I want a new sleeping bag

[Mick_Marsh]

One that will be bearable in sub zero (-7ish) temperatures.

Educate me on sleeping bags.
What I have looked at so far:
Coleman Birdsville C5 Sleeping Bag - Rays Outdoors (http://www.raysoutdoors.com.au/online-store/products/Coleman-Birdsville-C5-Sleeping-Bag.aspx?pid=355342&menuFrom=1021940#Recommendations)
Coleman Birdsville C0 Sleeping Bag - Rays Outdoors (http://www.raysoutdoors.com.au/online-store/products/Coleman-Birdsville-C0-Sleeping-Bag.aspx?pid=355343&menuFrom=1021940#Recommendations)
Coleman Big Game C-10 Sleeping Bag - Rays Outdoors (http://www.raysoutdoors.com.au/online-store/products/Coleman-Big-Game-C-10-Sleeping-Bag.aspx?pid=355345&menuFrom=1021940#Recommendations)
Coleman Birdsville C-5 Sleeping Bag - Rays Outdoors (http://www.raysoutdoors.com.au/online-store/products/Coleman-Birdsville-C-5-Sleeping-Bag.aspx?pid=355344&menuFrom=1021940#Recommendations)

[Pateyw]

Try exped WB 800 sleeping bags from bogong

[Homestar]

Trying to avoid frostbite this year at Wombat Mick? :D

[p38arover]

Make sure the zip is on the correct side. For example, I get into bed on the right side and lay on my left side. However, my sleeping bag has its zip on the left so I have to get in, zip up, and then try to roll over to my left side. No, I can't turn the bag over, it's got a hood.

[87County]

Mick, I don't know if you have a need/desire to have the option of zipping two together, but if you do, take a look at the latest ARB effort. The zips are on opp sides.

These ARB ones would probably very good as a single as well.

(I've still got my ADF one from the days when they issued a really good item made by some Kiwi outfit.)

[RVR110]

I have one of these. It is by far the warmest sleeping bag I've ever had. It's very wide though, which is a minor issue in the Maggiolina. It will get worse when my wife gets hers in a couple of weeks. I use a different sleeping bag in summer...

OZtrail Cotton Canvas Sleeping Bag (http://oztrail.com.au/product-range/furniture-bedding/sleeping-bags/cotton-canvas-12c-sleeping-bag-by-oztrail)

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2015/05/518.jpg

[Mick_Marsh]

Trying to avoid frostbite this year at Wombat Mick? :D
It was the frozen socks that did it.

[Mick_Marsh]

Make sure the zip is on the correct side. For example, I get into bed on the right side and lay on my left side. However, my sleeping bag has its zip on the left so I have to get in, zip up, and then try to roll over to my left side. No, I can't turn the bag over, it's got a hood.
That would work for me. The hood covers the face.
I'm after two, hoodless, zip together.
I like a roomy bed.

[pop058]

Nan & I got 2 from BCF awhile ago. Minus 5 jobbies that are L&R so they do zip together.

[MrLandy]

Try exped WB 800 sleeping bags from bogong

Like pateyw says, an 800gram+ Down bag is the way to go. So much warmer than synthetic/cotton. Packs smaller too. Check out the Mont bags at Bogong (Flinders Lane city) as well. High quality down will cost more but worth it in the long run, especially at -7

[LandyAndy]

Take Miss Ditsy along and stuff her in the bag.Should help keep you warm when she isnt scratching and biting:):):):):):):)
ENJOY
Andrew

[Mick_Marsh]

Take Miss Ditsy along and stuff her in the bag.Should help keep you warm when she isnt scratching and biting:):):):):):):)
ENJOY
Andrew
"Princess Ditsy"
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2015/05/515.jpg (http://s1074.photobucket.com/user/mick_marsh_AULRO/media/Misc/DSC_0017.jpg.html)

She don't do camping.

[Carzee]

I looked around and discovered flannel interiors are back after -I don't know- decades.

Coleman - Sleeping Bag Pilbara C-3 - Sleeping Bag Pilbara C-3 (http://www.colemanaustralia.com.au/product/sleeping-bag-pilbara-c-3/1217207?contextCategory=0403#.VVsnD7kwjaQ)

Nylon - that swishy noise
Flannel - snuggy

Cotton flannel may not last as long as nylon.. no probs, if it lasts 3 years I'd be very happy and buy another. :)

[LandyAndy]

"Princess Ditsy"
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2015/05/515.jpg (http://s1074.photobucket.com/user/mick_marsh_AULRO/media/Misc/DSC_0017.jpg.html)

She don't do camping.

