UL Sleeping Bag Recommendation

[Orion]

The most efficient way is to have a sleeping bag or quilt that is the right temperature rating for the conditions. Clothing is heavier so it only makes sense to use that in your sleeping system if you're going to be using it outside your bag as well. In fact, one approach is to use your efficient sleeping bag as a jacket in camp. It's a little clunky but it can work as long as you aren't planning on walking around a lot in it.

Likewise with doubling up bags or quilts. It's heavier because of all of the shell fabric and the less efficient trapping of air. I've used two sleeping bags on a few occasions to increase the warmth but the reason I did it was cost. I didn't have the right bag for those trips and didn't want to buy another one.

[wayno]

dont fancy wrestling with a sleeping bag moving around in camp preparing food or around any fire.... if the grounds wet and any of it ends up on the ground......

[Picaro]

I just got an email on this one. I'm not in the market for a bag at the moment, so I haven't really looked closely. It looks like it might be worth consideration.http://www.wildearth.com.au/buy/sea-to- ... 1-r180l-ud

[edzknows]

I just got an email on this one. I'm not in the market for a bag at the moment, so I haven't really looked closely. It looks like it might be worth consideration.http://www.wildearth.com.au/buy/sea-to- ... 1-r180l-ud

Wow that bag looks pretty nice, Extremely light anyway!
I wish the zipper was 2/3 or full length instead of 1/3 length. I get hot easily so it would be annoying not being able to vent it effectively.

[Moondog55]

And the short zip is exactly why I'm looking at them We are all different but these look quite interesting, I would prefer a chest centre zip tho

[Joomy]

This flows on from the other thread but I am really not sure why these Spark bags are getting so much attention. Sure they are (finally) using the latest materials but cottage manufacturers have been making comparable products for years.

[wayno]

some brands get the attention because they are more readily available in shops and or they market themselves more than cottage gear makers.
when outsideonline magazine do their gear reviews theres a lot of flack posted online in the comments that they only focus on certain big brands including the ones that advertise with them and they avoid smaller brands of equal or better quality

[Moondog55]

Mainly because I can feel it and "try it on" before I buy, this is hard to do when buying online
Go-Lite changed from a short centre zip to full length side zips so they are out which leaves Nunatak I guess

[wayno]

yeah but listening to what people say here and elsewhre, the service with the cottage industry manufacturers is usually good , part of the reason they have loyal folowers, they usually have a good returns policy, the staff usually answer your questions about fit and help you work out your size....

[forest]

yeah but listening to what people say here and elsewhre, the service with the cottage industry manufacturers is usually good , part of the reason they have loyal folowers, they usually have a good returns policy, the staff usually answer your questions about fit and help you work out your size....

That's the whole point for me. All my cottage gear is in some way custom. Great friendly people to deal with using the latest / lightest fabric etc.
It's really nice to be able to tweak your gear to suit what you want with the cottage industry, even if it's just a simple change.
All my bags / quilts now are cottage manufactured.

[Strider]

Cottage manufacturers will usually customise for you as well. E.g. zip length, fill weight, etc

[wayno]

what sort of wait times for gear do you experience from teh various cottage companies?

[icefest]

what sort of wait times for gear do you experience from teh various cottage companies?

I just ordered a Bearpawdesigns inner and it is shipping now after less than 2 weeks of ordering. I'll tell you when my zpacks pack arrives.
Most sites tell you their waiting times.
Longest in NH spring; shortest in NH fall.

[Jag]

Why not a light bag -I use Vango about 550 grams & very compact with a sea 2 summit thermal liner. Or a light bag plus the new Sol emergency bivvy. The sol can be put in a daypack if venturing away from camp & used as is if caught out.
I

[wayno]

yeah the thread started out talking about bags, then drifted into a discussion about quilts as an alternative option...
i think aussies are more into considering alternative gear options than kiwis... i cant think of coming across anyone using a quilt in nz., i only heard about them first through this forum.. dont see many tarps or middens or shelters either....

[jickham]

Anyone had any experience with Feathered Friends sleeping bags? I'm looking for UL Sleeping Bag down to 0 degrees, but am just so overwhelmed with the choice!

[iGBH]

Anyone had any experience with Feathered Friends sleeping bags? I'm looking for UL Sleeping Bag down to 0 degrees, but am just so overwhelmed with the choice!

I've got a FF Snowbunting. Have nothing but good things to say about it. Quality, performance and service has all been top notch.

Its a very versatile bag given continuous baffles so i could use it across a wide range of temperatures. Having said that, i've only used it in the snow as thats what i got it for. Have other bags for warmer weather.

