Bag Choice

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Escape Goat
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Bag Choice

Post by Escape Goat »

Hey all,

first post, ever! I tried using the search bar, but it didn't work / show anything. Any advise for a small sleeping bag for a cold 6ft1 sleeper, approx 2-300 quid? preferably treated down ... been looking at Criterion Quantum 350, says -6 temp, but I'm unsure if this is the comfort zone or the tipping point... I used a 2 degree one last month, we woke up to no frost at the camp site, though frost further afield. Must have got to about 0 and I was cold from 5am to 7am. Looking for something that can do most seasons along with the Trans Cambrian Way, West Highland Way / Great Glen Way.

Thanks :-bd
ianfitz
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Re: Bag Choice

Post by ianfitz »

I've not used that bag but have seen (and used) several of their other products - they are good :-bd

I use a 300g fill quilt and a 350g (total weight) summer haglofs synthetic bag for freezing conditions. I'm a cold sleeper too and have used that set up down to -8 ish

Having two separate items is more adaptable, I'll use the synthetic in the height of summer, or in france/spain, the quilt for spring-autumn.

I'm sure that bag will be warm but may be too warm for quite a lot of the year.
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ianfitz
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Re: Bag Choice

Post by ianfitz »

Oh, and welcome :-bd
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JohnClimber
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Re: Bag Choice

Post by JohnClimber »

Hi Allen,
Please can the rest of you help him as he's only got my brain washing to go with at the moment.
Please let him know what's out there that you would use in his situation.
Thanks
JC
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Escape Goat
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Re: Bag Choice

Post by Escape Goat »

Thanks very much indeed - I ran out and got this https://www.gooutdoors.co.uk/oex-fathom ... ag-p429373 for last months bivvy as my old one took up my entire rear bag. JC has helped massively already. Would a 0 degree one be more suitable with a quilt ? https://www.criterion-sleepingbags.co.u ... eping-bag/ I love being outdoors,

I found this too

Mountain Equipment Classic 500

https://www.facewest.co.uk/Mountain-Equ ... c-500.html

I just want to be nice and warm :)
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Bearbonesnorm
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Re: Bag Choice

Post by Bearbonesnorm »

Might be a bit too warm for year round use but as a cold sleeper ... https://rockrun.com/collections/sleepin ... -600-large

Should be about bang on for most of the year ... https://rockrun.com/collections/sleepin ... nyam-450-l

Borderline for year round but with an additional jacket ... https://rockrun.com/collections/sleepin ... e-line-400

All have decent quality down which should last forever if cared for / stored well. Proper baffles and the top 2 are XL versions for a bit 'o length. You'd really not go wrong with any, it's simply a matter of balancing budget / weight / warmth.

EDIT:
I just want to be nice and warm :)
Top one then :wink:
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whitestone
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Re: Bag Choice

Post by whitestone »

The Quantum 350 is -6C "comfort", there's a table on this page https://backcountry.scot/product/criter ... antum-350/

I'm with Ian on this, but I'm a warm sleeper, two items will be more versatile than a single "warm" one. I use a Cumulus 150 quilt and a PHD Minim 200 sleeping bag, either on their own is fine to 5C and together they are fine, for me, to -6C (+/- 1C). Total weight and packed volume is very similar to a bag/quilt rated to around that temp.

There's other factors in how warm you'll feel on any given night: locale - by water will be colder for example; how well fed you are; how tired you are.
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Escape Goat
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Re: Bag Choice

Post by Escape Goat »

Bearbonesnorm wrote:
EDIT:
I just want to be nice and warm :)
Top one then :wink:
Heh, thanks for all the input. Seams a reasonable size, and could be the one! Out of curiosity, seams similar to this https://goo.gl/Xnjrg3 - I'm not 100% sure what one to get, but I've put some extra pressure on myself as I'd like to play out this weekend.

Is this one a bit rubbish? https://goo.gl/Us9fTG
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Bearbonesnorm
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Re: Bag Choice

Post by Bearbonesnorm »

Heh, thanks for all the input. Seams a reasonable size, and could be the one! Out of curiosity, seams similar to this https://goo.gl/Xnjrg3 - I'm not 100% sure what one to get, but I've put some extra pressure on myself as I'd like to play out this weekend.
Top one I linked to is rated as a warmer bag as it has over 200g more down ... it's cheaper too.
Is this one a bit rubbish?
No not rubbish but it 'only' has 500g of lower quality down and a heavier shell material, so it'll bag bigger and won't be as warm for the weight.
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Escape Goat
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Re: Bag Choice

Post by Escape Goat »

Ah thanks for that. I appreciate you all taking the time out of your evening to help a noob.
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Escape Goat
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Re: Bag Choice

Post by Escape Goat »

ianfitz wrote:Oh, and welcome :-bd
Thanks very much :) I didn't have my specs on and didn't see that properly! I've only done one jaunt out, but loved it.
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Re: Bag Choice

Post by AlasdairMc »

I have a Quantum 350 and it’ll be my bag of choice for the winter bivi next weekend. It’s a really nice piece of kit, big enough for me at 6ft. It’s genuinely warm enough for most winter use - I’m yet to be cold in it - but it seems considerably lighter than most other comparable bags.

I took it around the HT550 in summer a few years back and was slightly too warm a couple of nights but other than that it’s been ideal.
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Escape Goat
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Re: Bag Choice

Post by Escape Goat »

Hi

I'm really drawn to that due to the pack size. When did you do the ht550? Just to gauge temperatures etc.

I also love the look of the Cumulus which may win.

Many thanks!
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JohnClimber
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Re: Bag Choice

Post by JohnClimber »

Escape Goat wrote:Hi

I'm really drawn to that due to the pack size. When did you do the ht550? Just to gauge temperatures etc.

I also love the look of the Cumulus which may win.

Many thanks!
May
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Escape Goat
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Re: Bag Choice

Post by Escape Goat »

Bearbonesnorm wrote:
Should be about bang on for most of the year ... https://rockrun.com/collections/sleepin ... nyam-450-l

)
Top one then :wink:[/quote]


I'm going to go for the regular length one (middle one the 450) little less space to warm up, if I use the ladies comfort of 0% - I could hopefully use this year round, and if it gets colder than -7, down pants, jacket and hat!

Thank you so much! :-bd
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whitestone
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Re: Bag Choice

Post by whitestone »

Although the ratings are referred to as being standard woman (comfort) and man (limit), it's better to think of them being for cold and warm sleepers respectfully. Then adjust for your personal quirks :wink: Also remember that the ratings are for when wearing a base layer, I think the test uses a track suit or a shell suit rather than thermals, obviously the latter will be slightly warmer :grin:
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