Snugpak Stratosphere - Experiences

[Ashley Cawley]

Hi Folks,

I'm after hearing from those who have used the Snugpak Stratosphere, would love to know your experiences...



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YwUD42INqc0

[Jimmy69]

I'm saving up for this bag at the moment - i always thought it looks quite fun :)

I'd love to hear any comments about people who've used it as well. Once i've saved up the pennies i'll be sure to give it a thorough test and review! :rock-on:

[Shewie]

I had one for a while Ash and didn't really get on with it. It's a well designed bit of kit, the side entry is fantastic, it's light but still fairly roomy (for a skinny guy :))

The reason I sold it was the coating on the inside of the shell fabric, it was kind of rubberised if that makes sense. I found every time I rolled over or tried to move anywhere I would get stuck almost, that's fully clothed or in a sleeping bag. I mentioned it to some other folk though and they'd never had the same problem, I might have had a one off, I know mine was one of the earlier releases so that might have been the problem.

I sold it on and treated myself to a Terra Nova Saturn, fully goretex and double hoops for the same weight.

If another Strat came along cheap I reckon I'd give one another go for sure.

[happybonzo]

Some interesting reviews HERE (http://www.rvops.co.uk/index.php?main_page=product_reviews&products_id=2113&cPath=76_28)

[cuppa joe]

I looked at a few mid range bivi's and whittled them down to two choices...the Snugpak Statosphere and the Highlander Falcon http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Falcon-Bivi-Tent-Ab-Tex-breathable-waterproof-1-person-/400241754871?_trksid=p3284.m263&_trkparms=algo%3DSIC%26its%3DI%26itu%3DUCI%252BIA% 252BUA%252BFICS%252BUFI%26otn%3D21%26pmod%3D120783 366933%26ps%3D54....in the end I went for the Highlander simply because I preferred the look of it ......I've used it about 10 times since and in pouring rain twice and I stayed dry...They are very similar in design and the Aluminium hoops give enough space to read a book and roll over......Why not take a look at the Ionisphere http://www.cheaptents.com/acatalog/snugpak-ionsophere-tent.html?utm_source=googleproducts&utm_medium=cse&utm_campaign=ongoing&utm_term=SnugpakIonosphereCompactTent from Snugpak.....or a Highlander 1 man tent http://www.amazon.co.uk/Highlander-Rapid-Force-One-Tent/dp/B0029F1YBI...to be honest there is so much choice out there now ,one could go on forever lol.
I will be interested to see what you make of the Statosphere .

[Ashley Cawley]

Thanks Rich & others :)

Not sure I'm so keen on the idea of one now, not enough room for kit etc. I'll stick with my trusty hammock & tarp I think.

[Shewie]

Thanks Rich & others :)

Not sure I'm so keen on the idea of one now, not enough room for kit etc. I'll stick with my trusty hammock & tarp I think.

A small tarp is useful for admin and somewhere to stash kit/cook/sit up, I picked up a cheap DPM ripstop basha by Vanguard off the bay, it weighs in at only 280g with cordage and rolls up to the size of a pop can. If I go with the bivvy the basha is always packed too.

[Jimmy69]

[QUOTE=Shewie;33552]A small tarp is useful for admin and somewhere to stash kit/cook/sit up, I picked up a cheap DPM ripstop basha by Vanguard off the bay, it weighs in at only 280g with cordage and rolls up to the size of a pop can. If I go with the bivvy the basha is always packed too.[/QUOTE

I've always thought of taking a tarp with me when bivvying but never sure how big to take - how big is your basha?

What configuration do you put it up in - i was trying to experiment with one that will cover my pack and allow me to sit in shelter while cooking but not be too big or fly away in the wind.

James