Sleeping systems - bags, pads, matts, liners

Has anyone successfully found a warm camping blanket for sleeping? I don't really like the constriction of sleeping bags, awkward etc.

I've been mulling over just getting an insulated blanket, but a bit worried it might be a bit cold if it gets down to 5 or 6 overnight.

What about a fully unzippable sleeping bag? Or a quilt?

I'm an adamant proponent of cumulus' comforters. If you're short enough, the M400 should be good. I'm 6ft and use the L500 down to around 0C happily. It's potentially drafty due to openness, but I'm not bothered. It's oversized for me so I can also drape it over like a blanket and read on my stomach.

Cumulus' temp rating is too conservative IMO, it's probably somewhere between the quilt 450 and 350.

Cheaper and less warm options are aegismax windhard quilt (had that one too) or alpkit's cloud cover.

Edit: I just checked and the m400 is actually 210cm long which is pretty good. 120 width might be a little tight tho.

I really like my rectangle shaped down sleeping bag. It's not as awkward as a normal sleeping bag and you can zip it open and use it like a regular blanket. Mine's from Lowland outdoor.

you can also look at hammock top quilts for a broader option. it's lovely having a footbox to tuck your feet into but still have the option to stick a leg out if you get too hot or you are a fidgeter like myself. you'd need to be properly insulated from ground below though

If you can sew 4 straight lines, a synthetic duvet/quilt is super easy to make.
Pre Brexit, climashield apex would have been top choice insulation, but IIRC clo insulation might do something suitable.
Combine with 2oz/55gsm nylon. (Pertex/skylon type).

Lots to think about here and investigate. thanks for the suggestions.

Anyone looking to shift a 3-season sleeping bag and mat?

Hi,
I am a mixed stomach and side sleeper and after saving a bit of money, I would like to invest in a good sleeping bag.
I have no experience so looking for recommendations/reviews for the following I lurked:

Big Agnes Lost Ranger UL 3N1 0°
or Zenbivy Light Bed 10.

Thank you in advance.

The issue is bags are designed with the hood for being on your back. And generally have more insulation on the top than bottom.

You want to look for down over 850 fill really. If you want to save money look second hand, I got my mate a great old North Face bag for nothing.

Edit: That zen bivy looks a nice design for a side sleeper.
You listed two bags at different temperature ratings, what temperature do you generally plan to sleep at? are you in the USA?

Hi James,
thank you for your quick and kind reply.

I am based in the UK at the moment but the plan is to have a sabbatical next year and travel to places I have never been and in seasons that might be taught. I was looking for something in the region -10 to 10.
I am travelling to the USA next week for a conference (New Orleans), perhaps I can avoid taxes/duties if I make my head clear...

Perhaps @platypus will pipe up, their knowledge is great.

The bags you listed are pretty heavy. A zpacks as the same rating is half the weight - I am not sure how there is such a differnece. They used 17g/m2 V 36g/m2 and 900 down v 800 down.

The USA have lots os nice small house brands making stuff - at pretty good prices; Katabatic, Zpacks, Timmermade for three off my head. I'd look at the middle of your planned temperature range. You can always push it a bit; I actually use my 0deg C bag the most as it's light and small where as my -10 C is more bulky (read andy kirkpatricks blog for tips). For side sleeping I do think a quilt is nice, I will sometimes sleep in a balaclava. Or just covering your face with a thin merino buff is nice too, plus if the quilt is the right length you can pull it up over your head - you can't do this with a normal sleeping bag. So check a quilt is long enough to do this. A quilt also means if it's warm you can open it up and use it as a blanket. You can do that with a sleeping bag but it's not so comfy.

Katabatic seems a good alternative too!

thanks

I just added Timmermade too, not used their gear but it seems first class by all means. With some innovative ideas.

This discussion reminds me I still need a new quilt, after my As Tucas debacle (don't order from them). I think I'll try and get something soon for the summer season. That timmermade fetal sleeping position bag looks good, as that's how I sleep, nice design idea.

Question; how do you guys deal with mosquitos landing on your face when sleeping in a bivvy bag? I'm thinking about buying a Alpkit Hunka for the summer. I spend some nights in hammocks and this sometimes kept me up at night.

Replaced my Hunka with a sealed option w/ bug net

^ This (Borah Gear).
I've also slept wearing a midge net.
Also, Smidge.

Don't bother buying a hunka, just sleep in sleeping bag.

obviously depends on the type of weather you'll encounter but I have a snugpak jungle bag which is a sleeping bag with an integrated bug net and it works surprisingly well
if you're a mosquito magnet you'll still hear them buzzing around your face but I've yet to be bitten

I don't really want to mess up my sleeping bag with sharp things, rocks and dirt and stuff... And I like the idea of something waterproof

I like the look of that!
Edit: Max body size: 190cm... I need something a bit bigger

Not done this myself but I've seen people on YouTube using a mosquito head net when in a bivvy. Wildbeare was the main one i remember.

Some sleeping pags have bug nets built in. Pretty sure my Snugpak does.

Mainly by avoiding sleeping where and when they are - near water, etc - and when they are mainly out, ie dusk / dawn.

If I get caught out during the night, I just ignore the little fuckers and hope they don't bite too much. But if I'm really awake, I'll just get up and ride.

It would be different if I was planning a long sleep that involved being in it for dusk or / and dawn. And I wouldn't use a bivvy if I was going somewhere I knew there were lots of mosquitos or midges.