Category: Sleeping Bags

What Goes in my Pack in Winter?

I’ve taken quite a few long distance hikes in recent years, from walking around Ireland and walking the Camino to hiking the Pacific Crest Trail in America. These trips were very different in terms of climate and logistics but I still managed to use much of the same equipment on each one. That being said, the winter weather is not to be underestimated in Ireland and especially warm gear is essential for this time of year.

But what exactly should you carry in the Winter months?

Here’s a list of what goes into my pack in Winter…

The Big Four – My Shelter, Mattress, Sleeping Bag & Backpack

Tent – Vango Banshee Pro 200

If I had a few extra bob, I might invest in the ultralight MSR Hubba Hubba NX. However, there’s no getting away from the fact that my Vango Banshee Pro 200 continues to find its way onto my packing list for every trip here in Ireland. It’s green which helps this tent blend in with the environment but more importantly, it performs surprisingly well in most weather conditions and has just enough space inside for both myself and the backpack – I recommend keeping your backpack inside at this time of year.

Mattress – Trek 3 Compact Mat

I have a foam mattress and a Thermarest and use both for camping in Winter. But a proper Thermarest is needed at the very least to keep you off the cold ground underneath. Weight is usually the reason for a difference in price between these mattresses. The lighter the mattress, the higher the price and I find the Vango Trek 3 Compact Mat is quite affordable, while the Neo Air would be my dream mattress!

PS. It might seem as though I’m biased toward Vango in some way but that’s not the case. I’ve tried so many options and Vango continues to outperform in many cases.

Sleeping Bag – North Face Blue Kazoo

I used a North Face Blue Kazoo for many years and it served me well. But it wasn’t always warm enough and a sleeping bag liner is now required to get a decent night of sleep in the winter months. For this reason, I am looking at a few sleeping bag options such as the Thermarest Questar. Although some sleeping bags might seem a little too warm, it’s important to remember that you can often regulate this temperature. Opening the sleeping bag is one way to do this and it’s certainly better than shivering the night away in the cheapest bag you could find. Just so you know, a cold weather sleeping bag will have more synthetic or goose down insulation and will often have zippers above the shoulders and a hood to keep in the heat.

My Backpack – Osprey Exos 58

If you’re going for quick overnight camp in Winter, it’s still necessary to carry more gear than you might in the summer months. That’s why I often use my biggest backpack for the winter months. It should be remembered that carrying a slightly bigger backpack doesn’t add a lot to your base weight if you pay close attention to the contents. The Osprey Atmos AG 65 is a nice alternative to the Exos.

My Winter Clothing

My Shoes – Merrell Moab

I wore Altra Lone Peak shoes for my hike on the Pacific Crest Trail and these trail shoes are incredibly comfortable. However, I also wore the same type of shoes for my walk around Ireland and it just wasn’t the same. It’s obvious now but the wet and muddy conditions in Ireland were much different to the mostly dry landscapes in America. I have been really impressed by the Moab which keep my feet dry, while providing great support and protection for hiking in Ireland. If you prefer boots, there is also a boot version of the Merrell Moab that you should check out.

My Socks – 1000 Mile Socks

When I came back from America, I had fully realized the importance of hiking socks. There was an American brand called Darn Tough that really impressed and so my mission was to find a similar type of brand/sock on my return to Ireland. I wore several brands on my walk around Ireland last year but 1000 mile were the only socks that lived up to the job. They are warm, durable and comfortable – enough said!

Underwear – Ex-Officio

Have you heard of these before? Ex Officio Underwear is comfortable, light and quick to dry. Since I began wearing this type of underwear, I always wear and carry them in my pack.

Gloves – One Light/One Waterproof

It’s important to have more than one pair of gloves and I almost always need to rotate these gloves in the winter months. This is often because the first pair gets wet. But I also like to have a rather light pair of woolly gloves for milder days or for wearing inside the tent at night.

