Sleeping systems - bags, pads, matts, liners

if you're using it twice a year, fine
if you're using it once a month, pay a small amount extra for something good

Ive got an Aegismax one which is not bad , not the warmest but it packs down to the size of two tennis balls and weighs as much as a fart. it was about 40 quid and took 3 weeks to arrive.

Anyone with any experience of these Naturehike mats?

https://www.naturehike.com/ultralight-tpu-egg-crate-inflatable-cushion-mummy-type/
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/202064524067?ul_noapp=true

Similar weight and pack size to thermarest neo-air xlite, not expecting equivalent performance for £20 though.

So I’ve just purchased this for a 20 day Europe trip later this month . £24.99 from decathlon. Might test it next week in the Peak District for a night . Accompanied with this mat which is due to be delivered .

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Anyone have any experience of these (or similar):

https://www.pannier.cc/shop/category/shelter/cumulus-quilt-250

or

https://www.alpkit.com/products/cloud-cover

I am looking for something less warm than my Mountain Equipment Xero 300 which I almost melted in the other night (OK, also in a bivvy bag and it was about 20 degrees min overnight), and with a small pack size for bike touring/packing trips. I run hot and it's main use will be in Scotland for a week at the start of September and I don't want to be too hot to sleep for a week! In an ideal world it would be as light as my ME bag (750 gms) or lighter, ethical down, small pack size. Yeah, I know.

Took my Thermarest Apogee quilt out for the first time the other night and it was revelatory. Quite large though, because synthetic. Down version would be more compact, I'm sure. Wouldn't hesitate to recommend the concept though, heat management was great.

Thanks, the Corus quilt looks good and I might be able to get it for a good price too. The ability to stick a leg out and regulate temperature that way is really appealing with these things.

Cumulus is a lot better than the Alpkit, if you'll use it often
The best would be one of the super lightweight PHD bags, I have a +5º bag that packs down to the size of a 1l bottle. a few on ebay at the mo

I bought a Snugpak Softie 6 Kestrel.

Used it in wales, was nice.

Not too heavy, nice material, packs down reasonably small.

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Used mine on Fri night, super easy to inflate, not as comfy as neoair xlite, harder to deflate (there's probably a knack to it but for me air kept getting trapped in the furthest chambers from the opening).

Comfort wise on a par with the alpkit numo I'd say, but better valve (for inflate & staying inflated at least).

Good bang for buck, if they sell them again I'll get another as backup to our numo's.

Nice! I'll post in here next time I see them, I'm in Lidl about 3 times a week as it's only a 2 min walk from the flat

How was the bag? Looking for a replacement for my old one and on a slight budget. Have got a liner that i could use as well to increase temp if required.

Any suggestions for a two person blanket/rectangular type of bag?

Just grabbed a Snugpak Softie 9 Hawk barely used but ripped stuffsack, £8 charity shop.

Anyone cut & pasted a bag to make into a quilt?

Aldi got one on sale

https://www.aldi.co.uk/adventuridge-double-sleeping-bag/p/083635219165700

Bargain!

Thanks, a bit heavy for cycletouring though. We've gone for a rectangular down bag zipped open for use as a blanket + 2p liner in the end. We'll see how it goes :)

Good call, hope it works well.

I need a new bag. Anyone got a Phd they want to sell before I buy new. Guess down to 0deg. I'd like a zip so I can use it like a quilt when it's warmer.

Also need a new pad. Neo air x lite still best shout for touring?

Neo air x lite still best shout for touring?

I'd say so, really like mine, and I appreciate it was a lot more money but it is hugely warmer/smaller/lighter/comfier than the Mountain Equipment Helium it replaced.

Anyone have any good tips for washing a down bag? A few overly hot summer nights have left it less than welcoming...

Mountaineering Designs were recommended on here (somewhere), and by someone else I know. The process was a little old school - the online web form, sending it off, not really hearing a lot back...but I used them after my bag stank after a long tour. Came back smelling great and no worse for wear. It wasn't cheap but I had the confidence that my bag wouldn't come back ruined.

I think you can do it yourself but the process seems quite convoluted and for whatever reason, at the time, I didn't feel up to it.

If it's not so bad maybe just leave it outside to air for a day or so.

Thanks. I've a short one for short raids but thinking of getting a long one for proper tours.

Pretty sure I used these people in Sheffield, believe they are the same place Rab use for their washing service and recommended by LBS and several other ditch-sleeping friends.

http://www.elitecleaningandaftercare.co.uk/duck.html

Neo air x lite

+1 although the Lidl one I got is proving good too.