Hey everyone, I’m looking for a sleeping bag recommendation for temperatures around -5°C. My budget isn’t huge, but I know how important a good sleeping bag is. I’m considering Decathlon bags, but I’d like to hear if anyone has experience with them or suggestions for others.
Also, this is for cycle touring, so lightweight and compact are really important! Any advice is appreciated.
It depends on how lightweight you need it to be. I recently got a Mammut 3-Season Nordic Down bag, which is around 1.15 kg and has a packed size of 6.1 liters. It’s rated 0°C for comfort and -5°C for transition, but I’ve used it in colder temps without issues. It’s not the smallest bag out there, but the price/performance/size ratio is great. You might be able to find some clearance deals on it, too.
@Riley
I use the Nordic series as well—great bags. You won’t regret it!
Make sure to budget for a good sleeping pad as well. Without a pad with at least an R-value of 5, your sleeping bag won’t perform as well. A combination of a foam pad and an air mattress can give you better insulation and comfort without adding too much bulk.
What’s your exact budget, and how small/light do you need the bag to be? Also, why are you cycle touring in the UK in winter? It’s dark, wet, and kinda miserable!
Where are you located?
Dezi said:
Where are you located?
Hey, I’m in the UK!
Dezi said:
Where are you located?
Hey, I’m in the UK!
Cool! You should be able to buy from Europe. What’s your budget and weight limit for the bag?
For -5°C, you’ll need a proper winter bag and a good sleeping pad. Look for an ISO-rated sleeping bag with a comfort rating of -9°C or lower. It’s crucial to have a pad with an R-value of at least 4 as well. Unfortunately, bags that meet these criteria are usually not cheap or lightweight, but safety should come first.
@Broderick
Most sleeping bags are advertised with their limit rating, which is what a warm sleeper can tolerate comfortably. Women’s bags usually show the comfort rating, which is for colder sleepers.
I recommend the Klymit KSB 20—it’s great for these temperatures. I’m selling mine if you’re in the EU, but even new, it’s not too expensive.
Big Agnes Europe is having a sale right now. I used their 20°F down sleeping bag in -2°C last week, and it kept me warm (I had to open the zipper). I paired it with a pad rated R4.8.
If you don’t get cold easily, this Decathlon bag might work for you: Decathlon Trekking Sleeping Bag MT900 0°C Down. I haven’t personally used it, but reviews seem positive. If you’re expecting wet conditions, though, a synthetic fill might be better.
Decathlon bags are good for the price! Just layer up if it gets colder.
Check out the Snugpak Merlin 3. It’s worth considering.
For the best weight-to-warmth ratio, I’d go for a quilt from Hammock Gear, Enlightened Equipment, or Cumulus. If you’re on a budget, the Paria Outdoor Products Thermodown 0°F (-17°C) bag is a good choice. It’s about $150 from Paria directly, and you can use a discount code to save a bit more.
Since you’re in the UK, you might face some extra costs due to Brexit, but you can check if Paria ships there. Otherwise, Hammock Gear and Enlightened Equipment have great options too.
@Addison
Great recommendation, but I think the original poster is in the UK.
Bly said:
@Addison
Great recommendation, but I think the original poster is in the UK.
Ah, right. Brexit really made things difficult for consumers in the UK. It’s tough to get good deals on gear now.
@Addison
Yeah, Brexit wasn’t great for pricing, but there are still some cheaper options in the UK compared to other countries.