below), and then the other bag opened up and used as a Doona/Duvet etc.
I think you will be pleasantly surprised at how good quilts are - and there are plenty of cottage manufacturers that are making EXCELLENT QUALITY quilts for a more than reasonable price.
Get in your bag you have now - and then think of all that goodness that is being crushed and wasted - why are you paying for that?
As far as Aussie makers go - Mont and One planet and the newcomer Sea to Summit are the top 3 IMHO - STS being my preferred choice.

[wayno]

I know there are some people who immediately think a "QUILT" - is some kind of specialist, UL gear, however seriously consider this- and REALLY consider this:
When you sleep in a tapered Rec bag or Mummy et al - ANY of the down you are laying on is doing ABSOLUTELY NOTHING to keep you warm.
You may think that the only members here that use a quilt are us UL'ers - but not so.
A quilt is EXCELLENT - for a number of reasons ( read on!)
- lighter
-cheaper
- warmer
- more versatile - as it can be used as a bag or open like a quilt.
I would seriously do some research online around the various forums and ask the question about bag or quilt.
I think you will be pleasantly surprised that quilts come out best for most applications.
I have slept outdoors in temps approaching -60c and that was with my girlfriend at the time - we slept with one bag ( A Canadian brand called "woods" - 15kg plus heavy bag with down but cotton and polyester), and we used one bag under us opened up ( thermarests and Caribou skins below), and then the other bag opened up and used as a Doona/Duvet etc.
I think you will be pleasantly surprised at how good quilts are - and there are plenty of cottage manufacturers that are making EXCELLENT QUALITY quilts for a more than reasonable price.
Get in your bag you have now - and then think of all that goodness that is being crushed and wasted - why are you paying for that?
As far as Aussie makers go - Mont and One planet and the newcomer Sea to Summit are the top 3 IMHO - STS being my preferred choice.

bags are a bit better for keeping the wind out if youre out in the open or under a tarp in high winds... my sound obvious but worth saying you need to use more care with a quilt in bad weather to maintain warmth as well as you can in a bag...

[KANANGRABOYD]

I know there are some people who immediately think a "QUILT" - is some kind of specialist, UL gear, however seriously consider this- and REALLY consider this:
When you sleep in a tapered Rec bag or Mummy et al - ANY of the down you are laying on is doing ABSOLUTELY NOTHING to keep you warm.
You may think that the only members here that use a quilt are us UL'ers - but not so.
A quilt is EXCELLENT - for a number of reasons ( read on!)
- lighter
-cheaper
- warmer
- more versatile - as it can be used as a bag or open like a quilt.
I would seriously do some research online around the various forums and ask the question about bag or quilt.
I think you will be pleasantly surprised that quilts come out best for most applications.
I have slept outdoors in temps approaching -60c and that was with my girlfriend at the time - we slept with one bag ( A Canadian brand called "woods" - 15kg plus heavy bag with down but cotton and polyester), and we used one bag under us opened up ( thermarests and Caribou skins below), and then the other bag opened up and used as a Doona/Duvet etc.
I think you will be pleasantly surprised at how good quilts are - and there are plenty of cottage manufacturers that are making EXCELLENT QUALITY quilts for a more than reasonable price.
Get in your bag you have now - and then think of all that goodness that is being crushed and wasted - why are you paying for that?
As far as Aussie makers go - Mont and One planet and the newcomer Sea to Summit are the top 3 IMHO - STS being my preferred choice.

bags are a bit better for keeping the wind out if youre out in the open or under a tarp in high winds... my sound obvious but worth saying you need to use more care with a quilt in bad weather to maintain warmth as well as you can in a bag...

Wayno,
Totally agree with you!,
Quilts require more" mid-night" maintenance, however I have found over the years that if you set up the straps ( i'm talking cold nights now!) - then you should be OK.
I roll around like a Chico Roll in a vat of boiling oil at night, but having used and owned a number of quilts - from Katabatic, Nemo, Enlightened Equipment, JRB, Stateless Society and DIY, quilts on the whole provide for a lighter, usually warmer and more versatile product.
Wayno - yeah bags are DEFINITELY better at keeping wind out in the situations you mentioned, but my contributing argument is that people who haven't even thought of or even know about quilts should look into them.

[ryantmalone]

Plasma and Helium are just "standard" high end bags.
Using same materials and fill as most other high end manufacturers, albeit Marmot now seem to think they can charge a premium for these products.

The price all depends on where you get it from. My Helium cost me around $250 USD, and an equivalent bag here would set you back aground $700 AUD.