I have shown the thread to Deb.She says that cat would need a coffee machine to go camping:cool:
:cool::cool::cool::cool:
Andrew

[landy]

I've got two bags I use for work. I've got a Snugpac Softy 12. It's quite old now (19 years) but packs really small. Good in cold weather down to -9*c but I have felt a little chilly on the odd cold night on Salisbury Plain UK. Fine for Australia though. Good points. Warm, packs small, light. Bad points. A bit snug, can feel a bit clostrophobic.
My second bag is also a Snugpac. I think it's called the Extream. It's not the Softy range but it's a great bag. I've never had a cold night in it. It's well cut so it's a little bigger than the Softy. Good points, Warm, a lot more room. Bad points. Bulky.

[Mick_Marsh]

I have shown the thread to Deb.She says that cat would need a coffee machine to go camping:cool:
:cool::cool::cool::cool:
Andrew
Perhaps I should buy a D4.

[Mick_Marsh]

I've got two bags I use for work. I've got a Snugpac Softy 12. It's quite old now (19 years) but packs really small. Good in cold weather down to -9*c but I have felt a little chilly on the odd cold night on Salisbury Plain UK. Fine for Australia though. Good points. Warm, packs small, light. Bad points. A bit snug, can feel a bit clostrophobic.
My second bag is also a Snugpac. I think it's called the Extream. It's not the Softy range but it's a great bag. I've never had a cold night in it. It's well cut so it's a little bigger than the Softy. Good points, Warm, a lot more room. Bad points. Bulky.
For me, the bad points are good for me.
I don't care about what size it packs down to. It will be sitting on the inner spring mattress in the camper.

[landy]

For me, the bad points are good for me.
I don't care about what size it packs down to. It will be sitting on the inner spring mattress in the camper.

Can I ask why you don't use a doona in the camper? We have a doona in ours and it's like home from home.

[Mick_Marsh]

Can I ask why you don't use a doona in the camper? We have a doona in ours and it's like home from home.
I have.
On top of two blankets and a sleeping bag.

[protonpills]

The recommendation of looking at bogong.com.au is a good one. They sell quality gear and i should know as im a camping gear tragic. Most of my camping gear i use is of the lightweight hiking variety. Great when hiking but also has the added benefit of keeping weight and load space needed down when four wheel driving. Or you can just take more water/fuel/luxuries etc

For what its worth you may want to look at a duck/goose down sleeping bag. They will be half the weight and size of an equivalent synthetic bag.

I can 2nd the Mont zodiac bags recommendation , there are 3 models
Zodiac 350 rated to 5C
Zodiac 500 rated to 0C
Zodiac 750 rated to -5C

I have a 500 model and have used it to -5C sleeping out in the open just on a stretcher.
They have continuous baffles so you can shift down from the top layer to underneath you if its too hot or from underneath to the top layer to make it warmer. In doing so enables you to use the bag in a wider range temperatures

Sent from my SM-T210 using AULRO mobile app

[Mick_Marsh]

They will be half the weight and size
Doesn't concern me.
It's in the camper with the inner spring mattress.


They have continuous baffles so you can shift down from the top layer to underneath you if its too hot or from underneath to the top layer to make it warmer. In doing so enables you to use the bag in a wider range temperatures
Again, doesn't concern me. If I'm too warm, I'll just use the sheets, blankets and doona.

[protonpills]

You're welcome....

Sent from my GT-I9195T using AULRO mobile app

[MrLandy]

You don't need a sleeping bag mate, you need an electric blanket to go with your doona. Sweet dreams

[Crocodile Dundee]

I bought a Snugpak Special Forces Sleeping Bag it is the Warmest Bag l have ever used and the other most positive it has a zip down the middle
One that will be bearable in sub zero (-7ish) temperatures.

