I'm looking for a central zip seeping bag (yes that old chestnut) and I'd like some advice. I'll get straight to the point, I don't want to spend more than £150ish and it needs to be a proper 4 season bag. I have had both the british army Arctic bag and a Woodlore golden eagle in the past so I know their pros and cons. I was looking at the Carinthia defence 4 but the face holes seems tiny to me, not sure I'd get on with that. If anyone has any sugestions (oh other than snugpak) I'd appreciate your input.
Sleeping bag advice
- Thread starter Inky
- Start date
I've got a buffalo system which I've had for about twenty five years which still gives great service. I'm not sure how these perform in a hammock but there's no down to compress.
Ive had snugpak bags for years as well and I get on well with them. I bought an elite 4 this year which I'm happy with. All,within your price range.
Ive had snugpak bags for years as well and I get on well with them. I bought an elite 4 this year which I'm happy with. All,within your price range.
I'd like a sleeping bag so that I can use it on the ground as well. Can anyone tell me something about the Carinthia 4 sizing? I'm 5.9" but I like a bit of room and always found the medium army Arctic bag a shade too small. The C4 seems to come in two lengths too, are they similar in size to the old Arctic bag?
The Defence 4 200 is 230cm long IIRC - it is for 200cm tall users. I am 6'5'' with a 48-50'' chest and the Defence 4 200/Tropen 200 combo is the first bag I have been comfortable in for years! There is also plenty of width so I don't have to sleep like I am in swaddling. I tend to not use the hood on the Defence 4 fastened around the head unless it's really cold, and they are warm bags.
Sure, well I liked the Golden eagle, and in some ways regret selling it on but there were a few things a didn't like (I'd be interested to know if any of these have been sorted now they have changed manufactures). First, the material was not great and it soon scuffed up where the Velcro touched it making look worn quickly. Secondly, I found that with the internal baffle (unecessary imo) and the way the hood was constructed, if you sinched everything up you had a several pieces of shock cord and numerous toggles in your face. There were other things, like the internal pockets were cheap and small from memory, and the stuff sack was total rubbish. It was very nice and warm though and a decent size too. In the end I just thought the British army Arctic bag was just as warm, bit heavier, but a lot less bother.
I have the standard length def 4, 180 long. I'm 5'8 and on the chunky side, I have loads of room to spare.
It's lighter, compresses better and is as warm, if not warmer. It 'feels' like it's not as warm initially as the upper part is much lighter so doesn't give you that enclosed feeling.
I've slept in mine in -5 in Wales in a hammock, no problem
There will be one up for sale later once I sort my membership out
It's lighter, compresses better and is as warm, if not warmer. It 'feels' like it's not as warm initially as the upper part is much lighter so doesn't give you that enclosed feeling.
I've slept in mine in -5 in Wales in a hammock, no problem
There will be one up for sale later once I sort my membership out
Well I'm glad you said all that because I've just ordered one in that size. Sounds like we are a similar build so I'm hoping ally well. What did you mean by the upper part is much lighter ? (Than the longer version?? Surly not). Anyway, size wise it sounds good and that's my main worry at the mo.
Top quilt/bag, and a good mat. I've been seriously looking at the ones on backpackinglightuk. As heat seems to rise, and insulation compresses it does seem like the way to go.
