The AWARD WINNING winter sleeping bag!

[@Dr.D00p]

Alpkit do a nice couple of items that, when combined, make a perfect sleep system for all year round, for me at least. Their 'cloud nine' rectangular down sleeping bag (I hate Mummy shaped bags) with their lightweight cloud down quilt, which tucks down inside the bag perfectly. The sleeping bag has horizontal baffles whilst the quilt has vertical ones, so you get two layers of criss-crossing down filling with no chance of cold spots developing if, like me, you're a restless side sleeper, plus because it's a wide, roomy rectangular bag, I can shift from side to side inside the bag without twisting it. I've slept comfortably in it, wearing just merino base layers, down to -7

[@pauljames1873]

Maybe your bag is better than mine but my experience has not left me as enthusiastic as you. Mine loses down endlessly and does not distribute fill evenly. Good for a very narrow temperature range. Its only redeeming quality is its zip lessness.

[@RichardMathews-gv7lb]

I have the quilt version and fine for 3 season but same issue with down.

[@TheSoloSummiteer]

Another great review bud. Looks really good that with some interesting design features. For myself, I prefer to have a lesser rated sleeping bag and up my sleeping clothes with down jacket and trousers. This way the sleeping bag just acts as a top up and keeps draughts out. A sleeping bag can only be a sleeping bag, but down trousers and big jackets can be used outside and sat in the tent when it’s sub zero. It’s a combination that works for me in winter. ATB 👍

[@BackpackingUK]

I'm looking at some Columbia down pants (£66) and some Rab ones (£150 less BF discount). My OMM pants are great but I just need something a bit warmer. I always struggle to sleep in thick layers, I'm a nightmare!

[@TheSoloSummiteer]

@ you really are 😁. I’ve got the RAB Argon trousers 👍

[@BackpackingUK]

@ they’re the ones! What do you think? Worth a purchase?

[@TheSoloSummiteer]

@ a bit expensive but I really like them 👍

[@wishdarkstalkaz4050]

I’ll 2nd the RAB’s... pulled the trigger last winter & had them in Scotland & Norway keeping me hella toasty, with OMM Core leggings as base layer.

[@chrisf5475]

Had it, sold it. The top end is indeed nice and roomy and doesn’t feel restrictive, which is the entire reason somebody would buy this bag. People who can’t stand being inside a ‘snug’ mummy bag and especially people who don’t like having their arms trapped. So it seemed perfect… however! Anybody who isn’t ‘skinny’ and buys this one isn’t going to like it. At the point where the ‘quilt flaps’ join, which is exactly on your hips… it goes from lovely and roomy to feeling like you have a bit of cord tied around you. There’s no stretch in it. Everything from the hips down is ‘super’ mummy bag style. I’m not huge… but I’m 6ft and ‘heavy’. And the first night I used it (below 2c) my legs were SO sweaty because there is zero airflow and the fabric clings to you. Even though you can open the foot hole at the bottom, unless you have skinny legs you won’t get any airflow through the bag. I bought it because I don’t like feeling restricted and tangled up yet it felt probably the worst out of all the bags I’ve used for that reason. Such a shame because it has the potential to be amazing, but they need to make that ‘band’ of stitching around the girth of the bag at your hips elasticated or something.

[@chrisf5475]

Forgot something important that nobody ever talks about… Getting in and out of the thing! You try it at home…. Totally fine. Then you realise that you’re inside a really small tent. The bag is fixed to your mat and you can’t slide into it from the side. You have to sit your bum in the ‘torso’ area where the quilt flaps are open… tuck your knees up to your chest and slide your feet in. But that band around the hip is pretty tight… so you can’t just extend your legs down into the bag… they have to be relatively straight. If you have a large dome tent it’s ‘okay’ (I have a cloud peak 2 and had enough headroom) but anybody with a phoxx 2 or one of those similar tents with barely enough headroom to sit up… forget it.

