RAB ASCENT 1100 REVIEW - Best All Round Winter Sleeping Bag?

[@dandooney1312]

I've got the Rab Ascent 1100, I've used it in the far north of Sweden down to below -20 and its lovely and warm . Great quality . And in comparison to a british army issued "arctic bag" the Rab is much, much warmer . Great quality down bag at a decent price.

[@JRPOutdoors]

Great to hear it performed in those temperatures! I do love it and hope it lasts over time too. Thanks for taking the time to comment 👍🏼

[@dandooney1312]

@@JRPOutdoors im really impressed with it . I was going to spend double on a bag...glad i didnt as the Rab does the job well and will last for years

[@Globetrotter-1]

@@JRPOutdoors The draw cords are a pain in the arse. They're far too long, and being inside the bag means that they are constantly in the way, including the toggles. Far better if Rab had positioned them outside the ridge of the hood/neck baffle.

[@nickharker6299]

Good information and review of the bag. I have used the ascent 700 in winter for a few years and been down to -9 but at that I’d say it has hit the limit unless you wear thermals also. So have just bought this bag from Millets with a very generous discount. One thing I do feel is worth mentioning is that for a warm nights sleep, the bag is only half the story. I have known many people take to the outdoors with a good 4 season bag and complain they were cold from below. Any good sleep system also needs a sleep mat that will match the conditions and temperature it will be used in, as the bottom of the sleeping bag is thermally inefficient due to your body compressing the down. I personally use an extherm down mat with a high R value during winter months. Nick

[@JRPOutdoors]

Hey Nick, a very valid point about the sleep mat. The down compresses underneath your body providing very little insulation from the ground. I have an xtherm down XL pad that works great. I’ll probably do a review on it after this winter. Thermarest high R pads are probably even better.

[@d3lta1]

Good review of a fantastic bit of kit. Great advice as well, always worthwhile having the best sleeping bag possible - keeping warm and comfortable to enjoy the trip. Appreciate you still getting good content up on the channel, despite the new restrictions. Thanks.

[@JRPOutdoors]

Yea man its a lovely bag 👌🏼 Cheers mate! I do have a camp video being edited that I did just before lockdown so should have that up shortly 👍🏼👍🏼

[@claussvensby3994]

A very good and informative presentation of this bag, thank you! I'm a norwegian hiker that think this will be a good and warm friend for me under the arctic winter sky :)

[@JRPOutdoors]

Very welcome! I’d be interested to hear how it performs 👍🏼

[@AshOutdoorsUK]

Looks an excellent bag JP! And well reviewed matey. I say yes to some more kit reviews! 👍🏼👍🏼 have a good evening buddy Ash 🏕

[@JRPOutdoors]

Cheers Ash mate 👍🏼 with this lockdown probably will have no choice but to do more 😂

[@greerwadsworth6879]

Just bought this bag as trekking Kilimanjaro in June 2024. Great review, thank you!

[@JRPOutdoors]

Welcome mate 👍🏼

[@outdoorsgeorge6896]

Nice review bud, I’ve got an army artic sleeping bag and at 45 years old I think it’s had it’s day, not only has it lost it’s thermal value it also weighs a ton compared to these newer models, I’ve had it 12 years now, I think it’s time for an upgrade maybe I might go for the rab! Cheers for the video bud 👍🏻ATB George

[@JRPOutdoors]

Hey George, for the money the arctic bag is decent but like you say, the size & weight is almost impractical. Rab bags do cost more than I’d usually pay for kit but its about the longevity. Its basically an investment ta for watching man 👍🏼

[@madcat1007]

Nice video. Thanks. Shame you didn't show how small it packs down to when compressed.

[@JRPOutdoors]

I'd say about 30-40% less.

[@jonirowe1]

Nice review, no messing about. Good advice. Cheers.

[@JRPOutdoors]

Very welcome, cheers for commenting 👍🏼

[@WyeExplorer]

Yeah I'd say that's worth saving up for John. I use Snugpak and just get away with say minus 2. But this - well you can cook in it at that temp. Good little video mate. Enjoyed that. Mark

[@JRPOutdoors]

Who needs a fire! 😎

[@WyeExplorer]

@@JRPOutdoors When you have Rab!

[@brianmorrison9168]

I was going to buy a Snugpak (Softie Elite 4) which is about £90. Would you say I would be better off saving a bit more and going for the Rab.

[@JRPOutdoors]

@@brianmorrison9168 it’s a tough one! I’v never used the snugpak bag but is arguably a very fair price for a winter bag. It is a little heavier and bulkier and has a synthetic fill rather than down. The rab 1100 would protect you in even colder conditions too but very rarely in the UK would you need to worry about going past -10. It all depends if the comfort rating stays true to what it claims. I cant fault the rab at the moment though going from experience and a couple of others who have watched this vid have been happy after purchasing. Keep me posted with what you go with though man 👍🏼

[@mikhaillindan9091]

Brilliant mate, I got one of these too, good value they are

[@JRPOutdoors]

The months are getting colder and mine will be coming out with me from next month I’d say 🙌🏼 enjoy man.

