Hi guys, I've been hovering around the website for the last week or so soaking up some of the amazing reviews for my latest gear binge and thanks by the way.
I do have one question I would like to pose though, I've recently purchased a new Tadpole 23 tent since I figured my 4 year old Teviot has earned it's retirement particularly after a nice hairy moment recently in the Brecons and whilst I've heard very good things about the stability of the tent I've also heard it can get a bit cold and was wondering whether I may need to consider investing in a new sleeping bag to compensate.
At the moment I'm bedding up in a fairly old Vango 3 season synthetic bag that has since fallen off their production line, have never had any trouble sleeping because of being too cold since I think I sleep fairly warmly but wanted to check the oppinions of some of you nice people before I go out and freeze my arse off in the lakes in a couple of weeks.
Have a look at the PHD website if you want a really good down bag. They're not too expensive at the moment cos PHD have a summer sale on. Otherwise try alpkit.
I would have to say 'if it aint broke don't fix it'. Go test out your new tent using your trusted sleeping bag and, if you are feeling cautious, take along some extra insulation (down jacket, sleeping bag liner or whatever). If it turns out your bag isn't warm enough then you'll be OK for that night (with the extra gear) and you can go shopping when you get back. If not, you've just saved yourself a lot of cash!
I think I just might do that, I'll see how it goes over the next trek and if I end up dreaming of warm fires and the like I'll cross the new sleeping bag bridge, and I've got another reason not to want to have to buy one of them now too. I'm really not sure I could decide between a Snugpak synthetic or one of the PHD sale pieces, thanks for the advice!
all my previous advice standing (i.e. test what you have already before parting with lots of cash), I would say that if the price is similar, then you should definitely go for the PHD bag. Synthetics are great - most of my camping has been using a trust Ajungilak - but PHD are one of the very best down bag manufacturers and you will instantly see the difference in warmth to packed- size & weight. Most of the 'threat' of a cold night from soggy down is overstated to sell more synthetics IMHO. Keep the bag dry in a dry-sack and perhaps use an overbag/lightweight bivvy to keep off condensation (or get one with a waterproof face fabric) and you'll have no problem. I have tarped in a down bag in a thunderstorm with no adverse sogginess!
.jpg)
