SnugPak bags

[Scrimmy]

I'm after a lighter/ small packed bag, as i have my dads ex marines down bag, which is huge, its great for winter camps but fills alot of space in my rucksack when i'm off hiking, just looking for a lighter bag, seen the SnugPak bags like the look and quality of the Harrier, Osprey, hawk and Special Forces bags, anyone have any and whata re they like? Cheers Cain

 

[John Fenna]

I like Snugpak - I have found all their gear good quality, reasonable pack sizes and a fair price,though some folk find their temp ratings a bit hopeful. Personally I sleep warm and find their ratings spot on.

 

[andy_e]

The SF1 is a nice little bag, packs down pretty small too, taking up about half a PLCE side pouch. The ratings are a little on the optimistic side for some, but more or less right for me.

 

[gbjim03m]

i have the thicker of the two special forces bags (softie 10) and its a fantastic bag, doesnt take up the room that the issue down bag does which i also have, you cant go wrong with snugpak bags, just add a couple of degrees to the ratings as mentioned there not spot on but not far off either!!

Enjoy!!

 

[scanker]

Well, just to put the cat amongst the pigeons, I don't get on with Snugpak bags at all. Woefully optimistic temperature ratings (you need to add more like 5-10°C IMO) and fiddly, catchy zips. Obviously they suit some people, and I'm not disputing their experience, but this is mine. I still have a Snugpak Chrysalis Micro which I use in high summer, as it's very small and light. That's supposed to have a comfort rating of 0°C though IIRC.

 

[robadams]

I've been using snugpack for years and really like them. I started off with one of their first bags in the late 80's (Softie 9 I think) and have used and abused the 6,9,10 and 12 range of bags.
Currently have a 6, 10 and a pair of 12's. The 10 is getting on a bit now, did Bosnia tour a few years ago and started the summer with my old 9. as the weather got colder I bought a 10 and combined the 2 for a winter bag. The coldest night we had was about -27 and the bags worked fine in a canvas command post tent with nothing but a Tilley lamp for light and heat. I was on a US cot with a thermarest and in a bivvi bag but the temp was well below 0 on a regular basis. If you have the money then a 6 and a 9 or 10 are the solution for a very versatile system indeed. They come up fairly narrow but I find that it makes the bags warmer, it is possible to buy an extra section for the larger frame.
They were not too expensive as I recall and took a lot of abuse but as has been said, temp rating can be a little optimistic for some people although I have never had a problem.
My better half and I bought the 12's for normal holidays a few years ago and they are still going strong. We store them loose when not in use to protect the loft of the filling. I find the 12 too warm and usually revert to my old 10 which is fine for all but winter camping, I have a RAB down bag for that.
Not sure how much they cost these days but hundreds of squaddies can't be wrong!

 

[gbjim03m]

I've been using snugpack for years and really like them. I started off with one of their first bags in the late 80's (Softie 9 I think) and have used and abused the 6,9,10 and 12 range of bags.
Currently have a 6, 10 and a pair of 12's. The 10 is getting on a bit now, did Bosnia tour a few years ago and started the summer with my old 9. as the weather got colder I bought a 10 and combined the 2 for a winter bag. The coldest night we had was about -27 and the bags worked fine in a canvas command post tent with nothing but a Tilley lamp for light and heat. I was on a US cot with a thermarest and in a bivvi bag but the temp was well below 0 on a regular basis. If you have the money then a 6 and a 9 or 10 are the solution for a very versatile system indeed. They come up fairly narrow but I find that it makes the bags warmer, it is possible to buy an extra section for the larger frame.
They were not too expensive as I recall and took a lot of abuse but as has been said, temp rating can be a little optimistic for some people although I have never had a problem.
My better half and I bought the 12's for normal holidays a few years ago and they are still going strong. We store them loose when not in use to protect the loft of the filling. I find the 12 too warm and usually revert to my old 10 which is fine for all but winter camping, I have a RAB down bag for that.
Not sure how much they cost these days but hundreds of squaddies can't be wrong!

I agree, with all the above, the missus was complaining about being cold in about -2 but i let her use my softie specials forces and that was that, she just wants a pink one now :twak: Been using them since ive been in the forces and will never change!

Jim

 

[fishy1]

I have a softie snugpac something or other in green, a three season bag. It's alright I suppose, never been cold in it, never been too warm either. However I doubt it will see much more use as I have a mountain equipment snowline which is about the same weight and far better in terms of comfort.

 

[Jedadiah]

I've not had any problems with temp ratings, i used to use a No 7 (Merlin i think). The fact that i 'Used to use' it is because i found it a little constrictive. I've got a 44" chest and quite broad shoulders, not excessivly so, but i found i felt quite claustraphobic in it. I understand that a bag should be reasonably close fitting, but i had to ditch mine. I'm using a Nanok -10 (Synthetic) for cold weather and a Fjallraven Distance P5 (Down) for warmer weather and a combination of the two for Welsh weather! Other than that, i have no issues with Snugpak gear.

 

[John Fenna]

For us "generously built" types Snugpak do a zip in width expanding pannel.....

 

[Matt.S]

I've got one of their 'Navigator' budget-line bags. Don't get it unless you're going somewhere quite warm. Spent a month in it in a tent last summer. With a wool blanket and clothes, it was barely adequate. SWMBO offloaded hers on eBay. Sensible girl. Got a PLCE one for Christmas. Bigger, but much better.