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  • #1

    Sleeping Bags

    Hi All

    Ok I need to draw on that vast depth of knowledge out there in everyone's heads. In July / August this year, My girlfriend and I are heading off to Iceland for a few weeks to pat some sled dogs and bathe in a few geothermal pools. As it costs well over a gazillion Australian dollars to book even a modest hotel in Iceland, we will be staying in a lot of "sleeping bag" accommodation, where you're given a mattress in out of the cold and you lay out your own sleeping bag on it. This only costs 1/2 a gazillion dollars so it's not so bad...... :?

    The thing is, we'll need to take our sleeping bags with us in our luggage so they can't be too bulky. And we'd also like to use em when we're back in OZ camping up at Mt Augustus or something. In Iceland at that time of year we're told it'll get down around 5 degrees at night, possibly colder but that's the ballpark. So far We've looked at the sleeping bags aimed at people trekking and needing to fit their sleeping bags in their back pack, usually called "trail bags" or something similar. They compress down to the size of a small gas canister I'd say.

    Has anyone here got a sleeping bag of this type? If so, what do you think of it? We're told we'd need to get a trail design sleeping bag rated down to at least zero degrees for the sorts of temps we'll get in Iceland. Apparently, the insulating material inside is of higher quality so can afford to be thinner, allowing the bag to be compressed down to a small size. Anyone in Perth know a good place to get sleeping bags? Beyond Kathmandu, Anaconda, and Ranger camping???
    [b]#[/b] 2007 D4D GX [b]#[/b] Full Privacy Tint [b]#[/b] [color=#FF0000][b] Flinders Red [/b][/color] [b]#[/b] 2 x HID LightForce 240 Blitz [b]#[/b] ARB Winch Bar [b]#[/b] Alloy Rims [b]#[/b] Hilux Washer Jets [b]#[/b] Stebel Nautilus Compact Truck Horn [b]#[/b] ARB Alloy Roof Rack [b]#[/b] ARB Dual Battery System [b]#[/b] Charcoal Rough Country Canvas Seat Covers [b]#[/b] [color=#0000FF]Suspension:[/color]Autocraft Bilstein Shocks/Struts & Ridepro Coils [b]#[/b] [color=#0000FF]L.E.D[/color] Side Marker Lights [b]#[/b] ARB Onboard Air [b]#[/b] Pirelli Scorpion LT ATR 265/70's [b]#[/b][color=#0080FF]--Custom 3"exhaust---[/color]
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  • #2
    Re: Sleeping Bags

    There are the various Camping Worlds stores and Army Surplus places that stock them as well.


    Your biggest decision is shape, tradtional rectangle, Mummy style or a cross over. Most of the light weight small style ones tend to be mummy style. The advantage of the mummy style is the help prevent heat loss however you loose freedom of movement.

    With any of the bags make sure you get one long enough for you, this can be tricker for some of us bigger Australians, I am dreading buying my son his next one, he is 6 foot 5. Other tricks to improve the warmth is a sleep in a good set of thermal underware, also don't get to warm before you jump in (don't stand right next to the fire). You don't want to sweat in the bag as that reduces efficiency.

    I guess the final point is the mattress but you say that the places you are staying have them. It may not hurt to pick up a close cell foam mat (very cheap and light) to give you another layer between you and the ground.

    Have fun

    Neil
    White 2013 GXL 79 series dual cab, ARB GVM Upgrade, ARB Delux winch bar and scrub bars, GME TX3440 and much more to come

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    • #3
      Re: Sleeping Bags

      For the life of me I can't remember what brand we have. They are a "Mummy" style bag and I think you'll find all the high end bags will be.

      My one piece of advice is to get a left and a right bag that can be zipped together into a double bag.


