 My sister is looking for a winter sleeping bag. 168cm -10 to -20 slim fit. Any suggestions?
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 Diddy, if you'd asked that face to face you should've got punched! 
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  LOL Seriously, I'm probably the poplar opposite in terms of size etc not to mention sex but looking around I've found it hard to beat Mountain Hardwear when it comes to warmer bags. In fairness I mentioned in another thread that I was buying in the US which makes the costs somewhat more manageable as they aren't the cheapest of bags to start with here in the UK. I'm assuming that you mean a comfort range of -10 to -20 which will mean a fairly hefty investment what ever way you look at it. Not sure what extreme cold weather experience your sister has but one of the 'features' I'd highly recommend is a fit that allows you to change clothes in the bag.... nothing worse than getting 'naked' in minus something stoopid. I'd also seriously look at getting a shell fabric that has some form of DWR. Although there is a weight penalty the long term benefits easily outweigh the downsides. Its also worth bearing in mind that a -20 bag is going to be a fairly large and physically bulky item so you need to factor that into your thinking when it comes to packs and transportation. Without wishing to state the obvious its really important to get into the bag wearing whatever sleepwear you use or intend using and see what it feels like fully closed up . Its surprising how many bags can feel claustrophobic and uncomfortable. Its of paramount importance that you not only keep warm but also get a good night sleep. I can't recommend it at current UK RRP (£775?) but for -10ish and lower I use the Mountain Hardwear Ghost SL and am looking to get a MH Banshee SL (unless anything else proves more suitable) for less cold i.e. +5 to -10ish
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 I saw the title "Warm winter women" and assumed it was a WTD in classified  Have a look at Alpkit's range. However, their bags tend to be a loose-ish fit IME.
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 Marmot women's helium I've had one of these for several years after a couple of other females raved about it on this forum. It has proved to be an excellent investment. It's rated down to -9 for comfort and weighs in at just over a kilo. I've used it down to around -12 with an Exped down mat and stayed warm. I sleep on the cold side and wear merino base layers inside my bag - no liner. The shape is designed for women with hips - I like it for the wriggle room as I like to sleep with one leg bent, but if your sister is slim she may not need the extra width.
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 Sizing going to be a bit tricky - PHD small length is up to 168, WM up to 165 so both possible if a bit marginal unless able to try. WM normal length might be fine though. PHD would do a thin cut bag too, although since that means a custom job it really won't be cheap. The dyo program on their website lets you specify such things. (or returnable if it isn't quite long enough.). Pure womens cut bags maybe not as common as you'd expect/hope, especially with them sleeping much colder in general! The most relevant current RAB bag seems to be the Andes 800W @180cm internal length - internal space unknown. ME's classic 750 pretty close on length (175). Or that Marmot one.
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 A personal test-lie is, IMHO, well worth having if it's reasonably possible. You want a close-ish fit for thermal efficiency but you also want a bit of space to scratch itches etc. So inevitably it's a compromise and there's no one better than the intended user to decide where theirs are. Pete.
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 Maybe James has a sense of humor Matt,the winky icon is usually a dead give away 0
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Is she fit  ........ Diddy old son, she would chew you up and spit you out.
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She is using a Marmot helium at the moment, and used down to -2c. Looking for a warmer bag with a neck baffle,DWR shell and a closer fit.
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Tricky That RAB andes I pointed too is tested a little warmer but not enormously so and doubt if a closer fit. As I mentioned PHD will do it but it'll certainly cost (although any bag that warm would.). Could well be worth considering if plausible to boost the helium's warmth via say down trousers/a vest or pullover. It sounds like there might be enough room in there for them to still loft and it'd certainly work out cheaper than a whole new super warm bag just for winter.
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It seems Bedouin shares my sense of humour Diddy! 
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 What about getting a PHD Combi bag, and using it with the Helium inside it? Would that work? Link to Combi info.
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| Edited: 22/12/11 09:51 |
She is using a Marmot helium at the moment, and used down to -2c. Looking for a warmer bag with a neck baffle,DWR shell and a closer fit. I can understand how she might want a closer fit, I'm a size 8 and plenty of room in mine. But before replacing the Helium.... worth checking if she's getting enough insulation from below? It makes a huge difference to overall warmth. Sorry if that's stating the obvious. And if you like the sound of the helium + combi as suggested by Man on stilts (Mos  ), we have both here between us, so could check sizing.
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i have a cumulus prime 700 and find it cozy and i sleep cold
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 Doh.. you just missed out on two rather good deals. There was a Golite Adrenaline 4 Season ) deg F womens bag online for weeks at about £220 IIRC at the outdoors warehouse ... but that's gone. So has the crux 700 short which was £300 at ultralightoutdoorsgear.co.uk What sort of budget are you prepared to put into this one?
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...nice one James 
the guy has a sense of humor,