Base Layer and Middle Layer

Aside from the long johns I mentioned already, I usually wear and carry a polyester or wool top that can wick away perspiration. This fabric will help keep the skin dry and warm. I will also have a sweater as a middle layer but some hikers/campers will prefer something heavier like a fleece. If the middle layer is not that heavy, just make sure your outer layer (jackets) are sufficiently warm for the environment/conditions.

Jacket – Regatta Down Jacket

Believe it or not, I wore a down jacket from Penney’s on my walk around Ireland and also using a Regatta puffy jacket at this time. But that also meant carrying a bulky jacket that was rather difficult to squeeze into my backpack. I’m personally thinking about buying either the Arete Hooded jacket or the Lightline jacket – both by Mountain equipment. Either way, this type of jacket is essential and a great item for wearing inside the tent on cold nights.

Rain Jacket – North Face Soft Shell

My North Face soft shell has lasted through multiple trips over the last five years. I’ve been looking at this jacket and also this jacket by mountain equipment.

Headwear – Beanie Hat, Baseball Cap & Buff

I wear a baseball cap when it rains because I like how it shields my face and eyes from the elements. But the beanie hat is essential and something I wear at every opportunity – even when I jump into my sleeping bag. A buff/snood/morf is also a lifesaver in windy conditions and will save your face and lips unnecessary discomfort.

Trousers & Rainproof Pants – Sprayway Rask

Rain pants are not only small and lightweight but also an absolute necessity for hiking or camping in winter. It’s just so important to have waterproof layers to keep everything underneath as dry as possible. Even in light rain, I will often stop to put on my waterproof pants to ensure a comfortable day of hiking and a dry night in the tent. The Sprayway Rask are comfortable and breathable, while also light and compact for packing away.

Cooking Gear in My Backpack

I have a small MSR pocket stove which is fantastic. However, I sometimes long for the ease and convenience of a Jetboil. Cooking can seem like a chore in winter, especially when it gets cold after a long day hiking and a simple cooking system is worth the money. I also have a titanium pot, mug, spork and tiny kettle for morning coffee.

PS. Don’t forget matches and a lighter as backup.

Food and Water for Cooking in Winter

I always make drinking water a priority and use a water filter to purify anything taken from rivers. It’s a nightmare to run low on water whilst cooking in the evening so the best way to avoid this from happening is to carry more than you think you will need. For food, I take meals which are quick and easy to cook which makes ready made meals such as this pasta and meatballs meal by Wayfarer for camping in winter. Otherwise, oats, cereal bars, chocolate, biscuits and a bagel with cream cheese will often find a way into my backpack!

Other Accessories in My Backpack

Headlamp – Petzl Actik Core

I know LED Lenser is getting some proper traction and rave reviews in the outdoor industry. I’d love to have one but honestly, I find no reason to do so until my Petzl Actik Core gives out or gets lost. It’s a powerful headlamp with 350 Lumens and several modes between which you can alternate while hiking, cooking, pitching the tent or even reading at night.

Map, GPS & App

You really need to have a map at the very least and while paper maps are good, I personally find a GPS app such as Maps.me or Google maps extremely useful in the outdoors. Needless to say, you should have your phone and take a power bank to ensure this can be charged or recharged whenever needed. I also hike with my phone on airplane mode which will help conserve your battery throughout the trip.

Toiletries & Luxuries

I carry very little toiletries and aside from soap and toothpaste/brush, I can only think of lip balm as a recommendation to carry. As for other items, toilet paper and a small spade will sometimes come in handy and anything else that is small and important to you.

Final Thoughts

I carry more weight in the winter months and always err on the side of caution. It’s best to carry “too much” and focus on what gear can keep you dry and warm. As for the process itself, it’s just so important to keep clothing and gear as dry as possible and not to wait until you are wet or cold before adding layers to protect against the elements.

Anyway, that’s all for now so thanks for reading and please do enjoy camping this winter!