      Mick

      One other thing... make sure they come with a quality stuff sack with at least 3 or 4 compression straps. Nothing worse than a sleeping bag that takes you and hour of frustration to get back into it's bag.
      [CENTER][B][I][SIZE=1][COLOR=blue]1KZ-TE Turbo Diesel, 5 speed manual, 3.5 inch lift, 265/70/17 Mickey Thompson MTZ, D-Tronic chip, Boost controller, mandrel exhaust, dump pipe, modified intake, ARB steel bar, Magnum winch, Safari snorkel, rear drawers, half cargo barrier, dual batteries, Uniden UHF, Sat Nav, reverse camera, Magellan XL , Tjm bash plates, ARB alloy roof rack, rear telescopic work light and numerous other modifications!!!
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      • #4
        Re: Sleeping Bags

        Here's a hint worth remembering.
        It would be a really good idea to take some sort of sheet or cover for the supplied mattress before rolling out your sleeping bag.
        My brother in law runs a backpackers hostel and is forever trying to eradicate the bedbugs from his mattresses which are constantly being re-infested when the backpackers roll out their elsewhere infested sleeping bags on them.
        Might save your sleeping bag and you being infested.
        But then, it may be too cold for bedbugs in Iceland.
        2013 Land Rover Discovery 4 SDV6 SE
        Ex 2008 Toyota Prado 120 VX, D4D
        Ex 1997 Toyota Prado 90 GXL, V6
        Ex 1988 Mitsubishi Pajero V6
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        • #5
          Re: Sleeping Bags

          Get a duck or goose down mummy shaped bag around 1200grams with some sort of waterproof cover. Down is the warmest for its size and weight however if it gets wet it takes ages to dry. I would be sticking to your name brands such as Fairydown or Macpac. Also got a silk bag liner.
          [url=http://www.myswag.org/index.php?topic=12264]My Prado[/url]

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          • #6
            Re: Sleeping Bags

            I'm a massive fan of Macpac and, as said previously, make sure it comes with a good compression bag too.

            Cheers,
            AJ
            [i][size=2][color=#008000]2008 D4D GXL Auto [/color]- [u]BLACK[/u][/size]
            [size=2][color=#0000FF]- ARB Deluxe Bullbar - TJM Airtek Snorkel - Pirhana Dual Battery - BFG A/T's - Waeco 60L - Canvas Seat Covers - LED Spotties - Bilstein/Ridepro Lift - TJM Bashplate - GME TX3440 UHF - Rhino Roof Bars - Rooftop Tent & Awning - Poly-Airbags - ScanGauge II - Beaudesert 2.75" Exhaust - ARB Twin Motor Compressor [/color][/size][/i]

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            • #7
              Re: Sleeping Bags

              Buy the best quality you can. If you are tall and have the time b4 you go, spend the money to have it lengthened, it will make a big differece to the insulating quality of the bag if it isnt being stretched.
              2005 TD GXL Auto

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              • #8
                Re: Sleeping Bags

                The Jan-Mar 2009 Wild Mag had a sleeping bag 'survey' covering both down and synthetic bags.

                My experience says that if you want small, light and warm, you will go for down. The 'down'sides of that are cost and problems if you manage to get them wet.

                Be aware that temperature ratings for bags are all over the place with different standards and hype. Your temperature range would suggest a 3 season or possibly 2 season bag should suit. A 4 season bag is something you might need in winter in Tasmania, and would be overkill at 5 degrees. Looking at the Wild survey, down 3 season bags are generally around 1kg, 2 season usually well less than that. Synthetic 3 season are pushing 1.5kg and 2 season are around the 1kg mark.

                One Planet are an aussie company with very good credentials amongst hikers. Their bags are well regarded in both down and synthetic. I don't have any of their gear but I've heard good things.

                HTH

                Michael
                2008 D4D M6 GXL [MT ATZ-P3][Whitey's Ironman 45710FE/45682FE+KTFR101H/Dob487][extended Roadsafe links][Polyairs][DBA T3/T2][amts diffdrop & recovery points][Tin175's stone guards][Bushskins BashPlate][ARB Sahara][IPF 900s][Snorkel][WindCheetah][MaxTrax][IC-440][Parrot Asteroid][ARB Fridge][Lifestyle 2nd Row Fridge Mount][ARB Compressor][Thumper][SandGrabbers][Cargo Barrier][Tigerz Awning][MCC Rear Bar]

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                • #9
                  Re: Sleeping Bags

                  Whoah! I never stopped to think the backpacker places might be infested with bedbugs! Might just get some sort of protector for any "unshielded" mattresses. :shock: :shock:

                  Ok so thanks for the reply's guys. We were looking into the ones that can be zipped together because it's another option if the temps really do start dropping through the floor. Not likely to happen but you never know. So far, we've come across Blackwolf, Denali, and Oztrail sleeping bags. A guy in Ranger camping showed us an oztrail that looked ok. But I've never had any Oztrail gear so was unsure.