[@BrokenBackMountains]

@@chrisf5475 I have the L and dont have that problem and I weigh 95 kilos so not skinny. I bought this because it is easier for me to get in and out of. I have restricted mobility at the moment. I even managed in a Vango Helium 1. In my x-mid it was no problem. I also dont get that mummy feel. Maybe it is because it is a longer bag and I'm a side sleeper. It honestly feels like sleeping at home.

[@BrokenBackMountains]

That is the bag you took on the WHW, isnt it? I have the same bag in L being a 6 footer. It is very good for a side sleeper like me. I twin it with an exped dura 6r but I wouldnt use the bag for mid winter. I have a Vango Vulcan for that. It goes to -12 and I do have a sea to summit liner if needed. For three seasons it is great. With my back injuries, it is easy to get in to. I can bung the pillow under the sheet and it stays in place. Best thing is it stays in place and isn't restrictive.

[@EdwardLangeland]

I was like wow! A true winter sleeping bag way under a kg. That’s really something. Then I realised I don’t live in the UK but Norway…. 😅

[@AhmedK81]

😂😂😂 barely suitable for the summer

[@BackpackingUK]

I’ve got a Sierra Designs Nitro 0 for deep winter. That’s well worth checking out!

[@EdwardLangeland]

@@AhmedK81 not in the UK apparently

[@republicjim120]

Yeah, where I am in the northern US - very close to Canada - we typically see about 20 degrees (roughly -6 Celsius) overnight in November. Later in December it gets much colder, and usually stays that way at least through February. I can't really consider it a serious winter bag when its limit rating is higher than a lot of our daytime high temps.

[@INSOLESandLACES]

Have had the synthetic 35 version, think it's called the night cap for some time and really like it. The zipless design is brilliant.

[@ChrisWally]

Hey Andy! Great video as usual. Would you have any recommendations for more budget friendly winter camping?

[@BackpackingUK]

I really rated my Black Ice down sleeping bag from Camperlists. Check out my other videos for a review. The new Lighttour sleeping pad is excellent. Again, check out my other reviews. If you're on a tight budget, a foil mat or z sleeping mat underneath an inflatable sleeping pad work well to boost warmth. Sleeping bag liners like the OEX Furnace work well but you can get tangled up if you're a wriggler! Also, wearing clothes is always a cheap way of boosting warm, especially things like a down jacket.

[@trooperwolfie]

I love my cloud 20, I've been in some cold conditions with it, paired with my down jacket it goes down to some silly temps. I've got the long version, along with my long/wide big Agnes rapide sl I can sleep comfortably on my front (I'm only 5'11") it's really good for moving about in, and I've never woke up panicking like I've done in narrow zipped mummy bags before 🤣

[@timoncheese]

Hi - can I ask does the sleeve of the sleeping bag fit over that particular sleeping pad ok? I can see that the wide Rapide SL is pushing it by Sierra Design's measurements

[@trooperwolfie]

@timoncheese I've got the long/wide (25" wide) big Agnes rapide sl, it fits fine, it's a snug fit, but it's not too tight. I've used this combination loads of times, I guess Sierra designs are just playing it safe.

[@timoncheese]

@@trooperwolfiethat’s really helpful thank you!

[@trooperwolfie]

​@@timoncheesehi, I've just realised, my bag is the long version which fits wide pads, apparently, the regular only fits the regular pads.

[@timoncheese]

@@trooperwolfie appreciate the update - if I did get it I'd also be getting the long so all good!

[@karlwilcox1784]

Hi Andy. Great sleeping bag but can I ask about the Flextail Zero sleep mat you are using. I can't see any reviews that you have done on this mat and was wondering why that is and what you think of it. Cheers. Ps. Which Naturehike tent is that?

[@BackpackingUK]

I've got the Flextail Gear R5 mat. It's unbelievably comfy but the pack size is bigger and it's also heavier than other winter pads. It's great value for money though! The tent is the Naturehike Bear UL 2.