In praise of Winter Camping

Winter is the perfect time for camping.  Yes, we know that this is a controversial statement and are well aware most people see it as an activity only suited for days when the sun is busy splitting stones and a heat haze rises off the horizon.   If you curtail your camping only to the hazy days of summer, you will miss cold misty mornings, an unshared wilderness, the high starlit skies of winter and the joy of hot drinks cupped in warm hands around the campfire.

Ireland often has ideal hiking weather from late Autumn to Early Spring.  Dry cold days with winter sunshine are perfect for taking to the trails. Camping at the end of a long trek, under a clear starlit sky can be idyllic end to an expedition and although you don’t have to worry about insect bites, dehydration and falling over other hikers, there are other considerations to winter camping  The secrets to successful winter camping is quite simple!  Take the right gear with you and follow some common sensical advice!

The right Winter Camping gear

You can expect to pay a little more for winter weight camping gear.  That pop up festival tent is not going to cut it.  The Outdoor Adventure Store selection of cold weather Trekking Tents gives you plenty of options. To make that escape to the winter hills, you’ll need a lightweight tent that is strong enough to withstand the toughest weather conditions. Explore our range of mountaineering tents from top brands such as MSR, Force10, Snugpak and Vango.  They are all still relatively light for carrying, yet provide great space to weight ratio, plus strength and stability so you can simply enjoy the adventure.   Choose a decent sleeping-bag designed for the cold.  A mummy bag with a hood is ideal.  Don’t try to get away with a summer weight sleeping bag, unless you have also invested in a good liner and some thermal sleeping gear.  There is nothing worse than a lousy night’s sleep after a great day in the outdoors, so put a little thought into the ground mat too.  Investing in the right ground mat will keep a high-quality insulation barrier between you and the cold hard winter ground and reduce the loss of body heat.

Choose the Campsite carefully

You can have a wilderness experience not too far from the general population just in case the weather turns fierce nasty.  Camping in winter in Ireland is all about the wind chill.  Pitch your tent using natural windbreaks such as tall hedges and trees and always face away from the prevailing wind.  If there is a bit of a slope on the ground, then face the front of the tent downward as cold air will flow into a tent facing uphill.  Surprisingly enough, a valley may be a colder spot in the winter. If you fancy beach camping, keep an eye on incoming tides and perhaps pick a more inland spot for your winter outdoor adventure. Choose campsites that allow fires and/or use a safe fire pit. This amazing Irish hand-made Midos phoenix fire is perfect for toasting your toes and the ubiquitous campfire marshmallows!  Pitch your tent in a safe place and not too far off the beaten track.  You can have a wilderness experience not too far from the general population, for safety and security.

Dress for the weather

Layers are the secret to keeping warm on the winter trail.  Layers on the body. Gloves on the hands. Warm dry boots and socks.  A snazzy hat and you are all set.  Check out our great range of jackets which keep wind, rain and misery out!and don’t forget that a thermal layer underneath, or a layer of thermals underneath, will keep you cosy dry and comfortable on the trail. It is easy to forget to hydrate when camping in the winter, so be sure to drink plenty of water as you would in the summer months. Don’t forget the torch, stove and lots of food to keep you going.

Enjoying the best spots without anyone else around

Winter camping means bagging all the best camping sites, with no tourists, day campers, bugs or midges to bother you.  This is definitely because people will think you crazy. Having said that, off season camping is enjoying an increase in popularity and the appeal of peeking out of a tent at snow-capped mountains and frost covered fields is on the rise.  It is still likely that the wild spaces will be all yours at this time of year.  Enjoy that rare solitude. Plan ahead, bring the right gear and leave nothing behind but good vibes. 

10 Wild Camping Tips for Beginners that You Should Know 

I remember walking into a campsite in Kerry last year and feeling sorry for some of my neighbours. There were some fantastic setups but there were also a lot of people looking incredibly stressed and frustrated. In fact, one family was already arguing over the remote because yes, they had taken a television on their camping trip.

And each to their own, right? Of course.

But this also reminded me of why many people don’t enjoy their first spot of wild camping. Wild camping is far from being a science but it’s easy to spoil this experience by taking the wrong gear or failing to understand what makes it so enjoyable.

