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Following on from my what tent question, we've now moved to sleeping bags ... summer use only, so 1 season, rectangle and zipped. But the joy of the internet means I'm confused by so much choice ... so any guidance please?
We'll be motorbiking so pack size not too critical, but ideally smaller the better. Happy to pay a little more if the quality makes it worthwhile, otherwise budget friendly is good.
Thanks
How are you with down? Allergic or not?
The only thing I'd say is to look at the temperature ratings with one eye on the typical, or even worse than average summer you might experience. I've experienced temperatures of around zero in a British summer, and if you end up a bit higher than sea level, you can get that low even in 'hot' countries.
Snugpak are good value but optimistic with the comfort earthing at the bottom end so as above, of you want all weather UK summer bag you won't want their thinnest versions.
I'd just buy a synthetic bag 2nd hand cheap off ebay and stick it in the wash or support local company Snugpak and buy a Navigator Basecamp or similar (£35), I cycle past their factory on the side of the canal at Silsden . Then spend the money on a nice lightweight insulated jacket (synthetic or down). insulated jacket can be worn whilst preping camp, cooking/eating, socialising, wear it in bed if it's colder than expected, much more versatile than bag only.
Thanks - we'll be in Europe/Med over Aug & Sept so theoretically it'll be warm. Snugpack - hadn't come across them but look good and like the lcoally made aspect.
Had looked at Vango Planet 50 but Sungpack looks a nicer option maybe. And good thought on Synthetic jacket ... it's amazing how the amount of 'kit' accumulates!
My own experience of 1 season bags is that they are a bit pants, there seems to be a narrow window where they are actually comfortable. Otherwise they are not warm enough or it's too hot to want anything more than a thin sheet or silk sleeping bag liner. I always carry a set of thermals for when it is chillier, it really helps to boost the usefulness of the bag. What bannana said ^^ is good advice although personally I prefer not to sleep in the jacket unless it's properly cold.
In fact a liner and a fleece blanket is a pretty comfortable and cheap option, and you can pick up additional blankets in the likes of aldi or Carrefour and stick them in the recycling when you don't need them. Also worth thinking about is a sleeping mat that has a high R value, it makes a massive difference to be on something warm - you need less insulation on top.
you won't need an insulated jacket in europe/med in Aug/Sept, unless you're camping on the Glacier Blanc or something.