[@Rick-gb5jj]

Love it. 😊

[@JueJamie]

I like the pattern/colour design on it

[@BackpackingUK]

It's a smart looking bag. The 35 (summer) version is blue.

[@LiverpoolFPVHub]

Have you tried to add this to a 25” Mat? I was about to pull the trigger on this, together with a big Agnes sleeping mat, but reading the dimensions I don’t think that it would take the mat.

[@BackpackingUK]

Yes, it’s not perfect but it can be done. From memory, if you get the large it goes round a 25” better.

[@LiverpoolFPVHub]

@ thanks, I spotted that the large should just fit a 25” pad after I messaged you, so put my order in for the mat and bag. Received my new Vern 1 this week, can’t wait to get out there in the New Year. Have a great Christmas.

[@Wildaboutadventure]

Hi Andy, thanks for all the information you provide - what phone do you use for your videos? Need a phone to record my adventures.

[@BackpackingUK]

Just my iPhone. I use the Pro version with the better lenses.

[@Northeast-SouthwestOutdoors]

Got the synthetic version, can't use the mat slot with my 2 pillow setup but it's lush. Small dog can fit in envelope side piece thingy too with head poking out😂

[@Slidtesko]

Close to perfect- slept in mine at minus 18c. They should remake it- better down, lighter fabric and a bigger sleeve so it fits wide mats.

[@trooperwolfie]

I use mine with the big Agnes rapide sl 25" wide pad with no problem 👍🏻

[@davidhudson7590]

I just got exped comfort minus 5 comfort seems the job

[@davehumpleby3440]

You start this review saying this is a, "proper winter sleeping bag". I disagree. My winter sleeping bag has a comfort rating of -20 degrees Celsius. I'm a restless sleeper. I could see that overlap not staying overlapped for me. I'd then have a drafty section which would wake me up. I'd have to keep closing it which would be highly irritating. I had this same problem using a quilt which is why I switched bag to using a mummy sleeping bag. I can switch sides as many times as I like and not worry about drafts or cold spots. Horses for courses, but this is not for me.

[@AlanKRiley]

Looks great. What's the model of the Naturehike tent?

[@BackpackingUK]

Bear UL 2. It’s a very different tent, but the space is awesome!

[@AlanKRiley]

@BackpackingUK thankyou

[@levosgiendesforets]

u should have compared to zenbivy, pro and cons ;) tks for the video

[@FOXMAN09]

You can get a -2C quilt (645g) from Australia (Neve Gear) for £160 or a -8C (780g) for £190, +£20 shipped. To the UK there is no customs charge as far as I understand

[@BackpackingUK]

I’d be surprised if there wasn’t vat and duty. Maybe worth double checking.

[@FOXMAN09]

@BackpackingUK ya i read news from May 31 2023 about the Australia-UK free trade and saw this quote "As of today, over 99 per cent of Australian products will enter the UK duty free". I figured maybe that included camping gear haha

[@Север-Юг-щ6э]

What about NatureHike Snowbird 2, is it still good? For comfort near 0°C.

[@BackpackingUK]

I’d say that’s more like +5

[@derreckdeckerson9917]

I've got the quilt version of this. I know what you mean about the smell ha. Would this bag be compatible with the big agnes rapide wide sleeping pads? Cheers

[@BackpackingUK]

The reg suits reg pads and the large suits wide pads.

[@derreckdeckerson9917]

@BackpackingUK thanks

[@trooperwolfie]

​@@BackpackingUK, that's why I'm confused with people saying it doesn't work with wide pads....mines a long version lol

[@BrokenBackMountains]

@@trooperwolfie It wont work with the widest mats as they are also thicker so that takes up the sleeve volume. It works with the thick Expeds (new versions) in Long version.