                  Will definitely be getting a sleeping bag liner to go in them. My current sleeping bag could really have done with one. :?

                  Does down only have a limited life? Once the feathers have been stuffed in the bag a few times do they lose some of their insulating properties? Is the down in little pockets, such as in some doonas and quilts? I'm sure I've heard of people needing to rearrange the down in some some sleeping bags when they set up at night.

                  I've always had fairly thick sleeping bags, so these thinner ones will be something new for me. Seems too thin to keep the heat in but I guess the Pro's can't be wrong.

                  Macpac gear always seems to be expensive, I guess because it is an internationally recognised brand. I always wondered if you were really buying good gear or buying the name and marketing hype. Might have to check these out more.

                  The un-standardized temp ratings are a pain and I was immediately suspicious about these ratings. Seems some pretty cheap bags out there able to cope with 5 degrees... apparently....

                  So for something decent.... maybe around $200 - $300 should be a reasonable ballpark figure? I think the Oztrails I looked at were around the $180 mark.... but I'm not sure they were the "mummy" design. I'm looking into it in the next few weeks so I guess I'll be a full bottle soon.... and poorer. Lucky I got in the Bilstein / Ridepro purchase first.......... 8)
                  [b]#[/b] 2007 D4D GX [b]#[/b] Full Privacy Tint [b]#[/b] [color=#FF0000][b] Flinders Red [/b][/color] [b]#[/b] 2 x HID LightForce 240 Blitz [b]#[/b] ARB Winch Bar [b]#[/b] Alloy Rims [b]#[/b] Hilux Washer Jets [b]#[/b] Stebel Nautilus Compact Truck Horn [b]#[/b] ARB Alloy Roof Rack [b]#[/b] ARB Dual Battery System [b]#[/b] Charcoal Rough Country Canvas Seat Covers [b]#[/b] [color=#0000FF]Suspension:[/color]Autocraft Bilstein Shocks/Struts & Ridepro Coils [b]#[/b] [color=#0000FF]L.E.D[/color] Side Marker Lights [b]#[/b] ARB Onboard Air [b]#[/b] Pirelli Scorpion LT ATR 265/70's [b]#[/b][color=#0080FF]--Custom 3"exhaust---[/color]

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                  • #10
                    Re: Sleeping Bags

                    For Iceland bugger the cheap brands go for Macpac (looks like Macpac bought Fairydown). You're looking at $500+ for a good bag. You'll have a down bag for life, just don't leave it stored in the stuff sack when not in use as you'll crush the feathers. Don't bother with a zip together bag either. I have an 1100gram goosedown Fairydown bag with entrant cover. I bought it about 10 years ago, it's been in sub zero temps in Tassie and more recently in the Vic High Country and it's magnificent. I store it in one of those big red/blue/white stripe shopping bags when not travelling. It packs down very small and is normally too hot to sleep in so I use it doona style. Once you've slept in a high quality down bag you can't sleep in anything else.
                    [url=http://www.myswag.org/index.php?topic=12264]My Prado[/url]

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                    • #11
                      Re: Sleeping Bags

                      D4D - I think it was the other way around: Fairydown bought MacPac.

                      IP - Down does pack over time. Better quality down resists this, but costs more. If it becomes a problem you can have them topped up.

                      Wild survey shows MacPac down bags at $500 for 3 season (Latitude 7-- loftpro), $600 for 4 season (Sancturary 700 XP) with One Planet bags in the same ballpark.

                      Synthetic Macpac not in the list, but Fairydown are $130 for 3 season (Milford) and One Planet $170 (Sac 2) One Planet are at Mountain Designs in Perth apparently.

                      Try and get the Wild survey, lots of good info in it.

                      Michael
                      2008 D4D M6 GXL [MT ATZ-P3][Whitey's Ironman 45710FE/45682FE+KTFR101H/Dob487][extended Roadsafe links][Polyairs][DBA T3/T2][amts diffdrop & recovery points][Tin175's stone guards][Bushskins BashPlate][ARB Sahara][IPF 900s][Snorkel][WindCheetah][MaxTrax][IC-440][Parrot Asteroid][ARB Fridge][Lifestyle 2nd Row Fridge Mount][ARB Compressor][Thumper][SandGrabbers][Cargo Barrier][Tigerz Awning][MCC Rear Bar]

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                      • #12
                        Re: Sleeping Bags

                        Ditto D4D's comments, i have had a really good quality down bag for nearly twenty years. i wash it in the bath every now and then with the proper stuff, and it fluffs up really well.