In this article, I talk about some wild camping tips for beginners and simple ideas that would have saved me a lot of hassles and discomfort when I started out.

10 Wild Camping Tips for Beginners that You Should Know

+ FREE Printable Wild Camping Checklist

1. Pack Light and Only Take What You Need

Carrying too much gear was my first mistake when it comes to wild camping. I think that because I was so afraid, I compensated for this fear by carrying more gear than necessary. This not only meant carrying too much clothing but also too much food and accessories. For instance, I had three different torches and spare batteries for each one! Because I took this approach to multiple items, I ended up carrying more weight than during my hike on the Pacific Crest Trail a few years ago. I believe experience teaches everyone the same lessons about wild camping but it’s sometimes better to learn from others’ mistakes, rather than your own!

I’ll be outlining a basic packing list at the end of this post.

2. Make Sure You Have a Warm Sleep System/Gear

You just won’t enjoy a night of wild camping if you have an insufficient sleeping bag, which is why I have a different sleeping bag for the warm and cold weather months. But here’s a few ways in which I suggest you can keep warm and comfortable each and every night:

Bring thermal leggings and socks that you can wear if needed.

– Invest in a lightweight sleeping bag liner – they can add an insane amount of warmth.

– Wear a down jacket/puffy jacket in your sleeping bag on especially cold nights.

– Place a rain jacket over the foot area of your sleeping bag.

– Wear a beanie hat to sleep so that you won’t wake up with a cold head.

– Take an emergency foil blanket as a backup.

In short, it’s better to be too warm or a cold night of wild camping is just not enjoyable!

3. Choose a Suitable Tent for Wild Camping

I sometimes use a bivvy bag for wild camping and really enjoy the immersive experience they offer. But a bivvy bag is not always suitable and this is especially true during wet and windy conditions. For this reason, I most often use a one or two-man tent for wild camping in Ireland.

But what else should you consider when choosing a tent?

If you want the best chance of remaining unseen and to avoid the risk of being asked to move, a green or brown tent is the most discreet for obvious reasons.

Pick a tent that performs well in especially wet and windy conditions. I find a low profile works best because they are much less likely to shake like crazy or make noise in general.

4. Pitch Your Tent Before You Go Wild Camping in Ireland

I went wild camping on Dunree beach some years ago with a Vango Banshee 200. It’s my favourite tent for wild camping in Ireland and incredibly easy to pitch. However, I made the mistake of assuming this would be really quick and easy to set up for the first time.

It was getting dark and raining hard at the time. Due to these conditions and the onset of frustration, I spent a good hour trying to figure out how to pitch the tent properly and the rest of the night trying to get dry and warm myself up again.

It’s true, the tent is extremely easy to pitch. However, every tent design is different and the Vango Banshee 200 required a different approach than my other tents. Moral of the story? I could have avoided this disaster by pitching the tent in my backyard beforehand.

5. Consider Taking Cold or Pre Made Meals Instead of Cooking

After a long hike, I do enjoy a hot meal but I’m often too tired to cook. That’s why I always carry the option to have a cold meal in the mornings or evenings. Cooking is one of the most enjoyable things about wild camping but it’s also messy at times and not always ideal in especially bad weather. What’s more, I’ve often found a cold chicken tikka wrap to be just as enjoyable as a hot meal of any kind- especially if someone made the wrap for me!

6. Aim for a Wild Camping Spot Away from Built Up Areas

I find that picking a forest area can be especially reliable for wild camping. A forest is most often a sheltered and calm place to camp but also one in which you’ll be out of sight. In terms of choosing a spot, it’s also quite easy to pick out forested areas on any GPS or physical map.

You should also notice it’s harder to find a wild camping spot near a town or built up area. This means if you are hiking a long distance trail such as the Kerry Way or the Wicklow Way, it’s best to pick out some potential wild camping areas either long before or after such places.

