I am currently after a male sleeping bag for the English summer, 3 season. Please could someone recommend one for me. I’d like it to cover a long summer, so would like it to cover end of summer temperatures also. I will be leading in the Lakes so my priority is to have a light and compact sleeping bag. My aim is to make my kit smaller so that i can quite comfortably fit all my kit into a 65l. So, small, warm and effective. As of yet when visiting outdoor shops, every shop has given me different suggestions.
Sleeping bags are a very personal purchase so it would not be appropriat to recommend a particular brand or type. What would suit me would not necessarily suit you.
The two main choices are down and man-made fibre.
The advantages of down are that it is light, very warm and packs small. The disadvantages are that it is not easy to wash and is useless if it gets wet.
Man-made fibre bags are cheaper, still provide some insulation when wet, dry out quickly, can be washed and do not leak filling through small tears.
I always used a man-made fibre bag until I was forced, by circumstances, to use a down bag. I now prefer a down bag but also use a waterproof "bivvy-bag" to ensure that it doesn’t get wet.
For your requirements you would probably be better with a down bag. Make sure it is the right length, if it is too long your feet will be cold and you will be carrying extra, useless, weight. Check the proportion of down to feathers, the more down the better (and more expensive) the bag will be.
A shoulder baffle makes the bag much "snugger" by stopping warm air from escaping. The zip should also be covered by an insulating baffle and an insulated hood should be regarded as a MUST. If you are too hot you can always leave the hood down but it also makes a good pillow if stuffed with a fleece.
Get a tapering, "mummy" bag. They are warmer and lighter. A bag liner will stop your bag from getting soiled and will keep it warmer. A breathable, waterproof, "bivvy bag" will make your bag even more effective and will allow you to sleep without a tent when the weather permits.
Get a "good" make like Rab, North Face, Caravan, Mountain Equipment or an "own-brand" bag made for a reputable retailer like The Cotswold Shop or Black’s.
The bag should be covered with a strong, light breathable and wicking material, like Pertex or whatever the modern equivalent is. The lining will be more pleasant if it has a natural "feel".
Armed with the above tips, you should be able to pick yourself a good bag that will last for years.
Happy trails.
Sleeping bags are a very personal purchase so it would not be appropriat to recommend a particular brand or type. What would suit me would not necessarily suit you.
The two main choices are down and man-made fibre.
The advantages of down are that it is light, very warm and packs small. The disadvantages are that it is not easy to wash and is useless if it gets wet.
Man-made fibre bags are cheaper, still provide some insulation when wet, dry out quickly, can be washed and do not leak filling through small tears.
I always used a man-made fibre bag until I was forced, by circumstances, to use a down bag. I now prefer a down bag but also use a waterproof "bivvy-bag" to ensure that it doesn’t get wet.
For your requirements you would probably be better with a down bag. Make sure it is the right length, if it is too long your feet will be cold and you will be carrying extra, useless, weight. Check the proportion of down to feathers, the more down the better (and more expensive) the bag will be.
A shoulder baffle makes the bag much "snugger" by stopping warm air from escaping. The zip should also be covered by an insulating baffle and an insulated hood should be regarded as a MUST. If you are too hot you can always leave the hood down but it also makes a good pillow if stuffed with a fleece.
Get a tapering, "mummy" bag. They are warmer and lighter. A bag liner will stop your bag from getting soiled and will keep it warmer. A breathable, waterproof, "bivvy bag" will make your bag even more effective and will allow you to sleep without a tent when the weather permits.
Get a "good" make like Rab, North Face, Caravan, Mountain Equipment or an "own-brand" bag made for a reputable retailer like The Cotswold Shop or Black’s.
The bag should be covered with a strong, light breathable and wicking material, like Pertex or whatever the modern equivalent is. The lining will be more pleasant if it has a natural "feel".
Armed with the above tips, you should be able to pick yourself a good bag that will last for years.
Happy trails.
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A lifetime of camping and walking.