camping advice :)

Originally Posted by -Ralph-

I've never been cold camping in a £10 sleeping bag from Argos, and I've camped in Scotland in April when it was 4 degrees at night. In cold weather just wear a pair of walking socks, some tracky bottoms, a t shirt and fleece, and throw your walking jacket over your chest and head. Next month a sleeping bag might be too warm, especially if the sun comes up early, you'll end up lying on top of it. Summer camping usually sees me sleeping with the tent door open, and coming out in the morning gasping for a bit of fresh air and to get out of the oven that a tent turns into on a summers morning.

Unless you are doing some serious camping in the winter months in sub-zero temperatures, just buy whatever sleeping bag comes in the smallest stuff sack.

I just pick up the one which packs down smallest, never had a problem, maybe thats because most times I camp I will be drunk

Originally Posted by SoulKiss

Its a false economy when its 3am and your feet feel like they will drop off.

My £25 Snugpak has been good for the past 5 years or so.

A good tent and a good sleeping bag are more than worth the cost, compared to the the experience of a cold night.

Oh and put 2/3rds of your available bedding beneath you - the ground leeches heat faster than the air.

Man up

[SoulKiss]

Originally Posted by Sally

I just pick up the one which packs down smallest, never had a problem, maybe thats because most times I camp I will be drunk



Man up

Hypothermia isn't really something you can fight by "manning up".

And when his other half is bitching at him cos she's frozen, I can see how well your advice, passed on by him to her would go down...

Ha, ha. The difference between a Tesco's sleeping bag and a Snugpak ain't gonna give you hypothermia! If she bitches of cold feet, toss her another two pairs of socks, one pair for her feet, and another pair to go in her mouth

[timwilky]

Hotel, end of.

Although I have recently purchased an enormous tent, a second double air bed and a few cheap tesco sleeping bags, simply to attend the AR, it is driving distance for the daughter so I intend to make her and the wife suffer a lack of comfort, ensuite facilities and basic catering. A weekend out for them on the cheap for me.

[Luckypants]

Check out Gelert sleeping bags, cheap and good quality.

http://www.gelert.com/products/sleeping/collection

I have one that I bought for the North vs South ride in 2007, same stipulations as you. Pack down small and light for the bike, needed to be reasonably cheap. It has kept me warm on many occassions since and I'd be happy to use it in freezing conditions despite being rated at 'only' 3-season. This one looks good..

http://www.gelert.com/products/pione...0_sleeping_bag

Originally Posted by timwilky

Hotel, end of.

Although I have recently purchased an enormous tent, a second double air bed and a few cheap tesco sleeping bags, simply to attend the AR, it is driving distance for the daughter so I intend to make her and the wife suffer a lack of comfort, ensuite facilities and basic catering. A weekend out for them on the cheap for me.

Not from Yorkshire...are you sure?

If whatever sleeping bag you end up getting isn't as warm as you might have liked, wear a hat to bed.
You will be surprised how much warmer you will be with your head covered.

Cheers for the suggestion guys

And will have a look thanks lucky pants

[Luckypants]

As you have been in Go Outdoors, did you see this?

http://www.gooutdoors.co.uk/pinnacle-350-dl-p181237

4 season bag for £40, that will def keep her warm. My son does lots of outdoors stuff and works at Go Outdoors in York, so I asked him to recommend something. Unfortunately he is not at work today, but will post what he has to say...

[yorkie_chris]

Does he get a discount?