Sleeping bag

G'day,

take a look at Roman Big Man bags. I have five and recommend them. Non tapered, full size, fully zipped, hooded, etc.

Walter,

I have serveral different sleeping bags which I used when I was teaching in the outdoors. They are all expensive 'walled', 'super-down' bags. The one I used in the snow for lightweight snow-camping cost over $800 and is fantastic for it's intended use.

I also have a swag and find the down bags quite poor, due to the fact that the canvas is quite heavy and sits on top of the bag and over the night compresses it and 'pushes' out the air, which is what keeps it warm.

I also have some MUCH cheaper synthetic bags and a single doonah which I find much better for this purpose. I guess my point is that for car camping/swag use, you don't need to spend a fortune on a sleeping bag. The suggestions above about the Roman bags is a good one.

Cheers,

Mark

As others have mentioned, try some of the Roman sleeping bags. I use one called 'The Beast'. Full size bag (not tapered), zip out cotton linner for ease of washing/cleaning, rated to -10. Have slept many a warm night in my swag whilst the ice formed outside.

Hope the info helps.

John

I completely agree with Mark E re down bags and swags. Down is great for bushwalking due to light weight, but not best choice for swags. Synthetic bags also much easier to clean. I don't see the need for a bag at all inside a swag. You already have a matress under you which insulate very well. The bag just constricts you in a swag. We have a double queensize doona from Target for the swag (and down bags for hiking). The Target doona cost about $60 a couple of years ago. I don't mean a double bed size. The double doona has two lighter weight doonas that can be clipped together to form a double thickness doona for cold weather. Then, it is REALLY warm. During warmer months we use only one doona and that is plenty warm enough for all but the very coldest nights in mid winter. The double doona is a versatile, and cheap, way to go.
Re synthetics. The type such as Hollowfill where the strands of the fibres are actually hollow give a bit more warmth for the weight.

Walter

I agree with Mark. A Super Down bag is by far the best option. However, their very expensive, and not suited to flat swags. Compressed Down is totally useless.

You should also be aware that there are some pretty dodgy products on the market.

If you decide to buy a high quality Down bag, test it first by compressing the bag with your hands. If you hear a lot of 'crunching' it will indicate goose feathers or some other material you don't need.

The other problem with Down bags is washing the damn things. It's a five day process if you do it properly.

Having said all that, if your arse is freezing, there is nothing like Down.


Regards

Kim

I bought a Mac Pac down bag over 25 years ago and it has traveled with me around the world to hot and cold climates being used as a doona or a sleeping bag. Back then the rating was -15 bag and I have never had a problem with it. It is rare I do have to zip it up and climb inside.
This bag gets used on every trip and I estimate I have slept in it for more than 6 years. It now gets rolled up in my swag and yes the canvas does compress it sometimes but if I know it will be cold I will string up the swag to a tree or ute.