snugpak sleeping bag advice needed?

[wardy101]

Hey all. I am after some advice on what snugpak to buy. I will be using the army army issues Arctic bag over winter and its great if a bit bulky but does the job.. but for the rest of the year from march up to October at the latest I was thinking either a bag from the softie or elite range. I mostly will be tarp with bivvi bag but will be hammokin at some point. So if anyone has any advice or experience using snugpak throughout the year it would be appreciated.

 

[The Lord Poncho]

I use a snugpak elite 3 for most of the year (although during the winter months its not really up to the task unless you wear a softie jacket in it and your boots). I find it very light, compact, and the expanding zip panel means you have lots of room - which I like. good price too (although they vary extensively online, so shop around)

 

[widu13]

Softie 9 or 10 is a popular choice for soldiers, but if you have a large chest it may be tight, the elite has a built in expander panel. I have an Elite 5 which is great in winter but not much use the remainder of the year!

 

[copper_head]

Softie 6 Kestrel is a good option for 3 season use. You can buy 'Expanda' panels to make it larger if needed, and unlike the Elite range its UK made.

 

[Chris the Cat]

10 or 12 for me for most of the year.
My Elite 3 if warm in summer
I would rather have the capacity and not need it.
I am a ground dweller most of the time.

Best.

C.

 

[spoony]

elite 3 for me

 

[Shewie]

I had the Elite 4 for a couple of years, really liked it but swapped it for a down alternative.

Great bags if a little bulky and heavy

 

[MikeLA]

I use a Snugpak Merlin for those months (I Think) the modern version is the elite 3. Someone can hopefully verify this for me

 

[wardy101]

From what I have read the merlin has the same rateing as the elite 2. Thanks for all the advise guys Think it will either be the elite 3 or the softie 6 kestrel..

 

[lathe dog]

Have you had a look at the Snugpak special forces system.........2 sleeping bags which can be joined via a zip in baffle (although very,very bulky) or used individually and combine with the SF bivvi bag all with centre zips, which I personally prefer to a side zip bag.

 

[MikeLA]

Have you had a look at the Snugpak special forces system.........2 sleeping bags which can be joined via a zip in baffle (although very,very bulky) or used individually and combine with the SF bivvi bag all with centre zips, which I personally prefer to a side zip bag.

Thats what my merlin is centre zipped from this system bought years ago

 

[lathe dog]

Thats what my merlin is centre zipped from this system bought years ago

Ahh, I wasn't aware that they'd had other names prior to being re-tagged as the SF system.

 

[MikeLA]

To be honest talking 15/20 years ago and bought it from J Bull who used to do spealised kit as well. The names change all the time. Bought that and a another dual system from a norweign company then shortly after the snugpak version came out.

Always get a centre zip IF possible, a hell of a lot easier

 

[HarrogateTobias]

I would say the best bags they make are the tactical series... I sold a few on here and was really impressed by them.

 

[-Zen-]

I use the Softie 3 Merlin and I would thoroughly recommend it for price, comfort and pack size. I'm also pretty sure it's one of the smallest packing 3-season sleeping bags available, if you tighten up the straps it's unbelievable just how small it is.

 

[wardy101]

Thanks for all the help guys...went for the snugpak softie 6 kestrel in the end..."Should" see me through most of the year and then get the Bomb out when it gets really cold. If not I will prob be back on moaning about it
Cheers all