7. Choose a Safe and Comfortable Spot (Near a Water Source)

Camping on a bed of pine needles is a beautiful thing and much better than a bed of stones or especially hard ground. That being said, none of this matters if it rains and you’re pitched in a ditch or depressed area that’s likely to flood or become waterlogged. It’s also important to stay clear of any dead trees or branches and avoid exposed areas when the weather is particularly wild. The last thing I would mention is the convenience of having a nearby water source. This will not only mean that you can use as much water as you like but a water source also makes washing dishes (and yourself) much easier. On the other hand, maybe it’s a spot known for midges? In which case, midges like water and this might be something to avoid.

8. Wait Until Nightfall to Pitch Your Tent

If you want to avoid getting moved on, it’s best to wait until nightfall to pitch your tent. I actually do this so that I won’t be thinking or worrying about having to relocate. It obviously won’t matter as much deep inside Wicklow National Park but it’s a decent rule of thumb.

For the sake of the wild camping community, I also suggest you pack up and leave at first light. It’s not about getting caught but rather about making every effort not to disturb locals and to help the wild camping community avoid any unwanted attention.

9. Don’t Underestimate the Importance of a Headlamp

I used to lead camping safaris in Africa. Before these trips, I would often pick up a few headlamps as my guests would often show up without one. You see, many of these guests had never gone camping before or tried to pitch a tent in the dark – without a headlamp. It might seem like a rather obvious or minor matter but you need both hands to pitch a tent which will inevitably make the process a little more than frustrating. The same goes for cooking in the dark, reading in the dark and going to the toilet in the dark – you get the idea!

10. Use Reusable Dry Bags (And not Plastic Bags)

I try not to use plastic bags wherever possible and dry bags are the ideal replacement. It’s important to use these bags to ensure your gear is fully protected from the elements. The truth is, backpacks can leak and a dry bag will ensure your backup gear is properly stored.

Just so you know, I use reusable Ziploc bags for food. However, I not only use a dry bag for my spare clothing but I also have a separate dry bag for my cooking equipment, sleeping bag and electronics. You can never be too careful but you should also find these precautions will serve you well on future trips.

Now, here’s a quick look at a basic packing list for wild camping. Please remember this is a basic outline and you will need more or less gear depending on various factors/conditions.

Basic Packing List for Wild Camping

  • Tent
  • Sleeping Bag (& Sleeping Bag Liner)
  • Sleeping Mattress
  • Down Jacket
  • Gloves
  • Rain Jacket
  • Rain Pants
  • Beanie Hat
  • Backpack Rain Cover
  • Dry Bags
  • Spare T-Shirt
  • Spare Socks
  • Warm Sweater
  • Thermal Top / Bottoms / Socks
  • Headlamp
  • Map / GPS
  • Water Filter
  • Stove / Gas
  • Pot
  • Spork
  • Lighter & Matches
  • Camping Knife
  • Phone
  • Powerbank
  • Charging Cable
  • Toothbrush & Toothpaste
  • Toilet Paper
  • Credit Card / Cash
  • Plastic Bag for packing Trash / Waste
Download Printable Checklist

Final Thoughts

I think that most people often worry and think about the same things before they go wild camping for the first time. These “things” include getting lost, being attacked or not having the right gear. But most of these thoughts are either unlikely or irrational and having the right gear is a simple matter of careful research and packing.

End.

Either way, stay safe and whatever you do – enjoy your time in the wild!

Camino de Santiago – What will I need for trekking the Camino?

Walking the Camino is one of the most popular adventures, rite of passage or pilgrimage in the world.  In English it is The Way of St James and it attracted more than 327,378 pilgrims from over 200 different countries to complete the Camino last year.  That does not take into account the thousands of walkers who trekked sections of the pilgrimage route in France, Portugal and Spain.   All roads on the Camino lead to Santiago de Compostela where pilgrims who have completed the entire route are presented with their Compostela certificate

The idea of walking a pilgrim path in the 21st Century may seem a bit archaic and quaint, but the increasing crowds is testament to the benefits and popularity of walking through nature, without modern devices and in the footsteps of many.  This pilgrimage was popular in the 10th, 11th and 12th Century and then lay going wild and alone, and only began to be of interest again in the late 20th century.  Modern travellers choose the section of the Camino that best suits their activity level, the time they have allocated to complete the walk and the scenery they would most enjoy along the way. 

