I'm looking for a recommendation on a lightweight, very packable sleeping bag for using in the Scottish highlands from spring to autumn use. I like the look of the down quilts but am not sure they would be ideal on their own so would need to be paired up with a sleeping bag. I'm thinking about hydrophobic down but again, am not sure how durable this is.
What do you use or you can recommend?
I don't think Down will be suitable for that. Even the hydrophobic stuff still gets wet - and the coating doesn't last forever either. Once wet through, it doesn't provide any real insulation which is a concern for Scotland/3 season use.
Some of the synthetic downs are pretty good, not quite as good as real-Down in terms of weight/pack size and insulation BUT they do work when sopping wet.
What sort of budget are you working with?
My bags are either from Snugpak or Deuter. Both make excellent quality gear in my experience. Bonus that some of the Snugpak bags (the better ones usually) are UK made too
I have a Rab 3 season Ignition synthetic fill sleeping bag already, its a few years old not so the insulation is not as good as it once was. This is about 1.25kg but is quite bulky when packed IMO. The other bag I have is an ultralight OMM bag that is only usable in the summer or if you only like intermittent sleep.
I think less than £150 is my budget but might increase this a bit if there is something worthy of the investment.
I assume you have a tent? So you dont need hydrophobic down. Im not sure whats available <150, staet looking at sales.
I have a ME down thing thats light, packs tiny and is good for 3 seaaons. But theyre quite pricey at RRP
I have tent, in fact I have three and a bivvy bag 🙂
Essentially I want a new sleeping bag / quilt that is the best compromise between price, packing size and warmth.
I'm tempted to buy a down quilt anyway and keep it for car camping and occasional bike packing trip.
I'll check out the ME ones.
Too early to comment but I picked up an Enlightened Equipment quilt and it's very nice. Cumulus get talked about quite often. I think @scotroutes might have some comments on Quilts.
My use case is similar to yours, Scottish Highlands.
I don't think Down will be suitable for that. Even the hydrophobic stuff still gets wet - and the coating doesn't last forever either. Once wet through, it doesn't provide any real insulation which is a concern for Scotland/3 season use
I've used down bags for decades in Scotland, most of my mates do the same and I don't know anyone who's had an issue. Provided you have a decent tent/other shelter and take care in packing it there's no reason why down wouldn't be suitable.
Yes, synthetic is better when wet but the bag shouldn't be getting wet.
I agree Down is great as long as you keep it dry. That's the crux for me though and not something that can be 100% guaranteed every single time. It was just my opinion that somewhere like the Scottish Highlands wasn't the best venue for an insulator that's sensitive to water.
I think I am being a little risk-adverse though, on reflection.
I think that if you get to a point where the warmth difference between wet synthetic and wet down becomes relevant then you've already messed up pretty badly, will be in for an unpleasant night regardless of bag choice and probably heading straight home in the morning!
Great. This is like a 3D version of Pick a side, be a dick
Down vs synthetic: I've used both, extensively. Forever concerned about getting the bag wet I bought a couple of ME Lamina bags to cover all 4 seasons. They work well, are pretty light and compact for what they are. Being synthetic I'm also less worried about them getting manky if I've been bikepacking, knowing they're relatively simple to wash. That meant I had two lovely down bags hanging in a cupboard being "kept for best". Eventually I decided that was pointless and switched back to down, just being careful to keep them dry. For cleanliness I opted for a liner bag but found that a pain in the arse when trying to get out and into the sleeping bag in the middle of the night. Lightweight PJs are much better - silk works well. My lighter weight down bag is a ME Phantom 0/32.
Bag vs quilt: After being persuaded by other folk's chat, I bought a Cumulus 250 down quilt. It's supposedly 3-season but, in the Scottish Highlands, needs a bit of a boost from other clothing to really achieve that. Better for the warmer months though. It's certainly lightweight and compact. I do miss not having a bit more coverage, especially around the head and neck (though I rarely use the hood on my sleeping bags) and it can get draughty when turning over in the middle of the night. This can be partially resolved by using the cords to keep it onto the sleeping mat, or almost completely resolved by using a bivvy bag instead of a tent.
I don't know if any of that helps in the decision making process though.
I never understood why people think a quilt is better than a sleeping bag with the zip open.
Down is fine if you're in a tent and take care with it.
I never understood why people think a quilt is better than a sleeping bag with the zip open.
They're lighter because they use less material and they work better than an open sleeping bag because they're designed to be used that way.
I am another one who went from a liner to cosy long arm and leg PJ's and does not have an issue with stinky bag.
I also use down, and never had an issue. I do use the spray on DWR on mine, and this has kept damp out a few times on stormy nights as the tent moves. I find that drying and hanging is more important that 'keeping it dry'. Heck, I just washed four down duvet jackets at home this last weekend and they all came out as good as new.
I also think that the extra penalty of a bag is worth it for warmth and flexibility. I have a lovely Sierra Designs Zissou sleeping bag - unusual design of twin zips and a foot hole, as well as being broad in the beam (as I am). I have never slept so well, and realise that for many years as a 6' 13-14 stone 'beefcake' i was squeezing into slim and short sleeping bags.
"I don't think Down will be suitable for that ... Once wet through, it doesn't provide any real insulation"
How do ducks manage?
A fully envelopping bag is warmer than a quilt weight for weight so a bag for me.
I use a 650gm sythetic bag in Summer usually fully clothed. When it's cold (frosts are common in Spring and Autumn) a synthetic that is warm enough is just too heavy and bulky for walking or even bike packing so down it is. Rab and Pyrénnex; not cheap but light, pack small and cosy. Fully clothed and wearing a down jacket I'm reasonably comfortable in Winter.
Madame has a four-seasons down Rab - very cosy but half fills a 45l rucksac. We have a quality synthetic bag which is similar weight and volume but despite claims to be minus something it simply isn't warm - just good enough in the house.
I have one of these, really like it, they do a 4seaspn too. Pack size is small.
https://otimos.co.uk/product/otimos-ultra-lightweight-camping-quilt/
Cheers @robfury, I've bought one. It looks ideal and is a British company which is always nice.
I don't think Down will be suitable for that. Even the hydrophobic stuff still gets wet - and the coating doesn't last forever either. Once wet through, it doesn't provide any real insulation which is a concern for Scotland/3 season use.
Some of the synthetic downs are pretty good, not quite as good as real-Down in terms of weight/pack size and insulation BUT they do work when sopping wet.
What sort of budget are you working with?
My bags are either from Snugpak or Deuter. Both make excellent quality gear in my experience. Bonus that some of the Snugpak bags (the better ones usually) are UK made too