Snugpak Softie 3

gordon smith 2
Reviewed: 04 December 2008

LIGHTWEIGHT

well built, packs really small, weighs next to nothing, so perfect for overnighters with a small rucksack.

Used mine to kip out at the foot of striding edge in a bivvi bag. OK, I was an idiot and managed to catch gusting wind blowing in from both sides of the edge I slept on, but by crikey it was cold. Harldy slept but had great view of the stars. Lots of great views of the stars. Bought the Hawk/softie 9 and now sleep like a baby, but at twice the weight. Of the sleeping bag, not the baby. In fairness, if I had used a full length mat I might have lost less heat.

I am taking it up the hills in north east Victoria, for the warmth to weight and durability, this is the only serious option for squeamish vegetarians who weep at the thought of the poor geese suffering. At least until that ethically sourced goose down bag from Poland becomes affordable.

Hughsey 62
Reviewed: 03 January 2008

VERY VERY VERY GOOD, BUT NOT IN WINTER.

Packs down so small you could lose it, even when you lose the compression sack and have to use a non-standard one. Weighs nothing. Zip doesn't really snag (at least in the special forces model). reinforced boot bit really good.

If using the zip all the way to the bottom it has a nasty habit of coming fully undone, which is a nightmare to sort out in a hurry. Would not recommend using it on its own in the cold like Mr Whittle (above) suggests but as a liner it can work, but only with at least a three season bag as an outer (I have made that very cold mistake).

If you can get one in a sale then get one. I have spent many a hungover morning in a freezing barrack block in mine and it's more soothing than Kelly Brook as your wet nurse. I've tried using this as a liner and got cold but this is mainly due to it being a) the wrong type of outer bag I used and b) proper brass monkies when I've tried it.

Saying that I reckon that its one of the best, lightest, smallest and warmest bags you can get for hostelling and summer use.

Jim Badger
Reviewed: 19 December 2004

GOOD KIT

pack size and weight is great ..warm for weight ..well made

zip can get stuck i assume the special forces model would be better as you dont really want to get stuck in your bag on a crash move :))

as expected from snugpak good well made robust kit -which will meet the demands of years of Soldiering

Matt Whittle
Reviewed: 25 July 2004

USEFUL ADDITION TO ANYONE'S KIT STOCK

size! it really is tiny; i was originally put off buying one because it looked too thin to be warm but it does the job well in warmer conditions and becomes a superbly warm liner in winter if combined with another bag and/or bivi bag (depends on temps) I don't know if this is standard but mine has a reinforced interior foot area for sleeping with boots on (great for military application). I've spent a night in the snow with a bivi bag over the top and a roll mat underneath me and felt fine in a tshirt, overshirt, cotton combats and socks

reinforced foot area can make feet a bit sweaty in warmer conditions, i find that the zip gets caught on the bag v frequently- not fun in cold weather and in really really nasty weather, this is not a bag to rely on on its own.

great for tent use down to -5 ouside temps, ok with bivi bag and clothes to -5 too, used at ambient temp of -7 and a harsh windchill as a liner for a 3 season bag: superbly cosy!

will wythe
Reviewed: 16 February 2004

GOOD

good build quality
rip stop material
light weight
good stuff sac

i have been in this in just a bivvi bag at about -8 and was bloody cold!
in a tent its ok at about 0

good but just be prepared to be chilly if your not in a tent!
i would say 2-3 season max!