Is it worth buying a bivi bag and silk/fleece liner for my BRRRRR summer sleeping bag or just getting a good 3-4 season bag??

Any recommendations? (A good nights beer doen't count)

They're only a tenner in Millets

http://www.millets.co.uk/camping/sle...ct/096210.html

I've been looking all over the place for a solution to this too.

I've a 3 season bag, comfort down to 4c, but it's just not enough to keep toasty at the begining and end of the season. I can improve on that by adding in the silk liner, which takes a couple of C's off

I was, and still am torn between a bivibag to put the bag into, or one of those bivibag come tent things, for reallllly rough camping.

Any offers of advice ?

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Never underestimate the power of stupid people in large groups.

Done a bit of camping in my time and the only way i can normally stay warmer is by having someone over the out side of my bag ie like a rug or my jacket.

If i sleep in a sleeping bag thats big and clumpy i sweat on the underside and get chilly on the top side because of the sweat.

Another best way to stay warm is a simple large set of dry socks, set of long johns (or similar) and a thin long sleeve t shirt

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Plough on

Good old army sleeping bag ,i have tried a few but nothing compares to it ,the only downside is the size it packs down too, but i will rather that than a cold night sleep anyday

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OFFICIAL CRASH TEST DUMMY

After years of uncomfortable sleeping I tried all sorts..... Ultralite Cot, Beds, slim matts, think self infalting and the list goes on.... These days after spending out I bought a Nanok -10 comfort sleeping bag which packs quite small and a Exped 9DLX Duckdown sleeping matt which solved it all.

Alot of money I think but well worth it for a good nights sleep. Call Les at TravelDri plus hes a top guy and knows his stuff.

http://www.traveldri-plus.co.uk/

Sleeping Bag:
The real 3 (UK4) season bag for the hardy motorcycle camper who want a high performance bag for 3 season use in the hills with the additional comfort.
Features
* Extra wide
* Zip on both sides
* Small pack size
* Adjustable neck baffle
To further increase the usable volume of this bag an extender is available. Please 'phone Les or Jane for details. 01647 24523


Matt/Bed
Heat loss is dramatically reduced with down insulation inside the mat, as demonstrated by EMPA, the Swiss Federal Labaratories for Materials Testing and Research, and field tests by expeditions.
The thick cushion of air also provides comfort and smooths out uneven ground.
As down compresses extremely well, Downmats packs smaller than other insulated mats.
* Both low profile valves (pat. pend) one for inflation and the other for deflation ensure ease of use. As the valves are flat and not on the mat�s edge they do not protrude and are therefore protected and durable.
* Light foam blocks at the mat�s ends prevent down from escaping or migrating between chambers.
* Laminated polyester fabric is both durable, airtight and humidity resistant. The shell�s top surface is of brushed polyester fabric that provides excellent slip resistance and comfort next to the skin. Dark colors dry quickly. The seams are high frequency welded for durability.
* Two loops at the head end can be used to secure the packsack to the mat when used as a pillow.
DownMat 9 Pump
Size: 183x52x9 cm / 72x20x3.5�
Weight: 980 g / 34.6 oz
Packsack 170 g / 6 oz
Packed: 24x16 cm / 9x6�
Fill Weight**: 250 g / 9 oz
Temperature: -38�C / -36�F


Alot of outlay but you get a superb warranty and wish you bought them earlier!

I like the idea of a hammock for a spot of 'rough' camping - Instant camp and bed if there are suitable trees (and they do reckon that hammocks are as comfy as anything when you set them up right) but can also be used as a tent/bivvy in the absence of trees. http://hennessyhammock.com/use-as-a-tent.html

I've been dreaming of a Hilleberg tent (maybe one day ), but have been curious about hammocks for a while now. The other day, a workmate (ex-Canadian) brought his hammock (War Bonnet - Blackbird) to work and set it up in some trees. He showed me its features and let me have a test lay. Seemed really comfy, and has some great features. No worries about terrain (unless there're no trees, although can use as a bivvy bag in a pinch), works well for hot/cold weather, bloody light, small pack size (no poles), and also makes great chair/lounge. Damn sight cheaper than a Hilleberg too.
It's got me thinking.

I know this is a bit late but i have used bivy bags for a good few years and a good goretex one will add another few degrees easily to your sleeping bag, army surplus ones should be fine if in good nick, i also use a thermarest as i went off blow up airbeds in sub zero temps and find these are better insulation, hope this (belatedly) helps, regards, Jim

I've done a fair bit of cold weather camping (and warm weather!) - I've camped at the Elefantentreffen for 4 out of the last 6 years and in 2011 went motorcycling and camping in Norway. in February. in -15 to -20 deg C.

I really enjoy camping in the snow.
http://www.sweller.co.uk/norwaybound2011/#DSCF6289.JPG (I was on the old Armstrong).

Elefant 2010:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?...1&l=f33670ed67

My top tips are:

Decent tent with Alloy poles (fibreglass break at very cold temps)
Coleman Dual Fuel stove is the best and most reliable I've had (I've tried a few and seen others use theirs, the Coleman just works but it's a bit heavy) - gas is utterly useless under freezing.

For sleeping:
Thermarest - this is a must.
I use an Army surplus cold weather sleeping bag. The absolute ********.
Like this: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/British-Ar...-/171206597930

I find sleeping in socks and thermals allows for that extra few degrees chill

Another top tip: make sure you keep your boots in the tent as if you drunkenly leave them outside they freeze solid overnight and you can't get them back on....

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Simon

Brighton, UK