I endorse Mike's advice re: a silk inner sheet. If expense is a factor, do
what I have done over the years, buy 4 to 4.5 metres silk lining material
and sew it together yourself.
You can be outrageous and buy bright red or purple!
Also makes it easier turning over within your sleeping bag.
On Wed, Jun 15, 201s - 1 at 12:05 PM, Mark Carter <
> wrote:
> Hi Greg,
>
> I've worked in outdoor sector for many years and used a variety of sleeping
> bags in a variety of climates around the world. I'd suggest that there are
> factors to consider before even thinking about brands or specific products-
> even the 'best' products are useless if they don't match your needs. There
> are a couple of things to be clear about before you go shopping:
>
> What will you be mainly using it in? A swag? A tent? In the open? Indoors/
> in a caravan?
> Where will you be using it? Arid-zone? Tasmania? Himalayas? Kakadu?
> How will you be transporting it? On your back, (ie.trekking)? In the car?
>
> Basically, if your bag is likely to get wet then you should probably steer
> toward synthetic filling which will retain heat when damp. They also resist
> compression (which leads to cold spots in a down bag) when used in a swag.
> The main problem with synthetic bags is that they are significantly heavier
> than down-filled bags of similar warmth ratings. This is only an issue if
> you will be trekking carrying the bags. There are some modern synthetic
> fillings which are lighter but generally they cost a lot.
> If weight is a big issue and you will be using the bag in a tent (so don't
> expect to get wet) then duck or goose down is the best option. If you spend
> a bit extra you can get a bag with a waterproof shell which will help on the
> few occasions you get heavy condensation or a leaky flysheet! Incidentally,
> down bags are hopeless in a traditional swag- the canvas presses on the down
> leaving you with cold spots everywhere!
> The design of bags also varies: mummy-shaped bags with baffles etc. save
> weight but many find them uncomfortably restrictive. Traditional rectangular
> bags are roomy but need more bulk to achieve the same warmth.
> One extra thing I'd strongly recommend getting is a silk sleeping bag
> liner- they save you needing to wash your bag so often, they boost your
> warmth by a few degrees and they can be used on their own on warm nights
> when its too hot for a sleeping bag. They are pricey but last a long time- I
> am onto only my second silk liner in 20 years solid use!
>
> Go to a 'proper' outdoor shop (ie.Snowgum, Mountain Designs, Paddy Palin)
> if you need advice and ask to be served by the person in the shop who knows
> most about sleeping bags. Be alert though- make sure they are listening to
> your needs and not just trying to score a big sale by taking you to the
> priciest product!
>
> Its an unfortunate fact that there is not (in my opinion) one ultimate
> sleeping bag for all situations- regardless of what some retailers may
> claim! I personally own 3 sleeping bags: two expensive down bags for
> trekking, one for summer, one for winter, and a bulky, heavy but cheap
> winter synthetic bag for my swag.
>
> Hope this is useful.
>
> Mark Carter
> Alice Springs
> http:www.desertlife.com.au
> 0447358045
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