Full Zip or No Zip?

[Chew]

I've been on the lookout for a winter bag for a while, and now the PHD sale is on.

The question is to go for a full zip or not?

A full zip will probably give me more temperature options, but with the added weight it defeats the object of getting a PHD bag.

Anyone using one of these bags not miss having a zip?

[Bearbonesnorm]

Will they not do you a half zip? I find it more than enough for venting and makes getting in and out much easier than no zip.

[Chew]

mmm...i though half a zip would be the worst of both.

Its very rare my current bag is unzipped, but if it is its usually just an inch at the bottom for a bit of venting.

How long is the half zip?

[Bearbonesnorm]

How long is the half zip?

On my Force 10 bag it goes down to just above waist height.

[psling]

Apparantly these are going to be available in UK in the new year: https://www.sierradesigns.com/product/b ... 0-3-season.
No idea how effective they may be but it's always good to see new ideas being developed; looks interesting to me.

[Richpips]

I had a no zip bag, and couldn't get on with it.

I now have a 1/2 zip bag which is a reasonable compromise.

[Mark E]

I guess it comes down to personal preference, I have 2 zip less bags and for me, the weight saving more than offsets the lack of ventilation. If you have a lighter weight bag already, does this lessen the need for a zip as you won't be using the bag over such a wide range of temperatures?

[ScotRoutes]

For me, the zip is less to do with ventilation and more to do with access, comfort and flexibility.

[Taylor]

No zip.

Get a quilt.

[Zippy]

I have one with about 1/3rd zip, the other one I then decided that no zip will do fine as plenty of access with the PhD cut. Happy with both, but should really sell one of them as they're both the same comfort rating!

[Chew]

No zip.

Get a quilt.

Yes i keep hovering over a quilt. An Enlightened one looks to be the same price once you add in shipping and duty

[FLV]

Chew.

You are welcome to borrow for a short time or just have a half hour in the living room my PhD minim no zip, or my uk hammocks quilt to try out.

I could drop off Friday for either, but would need to collect the quilt Sunday as I want to use it midweek next week. No such rush on the bag

I also have a PhD diamir 500 if you wanted a go with that, though it is 10 years old.

I've used the minim a lot, being a broader chap, it's quite restrictive when in there with a jacket on, but I think you would have a little more room than me.

Drop me a text if you want any, I'd need to know Thursday (or earlier if you wanted to come down to glossop)

[Mart]

For me it depends on how warm the bag is and the conditions you want to use it. I have a super warm Mountain equipment, which I use when in Scottish Winters
You can use ut when less warm, but then thats where the zip comes in handy. For thay reason I go full zip, to get maximum flexibility out the bag in defferent conditions

The answer may depend on what other sleeping bags you have and do they cross over in temperature ranges?
As someone who has 2 bags (Winter and Summer) I could be tempted with a 3 season to go inbetween