Showing posts with label ultralight backpacking. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ultralight backpacking. Show all posts

9/14/2011

Slumberjack Talon 40-Degree Rectangular Sleeping Bag Review

Slumberjack Talon 40-Degree Rectangular Sleeping Bag
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I use this bag all the time...it's compact, light, and warm!I used it just last weekend, the weather was in the low 40's and I was nice and comfy!

Even if you have a little more $$$ to spend, I still recommend this bag.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Slumberjack Talon 40-Degree Rectangular Sleeping Bag

Product Description:
Perfect for all expeditioners who want to travel light--from kayakers and fast packers to motor and pedal cyclists--the ultralight Talon sleeping bag has a carry weight of under 2.75 pounds. This rectangular, two-season bag is temperature rated to 40 degrees Fahrenheit, and it has a single layer of insulation that is sewn through from the outer to the liner. The half-length insulated draft tube keeps cold air from penetrating through the anti-snag zipper. It also provides easy-grab pull tabs and a stuff sack.
The regular bag has a maximum user height of 5 feet, 11 inches; the long and magnum bags have a maximum height of 6 feet, 5 inches. It's filled with Thermolite Extreme insulation, which features a blend of three synthetic fibers (thin threads, hollow spiral fibers, and thermally bonded fibers) to optimize both loft and compressibility. It provides maximum warmth and lightweight comfort, and maintains much of its insulation value even when wet.
Why a Rectangular Bag?
Rectangular shaped bags offer the greatest flexibility and interior room. Once unzipped, they can be used as comforters, blankets, and for other outdoor or indoor uses. You can even zip two together for even more room.
Specifications--Regular:

    Size: 32 by 80 inches
    Carry size: 7.5 by 12 inches
    Fill weight: 1 pound, 2 ounces
    Carry weight: 2 pounds, 9 ounces
    Shell: Polyester Diamond Ripstop
    Liner: Polyester Taffeta

Specifications--Long:

    Size: 34 by 84 inches
    Carry size: 7.5 by 12 inches
    Fill weight: 1 pound, 10 ounces
    Carry weight: 2 pounds, 11 ounces
    Shell: Polyester Diamond Ripstop
    Liner: Polyester Taffeta

About Slumberjack
Slumberjack has been known as the outdoor sleep expert or for more than 50 years. They have built this reputation for being the best by building the finest quality sleeping systems in the world, while addressing the needs of virtually all market segments from backpacking and trekking to family camping and hunting and fishing. With over five decades of experience in the industry, Slumberjack has taught everyone that "roughing it" doesn't have to mean being uncomfortable. That's why their selection of sleeping bags, self-inflating mats, self-inflating chairs, camp furniture, bivy shelters, and accessories offers a choice for every season and a fit for nearly every size and shape.
Amazon.com Sleeping Bag Guide
Sleep Well: Finding the Right Sleeping Bag
Sleeping bag technology has come a long way from the days of cowboy bedrolls. These days, there are a number of high-tech materials and designs available to keep you warm during the coldest outings. Here's a short list of things to keep in mind when you're shopping for a bag:
Buy for Cold
It's a safe bet that on at least one of your adventures, the nighttime temperature will drop unexpectedly. That's why it's smart to buy a bag that's rated for the lowest possible temperature you expect to face on your camping and backpacking trips. For summer trips, a bag rated at +35 degrees or higher will likely do the trick. If you like to camp in higher elevations in the summer, or if spring and fall outings are in your future, consider bags rated from +10 to +35. Winter adventurers should look for bags in the -10 to +10 range, while those on serious winter alpine climbs and expeditions will want a bag rated lower than -10.
Keep in mind that sleeping bag manufacturers' temperature ratings only estimate the minimum temperature at which the bag will provide warmth. Take these numbers with a grain of salt, as different folks generate different amounts of heat when they sleep. If you're the type who likes to pile on the covers even on warmer nights, go for a bag that's rated ten degrees colder. The opposite is true for "warm" sleepers--a 35-degree bag will probably work for you on a 25-degree night.
Goose or No Goose?
The most important component of any sleeping bag is its insulating material. Modern sleeping bags offer two choices: goose down or synthetic. While both materials have advantages and disadvantages, down bags are considered superior because of their phenomenal warmth-to-weight and warmth-to-bulk ratios. While providing great insulation, down is extremely compressible and light. There's a reason why geese can fly and stay warm through the winter! Down also boasts great long-term durability and will typically retain its insulating properties after years of use.
All of that said, there are many high-quality synthetic bags on the market and synthetic materials are getting better all the time. While a synthetic bag will weigh somewhat more than a down bag at an equivalent temperature rating, synthetic bags perform better when wet. (Yes, the Achilles heel of down is that it loses all insulating properties when wet.) If your trips take you to wet climates, you may want to consider a synthetic bag for this reason alone. Keep in mind, too, that many people are allergic to down--synthetic bags are non-allergenic. Finally, down is considerably more expensive than synthetic, which might tip the balance for adventurers on a budget.
Bags for All Shapes
Sleeping bags come in two basic shapes that reflect their intended use. Mummy-shaped bags offer the best warmth because they conform to the body's contours. This minimizes the amount of body heat the body must put out to maintain a constant temperature. Many mummy bags are offered in women-specific shapes and sizes, as well. Rectangular bags, while they do offer more room to toss and turn, are less thermally efficient because they contain more open air space. Also, they are typically heavier than mummy bags, and are generally not offered with down insulation, making them best suited for car camping or short backpacking trips.
Pad Yourself
No matter what kind of bag you choose, a sleeping pad is a required accessory. Not only do they provide much-needed comfort when sleeping on the ground, pads also offer crucial warmth for your backside, as the weight of your body compresses--and renders virtually useless--the sleeping bag insulation that lies beneath you.


