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Sleeping
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Down Bags above 0c
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Down Bags for 0c to -10c
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Down Bags for -10c to -20c
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Down Bags for -20c and below
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Synthetic Sleeping Bags
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Mattresses
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Liners and Pillows
What price a good night's sleep?
We've bags of choice here: down or synthetic, from the lightest to the warmest, to suit the needs of cycle tourist or expeditioner, whether for warmer summer climates or to cope with the coldest conditions on the planet.
Down or Synthetic?
Whilst down offers the lightest and most packable solution, and remains the natural choice for the high altitude mountaineer, modern synthetics come into their own in damper conditions and may provide a more affordable option, particularly appropriate where pack size and weight don't matter, eg. for use in a bunkhouse reached by car.
Our Down Bags are grouped according to temperature rating. We advise you to use the quoted comfort range as your starting point, but also to consider whether you know yourself to be someone who feels the cold or someone who seems to have anti-freeze in their veins! Individuals vary greatly, with so many factors playing an important part, from nutrition to the quality of insulation provided by the mattress under your bag, as well as what clothing you're wearing inside it. There'll be some situations where you might choose a combination of down jacket and lighter bag, others where you simply want the warmest bag you can lay your hands on.
Fill Power varies from bag to bag, giving an indication of the quality of the down inside. Overall warmth naturally depends on how much down is used: the higher the fill power, the less down needed to produce a given level of insulation. Not necessarily a hugely important distinction in the valley, but potentially much more significant to the high-altitude mountaineer needing to save on weight and bulk.
Outer Fabrics can be water -repellent - worth considering if your down bag is likely to be subjected to significant levels of condensation.
Design and Construction continue to evolve, with manufacturers always aiming to avoid cold spots by distributing the filling as efficiently as possible and ensuring that it stays in place. Women's specific bags reflect growing awareness of the fact that women generally sleep colder than men, and need proportionally more warmth in the footbox.
Sizing
Use this size chart for guidance, but if you're at or near the maximum suggested height don't be afraid to choose a long bag, especially if you're also broad-shouldered.
Last but not least, check out our range of Sleeping Bag Liners, both rectangular and mummy-shaped, cotton or silk.
Make sure, too, that you're using the right Mattress. Ours range from the lightest and smallest, for an alpine bivi, to the deepest and most comfortable, for family camping, straight out of the car boot.
If in doubt, please speak to one of our staff.