Educate me on sleeping bags.
What I have looked at so far:
Coleman Birdsville C5 Sleeping Bag - Rays Outdoors (http://www.raysoutdoors.com.au/online-store/products/Coleman-Birdsville-C5-Sleeping-Bag.aspx?pid=355342&menuFrom=1021940#Recommendations)
Coleman Birdsville C0 Sleeping Bag - Rays Outdoors (http://www.raysoutdoors.com.au/online-store/products/Coleman-Birdsville-C0-Sleeping-Bag.aspx?pid=355343&menuFrom=1021940#Recommendations)
Coleman Big Game C-10 Sleeping Bag - Rays Outdoors (http://www.raysoutdoors.com.au/online-store/products/Coleman-Big-Game-C-10-Sleeping-Bag.aspx?pid=355345&menuFrom=1021940#Recommendations)
Coleman Birdsville C-5 Sleeping Bag - Rays Outdoors (http://www.raysoutdoors.com.au/online-store/products/Coleman-Birdsville-C-5-Sleeping-Bag.aspx?pid=355344&menuFrom=1021940#Recommendations)

[SimonM]

If you want a sleeping bag I would get one that can be unzipped and used like a doona, for the camper trailer. Once you compress the insulation of your sleeping bag, whether it is synthetic or goose/duck down, it provides little insulation from underneath, your mattress does this job. If you want more warmth underneath I would place another form of insulation like rubber or high density foam under your mattress. It's surprising how much heat you can lose through having poor insulation underneath you.

As for down vs synthetic, if you compare apples with apples a good quality synthetic bag will be just as warm as an equivalent down bag, and synthetic will be much cheaper. Synthetic will just be bulkier and heavier for equivalent warmth.

[Mick_Marsh]

From what I've been reading, it is recommended to but some sort of barrier between the mattress and base so I'll pick up a few sheets of PVC nitrile closed cell sheet to put under the mattress.

[Avion8]

Has anyone tried one of these: Thermolite Reactor EXTREME Sleeping Liner. It is supposed to offer a +14 Deg C rating to a sleeping bag & can be used on it's own during the warmer months. I just ordered one as I have been very cold in my -5 Deg C sleeping bag on a 0 Deg C night?

[SimonM]

Has anyone tried one of these: Thermolite Reactor EXTREME Sleeping Liner. It is supposed to offer a +14 Deg C rating to a sleeping bag & can be used on it's own during the warmer months. I just ordered one as I have been very cold in my -5 Deg C sleeping bag on a 0 Deg C night?

I haven't used one but the reviews are mixed to say the least. I personally doubt it would give you an extra 14deg C.

[protonpills]

I had one and I'd say it adds about 1/3 of what it claims. Plus I found the color seemed to run and stain your bag.

Personally I think the best option is to buy a moderately warm bag and then buy a lightweight quilt you can throw over your sleeping bag when the temp is below your sleeping bags rating. And you can always use the quilt in warm/moderate temps on its own.

I've been looking at Mountain Equipment Trekker Quilt to do just that when my 0C rated bag is just not quite warm enough.

Also wearing thermal top and bottoms can extend the limits you can use your bag. I recommend the Icebreaker brand.

Best sites to see reviews on camping gear are REI.com and Moosejaw.com

Sent from my GT-I9195T using AULRO mobile app

[Avion8]

Thanks but I'm trying get as light as possible for the walk in camping - no problem in the Land Rovers, I can carry quilts, blankets, firewood & lots of clothing. I will let you know next year if it works.

[rocket scientist]

I have had a Kathmandu Pacesetter sleeping bag for years and have camped many times in the snow, and stayed warm.
The big difference though was the exped downmat. :)
No matter how good your bag is, the cold still comes up from the ground.
Like some of the others have said, the Snugpak would be hard to beat.

Pete.

[Fluids]

We purchased 2x new Black Wolf Tuff All Season Jumbo bags about 1yr ago.
Tuff All Season | BlackWolf (http://www.blackwolf.com.au/product/Tuff-All-Season/202/category/25)

Wanted to replace our 20+yr old Great Outdoors bags that have served us well but were starting to get a bit "used". The Tuff bags are -5 rated. We went with Jumbo bags as we're "portley" sized folk and like some extra space. The Tuff bags are a dual topped summer/winter construction that works well. Now we have the kamper instead of using the Oztent & air mattress we use one opened out as a doona over the top of us ... when it's get colder we put the second one opened out under us ... and when it's really cold we zip them up and use as a proper sleeping bag each. Works very well. The bags winter section is flannel lined and very cozy, they have draught flaps, neck draw stings, and the hoods can be zipped off .... not cheap, but good quality stuff never is.