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8/13/2011

Suisse Sport Alpine Adult Mummy Double Layer Sleeping Bag Review

Suisse Sport Alpine Adult Mummy Double Layer Sleeping Bag
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I had ordered this sleeping bag, based on the fact I had gotten my son the smaller/compact Suisse Sport bag and it worked real well for him.This one, is equally well-made and it fits me better than the compact one (I can fit in it, but I look like Dracula in his coffin).The larger one here, I actually have some wiggle room.If I had any complaint about it at all, I wish the hood drawstring closed further down.It seems the material bunches up before it can fully cinch shut.

For those wondering if they'll fit, I'm 5'10" and 230 lbs, with a 46" chest.I have plenty of leg room as well.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Suisse Sport Alpine Adult Mummy Double Layer Sleeping Bag

Product Description:
Stay extra-warm on high-altitude camping trips with the Suisse Sport Alpine double-layer sleeping bag. The Alpine is equipped with 3 pounds of Hollowblend MicroTekk Z1 fill, a cozy synthetic insulation that keeps you warm at temperatures as low as 5 degrees F. The fill makes this bag a great choice for chilly fall or winter camping, or for alpine hiking trips when you're preparing an ascent. The bag also includes a double-layer offset quilt construction that keeps the fill from bunching up, eliminating cold spots as you sleep. And to make sure the wind doesn't sneak in while you sleep, Suisse Sport added a drawstring hood and draft tube.
Other features include a soft polyester lining for added comfort, a handy compression sack for transport, and a cozy mummy shape. Machine-washable, the Alpine bag measures 84 by 24 by 33 inches (W x H x D) and weighs 5 pounds fully packed.


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7/30/2011

Kelty TripTease Lightline Review

Kelty TripTease Lightline
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
Kelty triptease lightline cord is gold in color, about 3/32" diam., and is labeled as 1 oz for 50 feet, braided nylon, labeled with 188 pound break strength (didn't test), with lifetime warranty, contains a single reflective thread sewn in a X pattern, 4 Xs per inch of cord.Reflectivity with a flashlight is okay and functional.Note that the Viper Equinox is much better for reflectivity.

Viper Equinox is a competitor sold by Campmor and others at much lower price than Kelty.It is also gold color, a little larger at 1/8" diam., has 3M reflective thread with 2 threads per X pattern, 4 Xs per 1.5 inches of cord.It is also braided nylon, model ELW401.It is about twice as reflective as Kelty.Also sold in 50 foot pieces.

Another option is REI's blue,green, and white cord, that is braided, 1/8" diameter, single reflective cord sewn in a spiral dash with about 4 lines per 1.25 inch of cord. It has about the same reflectivity as the Kelty cord, but it also adds a glow in the dark feature that actually works for several minutes after a flashlight hits it. The glow in the dark white cords are a series of 4 threads together with 3 of the sets per inch of cord.Basically, the glow cords are about 75% of what you see on a cross section and the reflective cords are about 5%. This cord is about the same cost as Kelty.One additional advantage is that it is sold by the foot, so you can get a small piece or a really long piece.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Kelty TripTease Lightline

Product Description:
Kelty's Triptease Lightline is incredibly strong reflective cord for staking or guying out your tent.

