Sleep Systems

[Outlander Systems]

What sort of sleep system are you running?

Currently, I've been using the Snugpak Softie Elite 2 bag with a Therm-A-Rest pad.



Specs:
Temperature Rating: Comfort: 36°F ; Low: 27°F
Weight: 46 oz.
Length: 86 in.

This year, Georgia's been cold. Damn cold. I'm pushing the limit of what this bag was probably designed to do, and I'm considering snagging a "winter" bag. Last trip I went on I woke up freezing my ass off.

Since I've set up my CFP-90 solely as a winter pack, I may just do up a different sleep system dedicated to that bag.

Pros:
Very lightweight
Extremely compact
Warm, until temps start pushing 25°F
Excellent closure around face
Easy, to get in and out of, especially for the design
Surprisingly rugged
Expansion panel very helpful

Cons:
Not a four-season sleeper, unless you're in a "winterless" climate

The con, really isn't. You'd be hard pressed to find a bag that can take up as little space as this does, and still keep you cozy at the freezing point.

My "chill" issue may have been compounded by not using the sleeping pad, and being in a hammock.

Regardless, I'm going to use this as a three-season bag, and get something that can go down to 0°F for my winter system.

[PlatoCATM]

Have you considered adding a liner to extend the range to a little lower temperature? They can add 10-15 degrees and can prolong the life of the bag too. I picked up a sea-to-summit silk liner, and it's extremely comfortable, but I haven't been able to drop it in a bag to really test it (I used it in a shady hotel a couple of times). You might try to make your own also. It can be as simple as a rectangular bag with seams on 3 sides, or you could run some velcro on one edge. If you can sew a seam, and can source a viable material of your choice you can make one much cheaper than they sell for. As much as I like mine, I wouldn't buy it again as I'm fairly confident I could make it for half as much.

I've been looking at the softie elite for some time now, and if I can get back into backpacking more regularly I may pick one up. Currently I use an inexpensive slumberjack that's rated to 40 degrees. It is a bit bulky, but a solid bag for the cost. I don't think I would use it for serious backpacking though due to the bulk and weight, it's a great car-camping bag though.

[MIKE G]

.......

[Outlander Systems]

Have you considered adding a liner to extend the range to a little lower temperature?

I had thought about getting a fleece "sleeping bag" for the interior, as well as possibly adding a wool blanket to my current setup. The jury's still out on whether or not I will add to, or do a winter bag.

I've been looking at the softie elite for some time now, and if I can get back into backpacking more regularly I may pick one up.

The Softie Elite 2, for me, is the perfect bag. So far, I've been GTG up until around Mid-December.

As someone who sleeps in a hammock quite a bit, your chill factor was due to being in a hammock.

Definitely. I didn't mention that I didn't bring the pad either, so I definitely was pumping heat out of my backside.

The A-Sym is undoubtedly my next purchase. I'm waiting for REI to cough up my dividend for this year, and hopefully they'll have one in stock. I was originally gunning for the A-Sym, but wanted a hammock immediately, so I ended up going with the Eagle's Nest. Awesome setup, but I want the Hennessey as well.

I have heard complaints of Snugpak bags being cold however I think people just have unreasonable expectations for the bags. I have used them extensively and they are good bags, particularly considering the size.

I think bag-makers have a propensity to over-estimate, sometimes grotesquely, their temperature ratings. I would say, though my experience with Snugpak consists solely of the Softie Elite 2, is that their rating is the most accurate of any of the bags I've tried.

[Ak44]

I run a Recon 3 bag and the USGI gortex bivvy.

[Von Rheydt]

I looked at hammocks as being the choice of hippies. But after I tried one I was converted instantly. They are much more comfortable, better in wet weather and away from ground critters.

I use:

- Hennessy Hex Fly 70D. This is great for hammocking, it makes a mean 4 man bivvy or a two person tent - depending on how you rig it. I have added two extra guyline loops as extra insurance for windy conditions.

- Nomadsland hammock. These are the favoured hammock of the British bushcraft community. They cost around $20 are dual colour, mine is OG and tan. Throw the hooks that come with it and replace with micro carabiners which makes it quicker to set up.

- Bug net. This covers the complete hammock.

- RAB sleeping bag. I have a 3 season bag to give versatility. In the warm weather it is used as a quilt in the cold weather add a liner or put some socks on.

I am working on an underquilt for cold weather. Being a tightwad I am making my own out of thinsulate and pertex so that it is warm and windproof.

[ra2bach]

I'm sure your coldness was due to being exposed underneath.

I have both the Exped SynMat Deluxe and a Big Agnes AirCore and I much prefer the Exped:

http://www.rei.com/product/780369

[M4Fundi]

I keep Silk Cocoon liners in all my bags. They make them warmer, extend the life of the bag by keeping body oils out of insulation and act as a sheet to keep you covered even with the bag open if it gets warm.

In most environs I use a Thermarest. I have a Thermarest LE I use for base camp and then use the Guide-lites in the field or closed cell foam for the field in Africa (too many thorns for Thermarests).

In the jungle I use a Thermarest in my hammock and a silk liner bag and a gore windstopper blanket (its water proof) I sometimes use a Hennesy Hammock.

I have 5 bags. The 3 I use the most are Western Mountaineering Gore Dryloft -30 & 0 degree bags and a Sierra Designs Wild Bill 20 degree bag with synthetic fill.

I also keep a beenie in all the bags.

[Von Rheydt]

I keep Silk Cocoon liners in all my bags

Years back I was told by a USAF SP guy that had done Vietnam that they used to have silk in their headgear. The reason being that as it was the product of one insect other bugs would not come and try to live in it - thinking that it may be the house of a big spider.

+1 for silk.

[piggly_wiggly]

Thanks to the influence of another board member here, I've been slowly increasing the number of options on sleep systems to fit different conditions. Right now my two primary bags are a Mt Hardware Lamina (20 degree, synthetic), and a Marmot Never Summer (0 degree, down)- both are full zip. Just picked up an ultralight 30 degree bag (no zip) for a song which I'm excited to try soon. The Lamina was the first purchase I made with a specific trip in mind- used it with a Neo-Air in Georgia last month, in conjunction with a Sea-to-Summit Reactor (Thermolite liner) and had a tough time on a ridge the first night- the winds were compressing my bivy onto my thighs and I was waking up from the cold. After sleeping on and packing the Neo-Air, I've pretty much relegated my other Thermarest pads to backup status- very comfortable and uber compact/light.