The most famous and popular route is the French, Camino Frances, with the Camino Portugues, originating in Portugal, as the second busiest route.  These can be busy routes, so if you prefer a quieter road, the Camino Primitivo or Original Way offers 261km of beautiful scenery and a fairly strenuous trail.  Should the  wildness of a rugged coastline appeal to your senses, then the Camino Del Notre which takes in 825km of incredible, and rigorous,  sea trails  is probably the route for you.

It is possible to do the Camino de Santiago at any time of year, although snowy mountain trails may slow you down and become dangerous in winter.  Spring and Autumn are the best times for the pilgrimage, no matter which of the trails, paths or pilgrim’s way that you choose.   

No matter which itinerary and season you chose to embark on your iconic pilgrimage, you will need the right equipment.  At Outdoor Adventure Stores, we have compiled a list of gear which are essential for a successful pilgrimage, where your thoughts are mindful of the road and the journey itself and not the pain of your blisters!  Whether you decide to camp out and need a good sleeping bag or stay in hostels and pack a good sleeping bag liner, we have listed everything for you to customise to your own pilgrimage needs.  Good walking shoes and rain ponchos or coats are a must for all.  

The Camino is more than just an amazing outdoor adventure. Those who have embraced the rigours of its dusty and arduous roads say it that for many, it holds a specific spiritual symbolism too. We think you should be well prepared and are right here to assist in any way that we can so that your Camino trail is memorable for all the right reasons.

Gear List:

Ultra-comfortable walking shoes or boots 

Good quality hiking socks (merino wool or other)

Comfortable backpack, with hip straps (30-45L will work) 

Trekking poles or walking pole

Sleeping Bag

Sleeping bag liner

2-3 light cotton shirts. (one long-sleeved, one short-sleeved- look at base layer clothing if trekking in the colder weather)

Fleece jacket

Hat and sunglasses

Good rainwear or rain poncho

2-3 trousers options (hiking pants, sweatpants, leggings, shorts, anything goes as long as you’re comfortable) 

Plastic flip-flops (hostels essential)

A large quick-dry towel

Flashlight  or headtorch

Swiss army knife

Earplugs and eye mask

A medikit   (Check out our readymade, compact and complete first aid kits)

Sunscreen

Water bottle

Guidebook

Moneybelt

Phone Charger and an adapter/converter for the outlets

Sleeping Pad – This is optional, but some people like to have them.

Sleeping bags explained

Ok folks.  There are sleeping bags and there are Sleeping Bags!  

There are functional zipped body bags that will adequately do the job required of a bag that you sleep in. Then there are rolling clouds of enveloping coziness that fold gently around your tired body and hold you snugly in their comfiness while you sleep.

 So, how do you know which you are buying?

In this blog, we will talk you through the joys of good sleeping bags, great sleeping bags and life-saving sleeping bags. Our simple explanation of temperature guides, insulation options and the best shape bag for you will help find a sleeping bag best suited to your needs.  As always, at Outdoor Adventure Store, we have an incredible range of sleeping bags to choose from and friendly, knowledgeable staff to assist.  Check out our mid-price two season sleeping bags here.

Shapes and Sizes

Square sleeping bags are the classic of the species.  A basic square sleeping bag offers more room at the bottom where the feet should be.  This gives more toe wriggling room. If you don’t like your feet to feel constricted while you snooze, this is the one for you.   Square sleeping bags are also available in double size, so are the best choice if you prefer to sleep as a couple.

