Winter bag...Itchy feet

[Happyhanger]

New bag arrived Friday, itching to get out and about but 2 more night shifts to go still :( Finish at 0630hrs Tuesday morning and planning on heading out straight from work so will update on the product once I've field tested it, Temps only around 2 degree at the lowest on Tuesday night and ideally would have liked a colder snap to really trial it.

Well impressed with the service from the company (not sure if I can name here so will refrain for now) as 1st time I've used them, on a small negative note though, the bag is quite bulky as you would expect which is why I bought the compression sack to go with it, now you'd have thought the bag would have been stuffed prior to packaging but no, the bag was inside an enormous box, unstuffed, with the compression sack neatly folded on top, I've now got a box I could live in quite comfortably (yes I've checked the size, I had to get in, just to check capacity/volume, not to build a fort or anything lol), also got a nice bargain on some goretex so with the wet weather we are deluged with currently they will no doubt get a good run out too so will update on them also

Tuesday can't come quick enough, been a few weeks since I've been out so almost climbing the walls in desperation!

Happy hanging and delightful donders to you all :)

PS....Anyone wanna box...

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[saxonaxe]

Paint the top of that box red like a tiled roof and take it to London where you could probably sell it for half a million as a 'Bijou Trendy Apartment'...http://smileys.on-my-web.com/repository/Laughing/lol-030.gif

Be interested to read your report on how the new sleeping bag performs...I reckon that's a good sign that big box, it means the company haven't sent you a bag that's been factory compressed since the year dot, so it has had a chance to puff up and perform well.

[David_JAFO]

hello,
So.. that's where I left my sleeping bag?? :confused2: how forgetful of me.. ahem.. :p looks like my Softie 6 Kestrel incredibly lightweight micro size sleeping bag.
Regards
David

[Happyhanger]

Paint the top of that box red like a tiled roof and take it to London where you could probably sell it for half a million as a 'Bijou Trendy Apartment'...http://smileys.on-my-web.com/repository/Laughing/lol-030.gif

Be interested to read your report on how the new sleeping bag performs...I reckon that's a good sign that big box, it means the company haven't sent you a bag that's been factory compressed since the year dot, so it has had a chance to puff up and perform well.

Lol now there's a thought, someone will snap it up :). Never thought to look at it that way either, the bag is 2008 issue I think, grade 1 condition and I will say you may be spot on coz I was really impressed with the condition, looked brand new, no wear, plump and fluffy and no musty smell as if stored poorly. Looking forward to getting it out and about, thanks and will keep you posted.

[Happyhanger]

hello,
So.. that's where I left my sleeping bag?? :confused2: how forgetful of me.. ahem.. :p looks like my Softie 6 Kestrel incredibly lightweight micro size sleeping bag.
Regards
David

Nah not the kestrel mate although that is a nice bag, I'm a tight arse lol went the surplus route for the bog standard ex issue 4 season bag, this one to be exact http://www.britishmilitarysurplus.co.uk/shop/hardwear/sleeping-bag-grade-1-1124030.html

[David_JAFO]

hello,
That's a nice bag. Nothing wrong with surplus kit & the link posted do supply some cracking kit.
Regards
David


Nah not the kestrel mate although that is a nice bag, I'm a tight arse lol went the surplus route for the bog standard ex issue 4 season bag, this one to be exact http://www.britishmilitarysurplus.co.uk/shop/hardwear/sleeping-bag-grade-1-1124030.html

[rik_uk3]

The mesh pockets go on the inside of the bag, good bit of kit, I've got the Arctic version.

[OakAshandThorn]

T^ Looks like a solid bag to me :). Meh....I wouldn't worry so much - it's hard to avoid the larger size of synthetic bags that are rated below 0 C. There are some out there that offer "down-like" compression (or so the manufacturer claims), but they can cost a lot. Besides, who can pass up a military surplus bargain? :cool:

As for the box, seeing as how domestic cats love boxes of all sorts, you might see if any felines are interested. Otherwise, it's about the right size for the larger cats you'd find in the zoo. It would be hilarious to see a lion having a grand 'ol time inside a large box like that one LOLOL :happy-clapping:

[Happyhanger]

Just a quick update, the latest storm front that blew in wiped out yesterdays plans, I don't mind the rain but winds topping 60mph not for my liking, A bit more settled today so ventured out this morning, 1st of my sites flooded to the point I couldn't even get in to pick up some stuff, I could see my grill hanging there but didn't fancy soaking nadgers to get it! I expected it tbh and all the excess water will leave me lots of nice dry firewood in the spring for sure.

What I wasn't expecting was the utter devastation I found at my next spot, it's in an older part of the forest on a nice high spot about 40ft above the river with great views, only the plateau I usually pitch on wasnt there anymore :( massive landslide taken it away, the old tree that stood over my spot now upended and lying down the hill, such is nature as we all know, perpetual beauty forged by random acts of brutality disguised as weather.

On a plus point the goretex held up well, as goretex does I suppose, didn't expect anything less. back to work tomorrow so the overnight field test will need to wait till next week so apologies on that front.

Happy Hanging

[OakAshandThorn]

Just a quick update, the latest storm front that blew in wiped out yesterdays plans, I don't mind the rain but winds topping 60mph not for my liking, A bit more settled today so ventured out this morning, 1st of my sites flooded to the point I couldn't even get in to pick up some stuff, I could see my grill hanging there but didn't fancy soaking nadgers to get it! I expected it tbh and all the excess water will leave me lots of nice dry firewood in the spring for sure.

What I wasn't expecting was the utter devastation I found at my next spot, it's in an older part of the forest on a nice high spot about 40ft above the river with great views, only the plateau I usually pitch on wasnt there anymore :( massive landslide taken it away, the old tree that stood over my spot now upended and lying down the hill, such is nature as we all know, perpetual beauty forged by random acts of brutality disguised as weather.

On a plus point the goretex held up well, as goretex does I suppose, didn't expect anything less. back to work tomorrow so the overnight field test will need to wait till next week so apologies on that front.

Happy Hanging
On the bright side, the landslide opened the forest canopy for new growth, carrying with it rich sediment to fertilise the area. It is a slow process to transition back into forest...but I am willing to bet that by this time next year, there will be much new growth of pioneer plants. And perhaps in 8 years, what is now cleared may become clustered with undergrowth shrubs and bushes, as well as pioneer trees. :)

[Happyhanger]

Hello again all, first off apologies for the delay in posting the review as promised, life gets in the way sometimes, on a plus note I've had the bag out a few times so feel in a more educated place to continue with the review.

So following the cracking customer service and a few field tests my over all verdict is exceptional value for money, great condition bag, quality workmanship as you'd expect for ex mil issue, feel confident in the zips lasting and the stitching looks faultless throughout, comfort and use wise its very thick and cozy feeling, the re-inforced foot section is a great addition, it takes a wiggle or two to zip and baffle up fully at first but once in its gloriously snug, lowest temps experienced was trip 2 where camp site dropped to -3 but the bag coped to an extent I woke up too warm, better that than the opposite :) The other 2 trips were a chrystal clear 0 degrees and a very mild 2 degrees with some wonderful skies I captured as the northern lights made an appearance above some low cloud, The camera phone doesnt really do the sky justice but to see it glowing at 2am was so good I would have dropped my roof it hadnt been for the fine drizzle, Maybe not the low end temps I wanted to push the bag too but I'm confident if needed it will cope well. Some pics...13566 13567 13568 13569 13570 13571 13572 13573