After two failed purchases of sleeping bags, I am in need of, I thought, a down sleeping bag. However, after wasting so much money on my other two bags and looking at the price of down bags (not much change out of £100 for entry level bags) I suddenly thought of my old double duvet (hungarian feather, no less) that's up in my loft. Can't I have a go with this? Does anyone camp with duvets? I know they take up space, but I'm willing to throw out the odd child or two from the car to make room. Also I won't have to put up with the swishy noise made from nylon everytime I move in bed and I might stand a chance of not slipping off my bed in the middle of the night!
I know plenty of people who use duvets because they don't like the enclosed feeling of sleeping bags. Instead of throwing the kids out, they could sit on the duvets, surely? I just have visions of them skating behind the car...
I have a down sleeping bag but always put it in a bivvy bag to protect it from damp weather. I'm not sure how long a feather duvet would last though, not having used one. Sounds very comfy though!
------------- Bananas are a good source of potassium
Pokeystick, nobody in there right mind would let there kids skate behind the car..... surely thats what top boxes are for lol (only joking), lock 'em in the boot lol atb Bill
------------- Bill n Kay
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I smile besause I have'nt a clue whats going on... appreciate everything in life especially your friends...
Feather duvets are great for camping - I have a very old one which is getting a bit thin now which I lie on and my duvet from home which I have over me - really cosy. I roll them as tightly as possible and they don't take up too much room.
I also have recently bought these sleeping bags which are fantastic - roomy & warm and zip together too.
Duvets aside, for car camping you are better off with a synthetic bag IMO. Assuming the ratings are correct, a 0*C synthetic bag is just as warm as a 0*C down bag.
The advantage of down is when you backpack it. Down bags squash down really small and weigh much less than the equivalent synthetic bag. Because pack size and weight are likely to be high on your agenda when you choose a down bag, they tend to be mummy-shaped.
The disadvantage of a down bag is cost to buy, difficulty of cleaning and the necessity to keep them bone dry. Things you put up with if you have to carry the thing around but an unwelcome burden otherwise.
Gyspy doll - My old sleeping bag that I used in my caravan was too cold for camping, so bought a new Snugpack Navigator after recommendations - too cold, then I bought a new army issue bag which was down-filled and warm enough but I was't comfortable with the shape. I'm just not sure I like mummy bags and the skiddy, slippy nylony feel. Call me old fashioned but I have a canvas tent and prefer more natural cottony stuff. Not too worried about the feathers getting wet as I only camp in dry conditions!
Quote: Originally posted by No Faff on 12/10/2009
Gyspy doll - My old sleeping bag that I used in my caravan was too cold for camping, so bought a new Snugpack Navigator after recommendations - too cold, then I bought a new army issue bag which was down-filled and warm enough but I was't comfortable with the shape. I'm just not sure I like mummy bags and the skiddy, slippy nylony feel. Call me old fashioned but I have a canvas tent and prefer more natural cottony stuff. Not too worried about the feathers getting wet as I only camp in dry conditions!
Aha ! i completely understand - & agree ! If not for the horriffic price of down bags I'd have one too. My new Vango Nitestar is a high spec one so should be very cosy (not used it yet) but still it's synthetic & I too don't associate slippy nylony stuff with cosiness - it just LOOKS cold ! Wish it was a warm colour too. Oh well. Also not keen on the restricted feel, but as our camping is done in Scotland, even in summer I really think I need to stick with the `mummy' shape as they are more efficient at retaining the warmth - I'm a skinny-minnie & need all the help I can get, no fat too keep me warm !
Can't see the prob with the duvet idea, sounds great as long as you can find the space. Good luck, I'm envious & want a downie now !
In the caravan, we use a duvet on the fixed double bed. No problem with storeage - it just travels on the bed - ready to use when we get to bedtime. It's a heck of a lot easier to wash sheets than to wash a sleeping bag. (So my wife tells me .) I know you can use a sleeping bag liner - one stage in our camping/caravanning career we went down that line - soon gave it up - couldn't stand getting tangled up in it - daughter felt the same way.
duvet for me, sleeping bag for OH but i also use a single quilt cover with the side opened up a little, just like a cotton liner under the duvet, keeps any crawlies off my feet
Ive got sleeping bags as the car is jammed packed though my sleeping bag i have to open out and use as a quilt since my youngest keeps wanting to get inside mine with me and its just not big enough!
------------- Taffy
2012 Planned
Easter - Cornwall
July scout camp
August North Wales