Mummy sleeping bags are well named.  Wrapping yourself up in a mummy sleeping bag, which is cleverly tapered at the bottom will keep you ‘snug as a bug in an Egyptian sarcophagus’ vibe. The design is excellent, as it keeps warm air inside and without circulating and cooling it ensures your sleep is at a steady warm, toasty level.  The Mummy design is commonly used from single season to expedition bags, and is a must in sub-zero temperatures.

The size of your sleeping bag is a very logical matter.  Manufacturers cater the sizes of the bag for the average physique of kids, youth, women and men.  

Kids and Young Adults

Children need a sleeping bag designed especially for them, with a shorter length. This is because excess space in the bag allows air to circulate and cool.  Wee ones will be better insulated in a product that is meant for their size. This is true for teenagers and young adults too.  The Kampkraft junior sleeping bag is particularly good value, offering a built-in pillow, soft touch fabric, a TOG rating of 13.5 and an easy carry bag.

Women

Some manufacturers offer sleeping bags especially for women.  This is in recognition that a smaller physique may need a better fit and higher insulation.   At Outdoor Adventure Store we can advise on the most appropriate sleeping bag for every shape and size of body type. Both for men and women.  Check out the choice here

Season Ratings Explained

Anyone who has ever shared a bed with another human being, can testify that we all have different comfort temperatures for a good night’s sleep.  There is the generalised belief that women feel the cold more than men, as previously discussed, although our customer feedback indicates that it is not always the case.  Your personal optimum sleeping temperature should be a consideration when purchasing a new sleeping bag.  But the most important thing to consider is the time of year and the temperatures prevalent where you will be sleeping. Most sleeping bags are season rated, following a very logical thought process of Season 1 being light weight and heading up to Season 4/5, where the expedition bags abide.

Season 1-2 Sleeping Bags are generally compact, light and ideal for camping in warmer climates and temperatures.  This is the most common all-use sleeping bag, suitable for family camping, Irish summer use and general festival camping. A comfortable rating for most seasonal uses.

Season 3-4 Sleeping Bags are a thicker sleeping bag, often made with down filling and offering that bit more insulation than the lighter models. Season 3 to 4 rated sleeping bags are ideal for those on adventure trips and expeditions in late Autumn and early Spring outdoor adventures.  A season 4 sleeping bag copes easily with extremely cold temperatures, while having a low weight and small pack size.  Check out this sleeping beauty, a mummy sleeping bag which fits most needs at a good price. 

Its unique Thermal Embrace System allows the bag to hug your body and maximize insulation while the aluminised reflective lining also pulls heat back. Simply snuggle into the Latitude and you won’t ever want to get out!

Packing some Weight

If you are buying your sleeping bag for a road trip or festival, then the weight may not be a huge factor.   But should you need to carry your bed on your back, for longer expeditions and over difficult terrain, then you need to choose wisely. Check bag weight and pack size (how small the sleeping bag is when packed away) online or in the shop before you buy.  For thicker sleeping bags a compression sack can reduce the volume of your packed bag.  Even the most compact sleeping bag still takes up a fair bit of space but a compression sacks provides space saving solutions by packing and compressing contents to half their size. This makes it really handy for bulky sleeping bags or clothing. 

Sleeping Bag Liners and Accessories

The liner is a very useful light inner sleeve which fits inside the bag. A sleeping bag liner can prolong the life of your bed roll as it reduces the need for washing the entire bag.  It also can be used alone on very hot nights or can add an extra layer in colder ones. 

Over the past few years, sleeping bags have evolved to the next level, putting you in control of temperature and comfort and now with added extras.  Built in LED torches, mosquito nets and DVD players.  Ok, we were kidding about the DVD players, but if you want a bag with its own integrated LED torch, mosquito net or matching compression bag, chat to our staff and they will point you in the right direction.

There is a sleeping bag to suit every need, every wallet and every sleeping temperature. Consider the dark cold nights ahead lying in your choice of sleeping bag.  You may be either shivering in misery, cursing the cold, or hopefully, basking in the glow of self-satisfaction and cozy warmth.

Sleep well folks!