                        As for the compartments in the bag, i think you will only get them in the better quality products. Stuffed if you want cold spots when in Iceland!
                        2005 TD GXL Auto

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                        • #13
                          Re: Sleeping Bags

                          Haven't read the whole post (no time atm sorry) but try two US stores REI and Sports Authority if only for ideas.

                          They're huge compared to anyhting here in aus and often have excellent technical brochures on what to choose for what.

                          Hope this helps.
                          2009 GXL D4D White Auto - ARB Duluxe Bar - Lightforce 240 Blitz spots - Icom IC440 CB - Bilstein shocks, Lovells 1.5" lift H/Duty coils - Polyairs - Tracklander Alloy roof cage and ladder - Maxtrax - rear work lights - PP Rear-door-table - Underfloor water tank - 275/65/17 BFG AT's - Ranox dual battery system - Rear door spacer - Safari snorkel - Steel sliders - ARB front and rear air lockers - ARB CKMTA12 onboard air compressor...

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                          • #14
                            Re: Sleeping Bags

                            I found another good sleeping bag write up in a 2008 issue of "Great Walks" magazine. Aimed at trekkers and the like but that's kinda what we need to fit in our luggage. Was very informative about what features make some bags better than others. Mainly it gets down to things like sealed zips and the ability to draw the bag in around your head to prevent heat loss. $500 - $600 will sadly be out of our price range. There's a few $300 bags that might fit the bill and I'm heading off to Mountain Designs this weekend to check one out. The Mountain Designs website itself also seems to have a good amount of info about what to look for in sleeping bags.

                            I know what you guys are saying about getting a really good quality sleeping bag but we just can't push our holiday finances that far. Iceland is expensive to visit. Before the economic crisis it was almost impossibly expensive to go there and travel. Now it's just expensive, so we're going there while the goings good.... relatively speaking. We don't plan to be camping out in the wilderness, though that would be excellent. Hopefully an upper-middle range bag will do the job for us. Certainly I think it will when we go camping again here in WA. I'm going to look for that Wild Magazine though too and see what that says.
                            [b]#[/b] 2007 D4D GX [b]#[/b] Full Privacy Tint [b]#[/b] [color=#FF0000][b] Flinders Red [/b][/color] [b]#[/b] 2 x HID LightForce 240 Blitz [b]#[/b] ARB Winch Bar [b]#[/b] Alloy Rims [b]#[/b] Hilux Washer Jets [b]#[/b] Stebel Nautilus Compact Truck Horn [b]#[/b] ARB Alloy Roof Rack [b]#[/b] ARB Dual Battery System [b]#[/b] Charcoal Rough Country Canvas Seat Covers [b]#[/b] [color=#0000FF]Suspension:[/color]Autocraft Bilstein Shocks/Struts & Ridepro Coils [b]#[/b] [color=#0000FF]L.E.D[/color] Side Marker Lights [b]#[/b] ARB Onboard Air [b]#[/b] Pirelli Scorpion LT ATR 265/70's [b]#[/b][color=#0080FF]--Custom 3"exhaust---[/color]

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                            • #15
                              Re: Sleeping Bags

                              I grew up in Tassie & spent many night out with friends in minus temps so I can vouch for the macpacs etc...my friends had them, but I didn't!! That is my point: you CAN get by without something that expensive. Buy an extra pair of thermal long johns and you'll do pretty much just as well as having the higher spec bag. Recently I bought bags for the family without any time to save so didn't want to spend much. I went to a few places (Anaconda, Rays, Aussie disposals) and eventually went for some Coleman's at a reasonable price. These were for the campertrailer so aren't going to be used in the open (no windchill). We had some very cold nights at Robe at Easter (prob about 5°) but once we were in the bags we were fine. Just one point: we got bags with drawstrings in the hood and I can't get them to loosen up again. check that before you buy. Otherwise I'm happy.
                              Cheers - Phil Taylor

                              Prado KZJ120 2006 GX 3.0ltr Manual TJM T13 Bar, Airtec Snorkel, Sand/snow mats, cargo barrier, Cruise, Budget Campertrailer, 8x17" steelies w/ 265/70/R17 Mickey Thompson ATZ 4 ribs, Binatone GPS, Other Stuff...

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