[@timsturdy6009]

Nice review - good content and a useful steer thank you!

[@JRPOutdoors]

Welcome! Cheers Tim.

[@hugokorhonen]

This was very helpful. Thank you!!

[@jasonmaddison6148]

good review fella.

[@belladass8298]

Excellent review. I'm getting one soon.

[@JRPOutdoors]

You wont regret it 😎👌🏼 cheers Bella!

[@whatsnottohike]

Hi. Thanks for this. I'm 6'1, can i ask if this was the R or L size? The R says user height 185cm (Just under 6') but the actual length of the R bag is well over 200 cm. I can't seem to find the L anywhere but would also like to spend less, if i can fit into the R size. Thanks, great review. How've you got on with it since this video was made?

[@JRPOutdoors]

Hi, I am 6ft2" and I fit into it fine. I'd not too snug but there isn't loads of room to move around either. Suits me fine. If you can get chance, see if go outdoors have one in and they let you get in them to try them out. I love everything about this bag still tbh. Taking it out again this autumn. The only thing you might see is the odd feather when you pack it away. The down is so small they sometimes find their way out but not enough for the item to be defective in anyway.

[@whatsnottohike]

@@JRPOutdoors hi. Thanks for the quick reply. So yours is the Regular rather than the Large? As for go outdoors, I live in Spain and they don't deliver here so I'd have to find someone who does or just buy it here, If I can find a stockist. I've asked Rab if they have any. Thanks again, really appreciate it. Happy camping 🏕️

[@JRPOutdoors]

@@whatsnottohike Yes mate, the regular. Best of luck with it. Maybe if they can honour a return scheme that doesn't cost you too much incase you need more room.

[@BurtonOutdoors]

Good review dude... nicely put together, very informative. This was my next choice after the OEX but a no brainer with the OEX being half the cost, worth a go and if it's crap I will just get a better one... maybe this. 👍😁

[@JRPOutdoors]

I think with the price you paid its a no brainer to go with your bag man! I’d be interested to see how long it lasts but im quite impressed with oex’s other gear. I think it should do you well for a while.

[@BurtonOutdoors]

@@JRPOutdoors TBH I probably do around 4 or 5 winter camps a year so it should last a while. Cheers John

[@vickyjoweol9665]

i just love your video... will I survive in -10 degree in it .. I means will i get comfortable sleep

[@JRPOutdoors]

Thanks man 👍🏼 I’d say so yes but just make sure you have a good enough sleep mat for that temperature too, so you don’t feel the cold from the ground.

[@hedgerowsandzeros]

Looks nice. The Mrs has just ordered the 900, but I sleep cold. Do you use yours in autumn and spring too? Imagine you can vent..Also do you sleep clothed, i prefer minimal nightwear. Cheers Graham

[@JRPOutdoors]

Hey Graham, i usually only use this from November - feb/march. You can of course sleep with it unzipped but id recommend a few different bags for each season. I tend to sleep with nothing on too which i think works best. Unless iv had a few beers, then ill stick on some thin thermals incase i sweat onto the bag (Somehow it helps). Ta mate 👍🏼

[@hedgerowsandzeros]

@@JRPOutdoors yeah I've tried one bag approach. Doesn't work, unless it's modular. Just want the 1100 to see some use in shoulder season between 6 -0C. Thanks mate 👍

[@kartherton]

Hi all. I already own a feather sleeping bag, but its as prickly as hell. Thinking of upgrading to this rab bag, but I don’t want another prickly bag. Can anyone advise please. Thanks in advance. Keith.

[@JRPOutdoors]

Drop into a local GoOutdoors and they let you get in them to try 👍🏼 I haven’t had issues with any sticking in.

[@kartherton]

@@JRPOutdoors Thank you. 👍

[@lazarmomcilovic3187]

hello. What is the comfort temperature?

[@JRPOutdoors]

Hi, it says 0 to -15 online but anywhere down to -10 I think is definitely safe.

[@lazarmomcilovic3187]

Ok.Thank you

[@steelmanoutdoors4479]

Looks like an absolute corking bag mate! I have the army artic bag and it’s a beast 😆 but as you know I have a brand new alpkit 700 which I’m desperate to test out. Do you combine that with a bivvy bag for extra protection?