As far as sizing goes, I'm 183cm and 80kg with reasonably broad shoulders. I was a little concerned getting the regular length and width but that proved to be unfounded and it is a very efficient cut for me.

If you want a quality bag and don't mind paying for it then FF is definitely up there with the better options.

[South_Aussie_Hiker]

Oops, replied in wrong thread.

[wayno]

get a balaclava have uninterupted coverage over your head and neck

[Mountain Rocket]

Anyone had any experience with Feathered Friends sleeping bags? I'm looking for UL Sleeping Bag down to 0 degrees, but am just so overwhelmed with the choice!

I have bought two of their bags - the UL Spoonbill and my partner has a Petrel. Customer service was some of the best I have ever had including before and after purchase. Both bags are extremely well made (I have way too much time up my sleeve sometimes and have inspected every stitch on both bags).

Would certainly recommend them.

[zodiac87]

Considering grabbing a 20 degree Zpack sleeping back for a new setup. Weight is awesome and the price isn't too bad at $400. Searched around here for comments and their seems to be mixed comments, can't find anyone who has actually stress tested it in cold scenarios. Anyone have any sort of review/recommendation for an alternative? Needs to be ok up to -5 at least.

[DannyS]

Considering grabbing a 20 degree Zpack sleeping back for a new setup. Weight is awesome and the price isn't too bad at $400. Searched around here for comments and their seems to be mixed comments, can't find anyone who has actually stress tested it in cold scenarios. Anyone have any sort of review/recommendation for an alternative? Needs to be ok up to -5 at least.

Obviously there are a lot of variables, I went for the warmer 10F bag and haven't looked back, it's been excellent. But I sleep cold which is why I went for the warmer bag, also means I don't need to stress the extra clothing for my sleep system. I should add that I doubt that I could get this bag to it's predicted temperature limit. You should know that the temps given are for extreme limit of comfort while still being a little cold, this was stated by Joe.

[Strider]

You should know that the temps given are for extreme limit of comfort while still being a little cold, this was stated by Joe.

This is interesting considering EE quilts give a rating that roughly equivalent to Comfort and contain similar amounts of down (from memory).

[zodiac87]

it. You should know that the temps given are for extreme limit of comfort while still being a little cold, this was stated by Joe.

This seems a bit off. I would expect the bag to be rated at comfort level initially with lower limit and extreme rated also. On closer look it seems Zpack has some issues with stitching. Back to the drawing board.

[DannyS]

it. You should know that the temps given are for extreme limit of comfort while still being a little cold, this was stated by Joe.

This seems a bit off. I would expect the bag to be rated at comfort level initially with lower limit and extreme rated also. On closer look it seems Zpack has some issues with stitching. Back to the drawing board.

If you know how you sleep, cold/warm/hot, and you know roughly what the bag is accurately rated to and which temp limit you want to work with(comfort, limit of comfort), you can make an informed decision. I think the Zpacks bags are excellent and I've had no problems with quality, I would buy another one without question. But if you are looking for a comfort rating and not limit of comfort you may need to add 5-6C to the rating?

[ErichFromm]

I got a Katabatic Gear Palisade quilt a few months ago. Highly recommend it. Very light (actually feels like it might float if you threw it in the air). Had it out on a very cold night near Mt Hotham and the only part of me that was cold was where it had slipped from beneath me (I was lazy and hadn't done up and of the straps or tied it to my mat). Compresses really small too and the quality of stitching is noticeably high.

It also makes more sense for sleeping - I hate traditional bags where you spend the night trying to find where the hood has disappeared to...

[Giddy_up]

I have tried a few light weight bags now with varying degrees of success. I now have a Montbell UL Super Spiral Down Hugger #3 and its awesome.

[zodiac87]

Ended up with a 20F quilt from EE.

[ErichFromm]

Ended up with a 20F quilt from EE.

Let us know what you think when you get it (I know it will be a while before it gets here). I bought an EE (30F) for a friend for Christmas and i wasn't overly impressed - seems a little unstuffed and i don't like the non-overlapping stitching which seems to allow gaps in the down. It hasn't been used as yet so maybe it's all cosmetic, and perhaps your more stuffed version will be different.

Reviews are generally positive about EE so keen to see what someone else thinks.....

[Strider]

By "non-overlapping stitching" I assume you mean the Karo step baffles? How well did you research this quilt prior to purchase? This is quite a specialised piece of gear - not a Macpac special by any means.

I wouldn't be concerned about the lack of fill, Tim's quilts are.well known for being conservatively rated.