Hi everyone, I may have left it a bit late in the year but I am looking to go out bike touring. Hopefully sometime in September. I'm slowly putting together all the gear I need, including panniers and some clothing.
However, I feel I may have a case of analysis paralysis when it comes to picking a sleeping bag. Ideally, I would have one sleeping bag that covers the vast majority of the year in Ireland probably likes the western half of the UK. It doesn't really get that cold. The majority of the year, freezing temperatures wouldn't occur that much. Well, that's what the data from Met Eireann says anyway.
For example, here is some of the data from a weather station near where I plan to go on my first adventure.
Met Eireann monthly weather data
So taking that into account and presuming I avoid the coldest months would I be able to get away with a three season bag?
I have read here that one user claims he has the Snugpack special forces 1 along with the bivy bag plus a base layer down to temperatures near freezing without being uncomfortable, and of the whole system was fairly light at just over 1.1 kg or thereabouts.
There are also bags by Carinthia that I could consider although they are at significantly more expensive compared to the bags by Snugpack and they are also heavier. I don't mind spending a bit of money if it means I can get good sleep plus I hate today's throwaway culture so want to get an item that will last even if I end up selling it on to someone else if I don't like it.
I am a side sleeper so would appreciate a bag where I can lie on my side and be comfortable.
Since I am here also. Would I be able to get some advice on a sleeping mat. I have a UL 80 air mattress which the manufacturers claim has an R value of 1.6 (I'm sceptical of this claim). I'm thinking maybe I can combine it with a foam mat and it will be good enough for my intended use. I could also send it back to Amazon and get something else. If you have any suggestions?
However, I feel I may have a case of analysis paralysis when it comes to picking a sleeping bag. Ideally, I would have one sleeping bag that covers the vast majority of the year in Ireland probably likes the western half of the UK. It doesn't really get that cold. The majority of the year, freezing temperatures wouldn't occur that much. Well, that's what the data from Met Eireann says anyway.
For example, here is some of the data from a weather station near where I plan to go on my first adventure.
Met Eireann monthly weather data
![MARKREE_TEMP.png](https://www.met.ie/weathermaps/monthly_climate/MARKREE_TEMP.png)
So taking that into account and presuming I avoid the coldest months would I be able to get away with a three season bag?
I have read here that one user claims he has the Snugpack special forces 1 along with the bivy bag plus a base layer down to temperatures near freezing without being uncomfortable, and of the whole system was fairly light at just over 1.1 kg or thereabouts.
There are also bags by Carinthia that I could consider although they are at significantly more expensive compared to the bags by Snugpack and they are also heavier. I don't mind spending a bit of money if it means I can get good sleep plus I hate today's throwaway culture so want to get an item that will last even if I end up selling it on to someone else if I don't like it.
I am a side sleeper so would appreciate a bag where I can lie on my side and be comfortable.
Since I am here also. Would I be able to get some advice on a sleeping mat. I have a UL 80 air mattress which the manufacturers claim has an R value of 1.6 (I'm sceptical of this claim). I'm thinking maybe I can combine it with a foam mat and it will be good enough for my intended use. I could also send it back to Amazon and get something else. If you have any suggestions?