Bag & Mat

[Kepis]

After a very uncomfortable night last night at a local woodland campsite (used a tent 'cos i was with nephew, would normally use my hammock), i have discovered that my once trusty sleeping bag and mat are beyond their best, can any recommend a 3-4 season bag (not expensive preferably) and a cheapish and comfortable inftatable sleeping mat (it has to comfortable because i suffer from back problems), i suppose i managed about 2 hours sleep at best last night because the mat i was using, although it was good once has now lost it's lump and bump absorbing properties.

Advice on bivi bags would also be appreciated

 

[arctic hobo]

I'll not answer the sleeping bag question because I think everyone on here is very much aware of my feelings in that area but for sleeping mats I'd really recommend the Airic from Alpkit. I just bought one, cost me 15 quid, free delivery, very prompt, came with a panorama poster of the Highlands, very comfy, neat bag, packs small, how much more do I need to say to conince you? One very happy customer

 

[Kepis]

I'll not answer the sleeping bag question because I think everyone on here is very much aware of my feelings in that area but for sleeping mats I'd really recommend the Airic from Alpkit. I just bought one, cost me 15 quid, free delivery, very prompt, came with a panorama poster of the Highlands, very comfy, neat bag, packs small, how much more do I need to say to conince you? One very happy customer

Take it you got the mini then?, would it be comfortable for a lardy like me though 6ft & 14.5 Stone

 

[Ogri the trog]

Maver,
Why not turn the situation on its head, and buy a hammock for your nephew!

Ogri the trog

 

[arctic hobo]

Take it you got the mini then?, would it be comfortable for a lardy like me though 6ft & 14.5 Stone

I'm 6' too, and although it's not full length, it doesn't need to be - it covers all of me down to my knees

 

[mal]

Hello Arctic Hobo Is it a natural colors or is it another bright orange thing like the thermarest

 

[j.roberts7]

yep go to www.strikeforcesupplies.com
he has a highlander compact mat which packs up small for £25 new and another £25 should get you a decent 4 season bag of which he also has a couple of think he has a tracpac 4 and some military issue gulf type bags which should be good down to about -0 which is good for uk use

 

[arctic hobo]

Hello Arctic Hobo Is it a natural colors or is it another bright orange thing like the thermarest

Mine's dark grey/blue. They call it "Atlantic Drift". There is also a red one

 

[Kepis]

Maver,
Why not turn the situation on its head, and buy a hammock for your nephew!

Ogri the trog

He has my old one, i kinda out grew it (ate too many pies ), although he likes sitting/lying in it he's not happy to sleep out overnight in at the moment, told him it would be the best nights sleep he ever had, but he prefers the tent at the moment so someone is right next to him, hence why i need a new bag and mat, 'cos mine are knackered.

I just need to build his confidence up, once that's done i don't think sleeping in a hammock will be a problem, he's just not happy doing it at the moment, would rather proceed at his speed and build his confidence up rather than force it on him and chase him away from the wonders of the outdoors, gotta remember wednesday night was the first time he has ever slept outside, now he keeps badgering me to go again, which we will, just not sure when because of work commitments, three different countries and two different continents in the next three weeks

 

[Kepis]

On my quest for a replacement sleeping bag, i have come across the following, both snugpak, would these be any good for general UK use

http://www.johnbullclothing.com/products.asp?ID=625

http://www.johnbullclothing.com/products.asp?ID=624

At the moment im drawn towards the Sleeper Lite +2 as it has a smaller pack size (not by much though) details as below:

WEIGHT: 1600 grams

PACK SIZE: 23 x 23 cm

TEMP: comfort 10°c to 0°c, low -7°c

I would use it with a sleeping mat (thanks for the heads up artic hobo, mini on the way) and a bivi bag.

Thanks for the info as well j.roberts7, i have emailed them and asked for dimensions of the bag, as i a largish chap, very broad shoulders

 

[Ogri the trog]

He has my old one, i kinda out grew it (ate too many pies ), although he likes sitting/lying in it he's not happy to sleep out overnight in at the moment, told him it would be the best nights sleep he ever had, but he prefers the tent at the moment so someone is right next to him, hence why i need a new bag and mat, 'cos mine are knackered.

I just need to build his confidence up, once that's done i don't think sleeping in a hammock will be a problem, he's just not happy doing it at the moment, would rather proceed at his speed and build his confidence up rather than force it on him and chase him away from the wonders of the outdoors, gotta remember wednesday night was the first time he has ever slept outside, now he keeps badgering me to go again, which we will, just not sure when because of work commitments, three different countries and two different continents in the next three weeks

An admirable quest Maver, especially if you end up suffering from the cold, hard floor. I've yet to undergo the full hammock experience, and, like you I need a heavy duty one - I'm nearly half your weight again Steel mesh, wire cable and a pair of mighty oaks spring to mind but my kids are as keen as mustard!

Are you off anywhere good, we're off to the Far East and Australia in five days and I'm trying not to get excited yet But if my work was paying for the trip I'd be over the moon.

Take it easy

Ogri the trog

 

[j.roberts7]

glad to be of help

 

[Kirruth]

now he keeps badgering me to go again, which we will, just not sure when because of work commitments, three different countries and two different continents in the next three weeks

But, of course, being outdoors with your nephew is what life is all about.

 

[Kepis]

I cant wait to get out again, but with work trips to Sweden (will see if i can find a nice Gansfors axe in Stockholm), then Finland the week after, then South Africa, you can see why it's difficult to fix a date to go out again with nipper, still as you say Kirruth life is all about being outdoors