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6/18/2011

Wenzel Santa Fe 20-Degree Sleeping Bag (Cobalt/Orange) Review

Wenzel Santa Fe 20-Degree Sleeping Bag
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
Great sleeping bag.In fact, I wanted to get another one as soon as I received this today but the price has gone up $5.00 plus they added almost $8 shipping.It was a prime shipping item and now you have to pay shipping?What is up with that?

Click Here to see more reviews about: Wenzel Santa Fe 20-Degree Sleeping Bag (Cobalt/Orange)

Product Description:
A great choice for three-season campers, the Wenzel Santa Fe mummy-style sleeping bag delivers a warm, comfortable night's sleep time and again. The Santa Fe--which offers a 20-degree F temperature rating--is filled with 2.5 pounds of hypoallergenic Omega II polyester fiberfill, a lightweight, comfortable material that provides excellent warmth retention. The bag's offset quilt construction, meanwhile, traps the polyester fill between two layers of outer fabric to prevent shifting and help reduce cold spots. Other warmth-enhancing features include a drawstring hood, a full-length 3-inch draft tube, and a 5-inch internal shoulder collar.
Specifications:

    Temperature rating: 20 degrees F
    Size: 84 by 33 inches
    Fill weight: 40 ounces
    Fill type: Omega II
    Outer: Polyester
    Liner: Soft polyester pongee
    Zipper: Self-repairing
    Storage: Oxford nylon stuff sack



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12/15/2010

Suisse Sport Adult Adventurer Mummy Ultra-Compactable Sleeping Bag Review

Suisse Sport Adult Adventurer Mummy Ultra-Compactable Sleeping Bag
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I decided to give this a try even though I could not find any information on the web about them.
The short version is, this is an excellent bag and you would have to spend over $100 to get a better one.

its well made and so far has been very warm in sub 50'F temps. I would not hesitate to use this at its 30' rating. It has all the same features as the rest of the bags on the market. Its comfy and very light, Although I would not really call it ultralight, but since it compresses down so small, it fits my needs just fine.
the guy holding it in the picture must have massive hands! its not quite that small unless you spend an hour compressing it.
But, Its small enough just by stuffing it into the compression sack and synching up the straps, I can fit this, with the rest of my gear into my 3000ci pack. So I really don't care if its half a pound heavier than the $100 bags.

The compression straps are slightly different than the photo. But otherwise, The description on amazon is accurate.

I had no problem getting the bag back into the stuff sack and I was not afraid to pull as hard as possible on the compression straps. Although I found that its not necessary to compress it very much, Its good to know Its built well. If you really wanted to save another ounce or two, you could do away with the compression straps alltogether.
Once in the stuff sack, it only measures 14x7 then it only compresses down to 12x7 (maybe smaller)

UPDATE: (10-4-2010)
I've had this bag over a year now and used it more than a dozen times in various situations and conditions. The more I use it, the more I love it.

The coldest I've used it was lower 30's on a boat. The temp inside the boat was maybe 34. I was fine sleeping in shorts, socks and a long sleeve shirt. I've slept outside in a tent in low to mid 40's with no issues. I would still completely trust it in 30 degree's with a tent (and some wool socks!). I've also slept comfortably in mid-to-upper 60's outside, as well as room temps indoors.
The stuff sack and compression straps have held up just fine, and I don't foresee any problems in the near future.

Still a great bag that should easily last several years.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Suisse Sport Adult Adventurer Mummy Ultra-Compactable Sleeping Bag

Product Description:
The Suisse Sport Adventure extra-small sleeping bag is ideal for long treks when a few inches or pounds can make the difference between a pleasant hike and an unbearable slog. The mummy bag is ultra-compact, compressing down to 12 by 7 by 7 inches when in the stuff sack. How small is that? Well, it's petite enough to hold in the palm of your hand. That means you can easily fit the bag in your hiking pack without using up a third of your pack space. At the same time, the bag is warm and comfortable, with a 100-percent polyester ripstop outer and inner lining, a double-layer construction, and a 700-gram Micro Tekk.7 high-performance microfiber insulation. The construction materials ad up to a 30-degree F temperature rating, making the bag a good choice for summer, spring, and fall camping trips. Other details include a full chest baffle, a draft tube, and a utility pocket. The Adventure sleeping bag measures 29.5 by 84.5 inches (W x L) when open and weighs 2.9 pounds in the stuff sack. The bag is also machine-washable for easy cleaning.


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