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Subject Topic: Small summer sleeping bags Post Reply Post New Topic
Personxyzzy
07/5/2019 at 4:13pm
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Had used the same sleeping bag for the last 20+ years and it's time to get a new one. Will be used 90% of time May–Sept in UK and Europe (probably warmer places than here).

I currently have a Mummy 200 which is massive and heavy but plenty warm almost everywhere I've taken it.

The replacement should be much smaller and preferably a bit lighter. It would also be nice if it can be unzipped to share.

I'm willing to spend a bit of cash if it's decent kit but definitely don't need tech gear. And it's mostly going to be taken to festivals so I don't really want something that I'll be gutted about if it gets a few beers spilled on it in its lifetime.

What's the current state of the market?


PersonFrancais
07/5/2019 at 5:42pm
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Yep, got my Snugpak Merlin Softie Olive Green around 20 years ago, not sure what the Model is called now.

It packs real small, and I mean real small.

Also got the silk liner to go with it, and expand a panel.

Very well made bit of kit, and worth the money.


Personxyzzy
09/5/2019 at 1:35am
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That's quite a lot more than I was expecting to pay! If it's worth it, I guess I'll splash out, but I'm also interested in cheaper options. I only use it about 10-20 nights a year!


PersonBob61
09/5/2019 at 9:52am
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Take a look at sleeping bags for carp anglers on fishing websites as they are usually packed reasonably small so anglers can easily carry them along the riverbank. They are usually waterproof or showerproof so a drop of beer won't harm them, and they are warm.

Something like this


Personxyzzy
09/5/2019 at 7:42pm
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Quote: Originally posted by Francais on 07/5/2019
Yep, got my Snugpak Merlin Softie Olive Green around 20 years ago, not sure what the Model is called now.

It packs real small, and I mean real small.

Also got the silk liner to go with it, and expand a panel.

Very well made bit of kit, and worth the money.


Quite like the Sofite Merlin/Solstice on further research. Is the zip full length and YKK? My zips have been broken for years.

Also heard the size is a bit exaggerated when they say 16cm diameter x 16cm length. That's only like 3.2 litres!

Can you clarify these two points?

The other one I'm looking at is the Mountain Hardware Hyperlamina Spark which looks fantastic though maybe a bit hot and I don't fancy the short zip.

Dream option should be a Sea To Summit SpI or TrII.


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Personrobnclaire
10/5/2019 at 11:43am
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My job means I have to sleep outside in often very extreme conditions sometimes....don't ask. Anyway, all my team use these...

Snugpak special forces sleeping system

They are expensive, but are adaptable for the conditions - you simply zip bits in to make it warmer. I've slept under a tarpuline at -8 quite comfortably in it.

My 13yo daughter used it last week when we camped in Cornwall, and she absolutley loved it!!

Post last edited on 10/05/2019 11:49:12


Personxyzzy
11/5/2019 at 12:18pm
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Thanks for that.

Can anyone confirm the zip manufacturer and length on the Snugpak Softie Merlin 3?


Personxyzzy
15/5/2019 at 1:17pm
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Bought it but the volume is 75% bigger than it claims. Don't want to open it up now to check the zip as it will probably have to go back if they are willing to mis-sell so dramatically.

Has anyone managed to get it close to the claimed 3.2 litres pack volume?


PersonBob61
16/5/2019 at 7:37pm
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Had you bought an anglers sleeping bag you would find the zips are tough and slide easily without snagging. They are designed so carp anglers can jump out of bed quickly when their bite alarms sound in the middle of the night. Does it matter who manufactures the zip if it is a good strong zip that doesn't snag?


Personxyzzy
17/5/2019 at 1:40pm
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Quote: Originally posted by Bob61 on 16/5/2019
Had you bought an anglers sleeping bag you would find the zips are tough and slide easily without snagging. They are designed so carp anglers can jump out of bed quickly when their bite alarms sound in the middle of the night. Does it matter who manufactures the zip if it is a good strong zip that doesn't snag?


Sorry, I looked into fishing sleeping bags and thought you were joking. For example, the one you linked is many times bigger and much much much heavier than the three I got to on my shortlist and thus completely unsuitable for my requirements.

And yes, most zip manufacturers do eventually snag. I only trust a couple of high end brands from experience.


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PersonBob61
17/5/2019 at 8:33pm
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I didn't see any reference to weight on the one I linked to but you obviously want one with a YKK zip.

It is not the make of zip that causes snagging. Decent sleeping bags have protective edges on both sides of the zip so that the zip doesn't hit loose material and snag. I have one similar to the one I linked to and the zip is brilliant, whereas a quite expensive sleeping bag I recently purchased snags every time because it only has a protective strip on one side of the zip. The actual zip itself has nothing to do with it.


Personxyzzy
18/5/2019 at 3:18pm
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No, I want lightweight and small pack size as main and almost overriding qualities.

And from years of working with zips, I know for a fact there's a material difference between YKK and other bands. The actual zip has a lot to do with it.

Anyway I'm not sure why we're getting sidetracked about the zip. I asked a question and said it makes a difference, it's definitely not a deal breaker.

What is a dealbreaker is ending up with something bigger and heavier than my existing sleeping bag.



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