Hi, looking for a forum like this but for camping/expedition type discussion. If I google camping forum I get loads of stuff about caravanning and camping, not really what I'm looking for.
Or, can anyone answer this:
I'm looking for a good 4/5 season sleeping bag but in a rectangular shape rather than the usual mummy shape - I know the mummy shape will be more efficient but I can't stand the restrictive straight jacket type fit, don't mind extra bulk and weight as I won't be carrying it. Most rectangular bags are summer or 3 season. Found this: http://www.backcountrygear.com/catalog/bagdetail.cfm/EXP1550 which looks versatile and I like the idea of the arm zips, thought of using it with my rectangular summer bag, but can't find it anywhere in the UK. Any other options?
Thanking you's 🙂
OutdoorsMagic. Loads of reviews, forums, classifieds and the like!
I think Rab will make you a rectangular bag to your spec, you'd have to ask them about price though:
PHDesigns
I also can't stand restrictive sleeping bags.
I've got a Snugpak Softie Autumn Chrysalis (3 season). The sleeping bags in this range are great as they have a baffle zip that can be used to give you extra room. This is the only bag I've used so far that I feel comfortable zipping up, I used to just use sleeping bags like a duvet and never actually get into them 🙂
Are you planning on using it somewhere real cold (i.e. not in UK)?
If not, I wouldn't bother with anything more than a 3 season. i've used my snugpak in scottish winter conditions - it's comfy down to -10, plus you can then 'add' additional warmth by wearing extra layers, using a silk liner or sleeping in a tent 🙂
Is that Exped sleeveless? If so it doesn't seem like it would make a good 4/5 season bag (cold arms!).
Another similar concept is the [url= http://www.singersoutdoors.co.uk/showproduct.asp?id=1065&pgid=0&r=0/0/0/0 ]german army sleeping bag[/url]. Not sure if you can get this with different temp ratings...
Nick
What is the 5th season?
Anyway, you could just get a 4/3 season bag and use a liner. This will add a seasons worth of warmth and save on cleaning
OutdoorsMagic, great thanks.
I like Rab stuff, probably work out expensive but like you say worth asking.
I'll be using it in the Himalayas so could get cold at night, nothing too extreme though - not up the sides of snowy mountains, but will be in tents and I'll have a duvet jacket too. The Exped thing has zip up arm holes - I think the old Buffalo system is the only other bag I've seen with this but saves you having to zip out completely to do anything, but it's a 2/3 season. I have a Vango Ultralite Square which is 2 season so was wondering about using 2 similar bags together to make a more versatile system with the extra space?
5th season 😆 yeah, I think that's extreme cold, artic or altitude conditions ... ? I think we need to have a 6th UK season added - continuous wet and windy !
5th season is Canadark.