[@trooperwolfie]

@BrokenBackMountains I've got the long version as I point out above ☝🏻 and it does fit with my wide/long big Agnes rapide SL, apparently the regular length doesn't fit. 👍🏻

[@GoSummitSolo]

Shame it doesn't go - 9. Bene looking for one UL ages now that's comfort like that and light weight.

[@SuperCdp1]

Hi Andy, I'm allergic to down bags and have been looking for a decent winter bag that's not massively bulky or heavy to carry. There aren't many reviews for good synthetic bags so would love to know your advice / thoughts. Poss a video idea?

[@BackpackingUK]

Top end bags often use Primaloft Gold. I’ve got it in clothes and it’s excellent!

[@jonnythelegs2597]

​@@BackpackingUK I'll second that, I have cycling clothing with primaloft gold and it does perform very well, I ride all weathers and on a daily, so having something that insulates well and is easy to deal with on the cleaning and drying front is paramount for me. Alpkit and OMM both have primaloft gold filled bags that could be worth a look and they aren't ridiculously priced, which is nice.

[@trooperwolfie]

Hi, sierra designs do a synthetic version of this style of bag👍🏻

[@Silas-lf4cc]

Get a mountain equipment bag, they're very good quality and reasonably priced and the temperature limits are accurate.

[@XxLuvverofMusicxX]

As a side sleeper I doubt this would work. Ok when on my left side but how do I keep the opening closed when I am on my right side with my back to the opening?

[@BackpackingUK]

It's got a huge overlap to stop this exact thing from happening.

[@craigy1872]

Hi Andy, do you know if this would fit the thermarest nxt regular wide pad ?

[@pauljames1873]

I have it. I too am a side sleeper and I sleep warm. This bag loses down like no other bag I have had, the down seems to struggle to maintain an even distribution and if you are going to freezing or below (as I have to -1C), you categorically will be putting a jacket on. It is not all that it is cracked up to be. For ground insulation I use an r4.5 mat on a light AF.

[@pauljames1873]

@@craigy1872 It fits a 20" pad but not a 25" pad.

[@craigy1872]

@@pauljames1873 thanks mate 👍🏻

[@RedsUK]

Is that an x dome mate?

[@BackpackingUK]

It’s the Naturehike Bear UL 2 👍

[@kaspersergej]

It’s the best thing if Quilts didn’t work for you. I love mine.

[@GeorgeCrapper]

Question - Can anyone recommend a very cheap (under £100) synthetic winter sleeping bag?

[@BackpackingUK]

OEX EV 400 is pretty good. You'll find them in the sales at Go Outdoors.

[@GeorgeCrapper]

@BackpackingUK Thanks, just taken a look. The reviews say it's more of a 3 season bag though. It's nice and cheap though so I'll keep it in mind, perhaps sleeping in warmer clothes if nothing else turns up. 👍

[@JueJamie]

Berghaus transition 400

[@D2Just]

Mountain Warehouse Microlite 1400, albeit it is a heavy bag if backpacking.

[@LowPlainsDrifter60]

The Snugpak Sleeper Xtreme is both good value for money & will be warm well below zero (-7°C comfort rating) providing you have good ground insulation. They are bulky though & heavy at around 2.1 KG. I've been using one for many years & have no complaints, nor have I ever been cold...... & I sleep in the buff.

[@62pnpn]

Centigrade or Fahrenheit...come on KZbinrs!!

[@jason4555]

Great review Andy. For me they look a bit “arty”. Great design but I don’t like the colour scheme. I would get one though if I hadn’t got my present sleep system which I love. I just use a lightweight summer bag and add a quilt depending on expected temperature conditions. All the best. J

[@saxoncrow2500]

Yeah I have a sierra designs down bag. Their reported temp vs reality are waaaaaaay off. For our weather and for a lot less than half the price a snugpak elite 3 does me. I know It's bulky but they are bomb proof. I know this is your job and you're basically a sales man but your way off with sierra.