which sleeping bag?

[yer_averagejoe]

I'm walking the west highland way this year and after last years experience doing it, I decided i need a warmer sleeping bag. Last time i used a bag with a comfort rating 6 to 20 (extreme -4) and it weighs about 1kg, pack size is about 20x20cm.

Now, ive been looking around and i've whittled my choices down to two sleeping bags.

One: a down bag, 1.05kg, comfort 0 to 10 (but extreme -18!), pack size is 34x18cm.

http://www.aztecoutdoor.co.uk/sleepingbags/performance/summit/summit500.htm

two: a synthetic sleeping bag, 1.4kg, comfort -5 to 5 (etreme -10) and with a pack size of 19x20cm

http://www.snugpak.com/index.php?MenuID=160-131&ItemID=146

I need your help! which one? I think the synthetic one does have a better temperature rating and a smaller packsize but weighs more. the down bag is a perfect weight but a bigger pack size and perhaps not low enough in the comfort range (although it does have an impressive extreme rating).

any advice/whole other sleeping bag recommendations? I'm looking to spend no more than £70 and these bags are both about £65.

Cheers. Joe

edit: forgot the links!

 

[semi-pro waster]

The synthetic bag would be better if there is any danger of it getting wet, down is fantastic up to the point when it gets wet, after then you might as well forget about it.

However in the event that you do get cold you could always put on extra layers, a fleece or similar is good for that, amongst other things. If you aren't that likely to be getting wet and/or the weight is vital I'd go with the down bag.

 

[p4radox]

Down bags are awesome, but definitely avoid getting them wet. As long as you think you can keep it dry (use a plastic bag for storage) then it'd be the better option I reckon.

 

[Jonny69]

Also make sure you're not in contact with the ground. I go camping quite a lot and the one thing that stops me getting cold is making sure I'm off the ground so either a really good insulated sleeping mat, airbed, or if I'm taking the car and have space a duvet folded in half underneath me. Keep your head and neck insulated as well.

What sort of temperatures are you walking in and at night?

 

[p4radox]

Jonny makes a good point about staying off the ground. Do you have a roll mat? I'd recommend something like this:

http://www.singersoutdoors.co.uk/showproduct.asp?id=1145&pgid=0&r=0/0/0/0

Self inflating mats are brilliant, and tend to compact smaller than a roll mat.

 

[yer_averagejoe]

cheers for the replies. I understand the extreme rating, but the comfort zones tend to be.. a little too comfortable. I dont ming being a few degrees under that. Last year the temperatures reached around -5 (clear weather, no coloud insulation) and that was extreme rating in the bag I had, needless to say, I found myself wearing full dress, jacket, gloves and hat inside the bag.

I have a camping mat, 3 season I think and It does its job pretty well. I've alos gone out and bought some thermal base layers to sleep in.

This sleeping bag will have to last me too, in about a month and a half I'm going to australia and walking (hopefully most of) 800 miles up the east coast - Brisbane to Cairns. It'll be a three month journey and I'm expecting temperatures at night to be only very slightly higher than the scottish highlands (Australian Winter) but obviously the temps will increase as I get gradually further north.

I think I'm leaning towards the synthetic. 400gram weight difference is what, 2 apples?

 

[yer_averagejoe]

Self inflating mats are brilliant, and tend to compact smaller than a roll mat.

They're heavier and while compact, their ideal place is on the inside of your bag. A roll mat weighs next to nothing and can be easily attached to the outside of your bag.