As for the fill, from memory, pretty sure its Polish goose down. May be wrong on the region, but I know that what Marmot use to fill their warmer bags is generally very good stuff. Couldn't really care if other manufacturers are using it or not, the bottom line is that in sub zero temps, it keeps me very warm, which is the base requirement that most people need.

If the OP was telling me that he was planning on doing a ton of winter trekking, heading to Everest, etc, then I'd suggest a high end bag. The Marmot Helium is perfect for most people.

[Strider]

There is a good video on the Marmot website about the down they use.

[iGBH]

Continuous baffles in a bag are a great way to extend its range and in fact means that a negative that is pointed out above re sleeping bags (ie sleeping on down adding no warmth) is actually a positive of this design. With my Feathered Friends Snowbunting which has continuous baffles i can adjust the fill so that i have as much or as little of it above me as i need for the conditions. Hence i can be comfortable down to -12c with all the down up top, or I can move it below me so its much more comfortable in warm weather.

[McWade]

Hi all, came across this whilst looking for recommendations for exactly the same purpose and am resurrecting it just to correct something for any future readers.

Ive used -5 bags over here in perth on the bib track in winter and have literally sweltered the whole night. (what the lowest it gets to here 5 degrees if lucky sometime -2 in pemberton etc.

I use a +10 bag on the Bib track and have had some very cold nights, but I am happy to sleep in clothing and and always make sure I have enough for a comfy sleep. It gets colder here in the winter months than most people realise and it is common for people walking here to underestimate, resulting in poor sleep and ruining their walking. This winter has been typical and there were 11 nights sub 5 degreees in July in Perth metro. It is routinely a couple of degrees lower (around zero) on the Darling Scarp and even lower and more frequently in the southern forrests. So if you're a cold sleeper and walking in SW WA in the middle of winter I'd consider a 0 or +5 bag at most unless you are willing to don a lot of clothing.

I'm leaning towards a Marmot Helium (or something a bit + of it), with the hope of using it in a Fiordland summer and here in SW WA winter. Now for a tent. I've been using a Tarptent Notch here and love it but want something that can take some high winds. I'd love an Hilleberg Akto but am thinking a Tarptent Sacrp for the room and the double vestibule/entry and the extra dollars in the pocket.

[wayno]

it can snow in fiordland summers.

[McWade]

Wayno, what are you getting at with the snow comment?

My plan is to do the Routeburn, stay in town a night then the Kepler. The aim is to spend time there, not to make "good time" so I won't be skipping camp sites (huts where there is no camping). I plan on doing a bit more but that is the main aim. Sleep system: merino longs, hoodie, Marmot Helium bag and Down jacket if need be. The Scarp in its full pole configuration from what I've seen can handle a fair snow load. Do you think this setup is sufficient if the wind and or snow happens to get up in the summer?

[wayno]

ah the helium, minus 9 degrees rating, shouldnt be a problem for cold, it will be on the hot side

[wayno]

the campsites on those tracks are sheltered to varying degrees, and some of the the huts have double glazing and are well insulated and hold some warmth, plus buckets of people in the bunk rooms, i use a plus 6 bag on those tracks in the huts no probs...

[wayno]

te anau in january,,, just another balmy summers day...

Attachments

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[McWade]

Nice. Can't wait!

[Nuts]

Haha, aaassssshurst where art thou?

Anyhow, yer Marmot make very nice bags. Their lightweight range are luxury. Helium is nice but would recommend the Pinnacle for their relative ratings. Spent a few winters in WA and either bag would be overkill (for me) Arroyo probably, Arroyo + clothes in NZ. ( I use the Atom in Tas summer + clothes)

Have fun.

http://marmot.com/catalog/sleeping-bags/117

[McWade]

Yeah Nuts the Helium and Pinnacle would be overkill in WA winter for sure. But, I already have bags for WA winters which are summer bags but I can get away with them with clothes on even the coldest nights. I don't have a 3 season + bag at all and will need one. Guess I'm not really looking for one bag to do it all, but something versatile. Don't want to go overboard but want something that I might get occasional use of here (mid winter Stirling range for example) plus future trips to colder places. I'll consider the Arroyo but given what I currently have not sure if that extends capabilities quite enough.

The Pinnacle and Helium share the same rating, don't they? Wondering why it is you're recommending the Pinnacle. Perhaps I've misunderstood.

Something else I've thought about is that I'm a cold sleeper as it is and will be heading to NZ whilst acclimatized to a WA summer, where the min temps will be close to, and sometimes exceed, the max temps in Fiordland. I've been caught out like this before, but much worse, going from Summer here to winter in the Dolomites - a rude shock indeed!!