i need a 3 season sleeping bag,i know down bags are warmer,lighter but more expensive. because of the extra expense of a down bag can anyone recommend a synthetic bag,im a bit bewildered by the choice availiable,my budget is around £150 ish. also a sleeping mat,is therma-rest the best there is?
Well Alpkit will sell you a range of down bags with prices ranging from £70 to £120 depending on warmth and weight of bag. Also just a quick look shows Cotswold have a couple of 3 season down bags for £80 and £90.
So down is well within your price range. I'm not recommending any of these by the way as I don't have personal experience of them.
Field + Trek have an own brand 2/3 season down bag for only £35 as it's being replaced by a new model. I've not seen this particular bag first hand, but I've had the 4 season version by the same make for a couple of years and it's absolutely fine.
I've actually just ordered the slightly posher ME Dreamcatcher 300 from Cotswold for £80 + £5 delivery for Spring to Autumn use. Cotswolds on-line system is not the best I've used mind you, I've had to make calls to their call centre to confirm orders both times I've used it :-(
Try Snugpak. They seem to sell a lot to service personnel so they can't be bad. I bought a Merlin 3 which goes down to 0/-5 for £70. It weighs 800 gms. The Merlin 6 isn't much heavier or pricier and may suit you better.