[@JRPOutdoors]

Hopefully you’ll get the chance next month 👌🏼 Yea it certainly will add a few more degrees but the bag keeps you so toasty anyway that its hard to tell 😆

[@RJ-pu8yh]

Hi, just subscribed to your channel. Good video as im currently looking for a quality backpackin sleeping bag, however, i am allergic to feathers, they make me asthmatic for some reason, is there an equivalant synthetic bag available? Thanks 🙏

[@JRPOutdoors]

I haven’t used this bag but look at the solar eco 4 by RAB. -11 rating 👍🏼

[@rejects101]

Just ordered one of these so thanks for the knowledge dip. I can't find any information on this but I assume that if a size isn't stated then it's a regular? I ask as |I saw one advertised on Amazon as an XL or does XL refer to a feature rather than size? EDIT: Found the answer, The standard size is for a user height of 185cm and the XL is for someone who is 200cm.

[@JRPOutdoors]

Yea man you got it. Though I have the standard here and am 6ft 2” and does me fine 👍🏼

[@ajcoops5919]

Wiggys sleeping bags from Colorado USA 🇺🇸 look them up and I guarantee you will purchase one as I imported 2 and combined take you down to -40, obviously never will be in that kind of temperatures in UK but an absolute bomb proof bag which is filled with Lamilite filling

[@richardfarrant1889]

Please you tell the size of you sleeping bag you said you are 6ft 2 is the xl or normal size i want to buy one i,m 6ft.1 but not as slender as you

[@JRPOutdoors]

Hey Richard, no problem, this is the standard size and I feel it fits me fine in length. I would definitely recommend heading to a store to try it first though if you are broader. I went to Go Outdoors and tested one there for safety 👍🏼

[@richardfarrant1889]

@@JRPOutdoors Thanks for your reply your video was very good i have ordered the standard size because you stated your size £215 and will chance the risk i can always send back Thanks again Rich

[@JRPOutdoors]

@@richardfarrant1889 You're very welcome mate! I hope it fits what you are looking for and as you say, if you find it not to your liking you can always send it back. Not a bad price either!

[@richardfarrant1889]

@@JRPOutdoors Just to let you mate the sleeping bag arrive you was correct about the sizing its thanks its great and fits fine in side my old Army bivi bag Cheers Rich

[@JRPOutdoors]

@@richardfarrant1889 Ah man this is great to hear! Glad you're happy with it :) I have an ex army bivvy too and works well and keeps lofted. Enjoy man!

[@sheikhyaboooty]

I`ve a RAB 1000 that is about 30 or so years old. Looking slightly tatty but still toastie.

[@JRPOutdoors]

If it does the job thats the main thing! Great to hear its still working well.

[@stu2610]

Hey man, What would you say the warmest you could sleep comfortably without being to hot in this bag is?

[@JRPOutdoors]

I’d say anything higher than 5 degrees C and you may find yourself being too warm. My most recent camp in a cage i used it inside a bivvy and i think it dropped to around 3/4 degrees. I wasnt too warm but certainly wasnt cold 👍🏼

[@stu2610]

@@JRPOutdoors appreciate the insight cheers mate

[@JRPOutdoors]

@@stu2610 very welcome mate 👍🏼

[@madcat1007]

In warmer climate, don't use it as a bag. Use it as a quilt.

[@LundysWildcampBushcraft]

Nice review John looks like a good bag mate atvb jimmy 😎😎

[@JRPOutdoors]

Cheers Jimmy 👍🏼

[@grandadmiralthrawn9231]

Definitely considering getting this sleeping bag. I'm looking at camping more in the winter 👍 Have one question about it Did you get the regular length bag or the XL size? I'm 6ft and just want to make sure I don't get a bag that's longer than it needs to be for me Keep up the great content mate 👍

[@JRPOutdoors]

This is the regular fit bag and I don’t have a problem with the length (and I’m 6”2). Best thing to do though is pop in to go outdoors and get in one. Its a bit odd 😂 but I did it and it just reassured me I was buying the right fit. I really don’t think you’ll have an issue with the regular though pal, and if you do, they’ll let you return it 👍🏼 Cheers for the support 👍🏼👍🏼

[@ronniepickering9191]

i think i might get one of them for fishing. do you know who i am.

[@stevenrobertson6656]

Who are you ?

[@ronniepickering9191]

@@stevenrobertson6656 ronnie f...ing pickering

[@stevenrobertson6656]

@@ronniepickering9191 Sorry Mr Pickering didn't mean any offense. Honest pal.

[@ronniepickering9191]

@@stevenrobertson6656 lol you never did

[@glenroberts7557]

There only 650 down reserved for cheap down bags the stitching on the inside ain't gr8

[@handyoutdoors2938]

Looks good mate definitely what u need in the winter thanks for sharing mate atb Dafydd

[@JRPOutdoors]

Thanks for watching man 👍🏼

[@eliagoldblum2765]

🤣🤣🤣🤣 a bag for life if you sleep 2 weeks per year outside!!!!

[@JRPOutdoors]

Keep the heating off and use it at home 😂

[@joshuacarr9738]

365 quid now

[@ВадимЧастныйСтроитель]

Interesting 👍