Looking for a decent summer bag

[el manana]

I now have my WM Summerlite delivered (I made the mistake of choosing Royal Mail standard delivery - they lost it for a week - or perhaps the sender forgot to send it. Took ages... Anyway I have it now)

@cathyjc /@el manana

I'm surprised to see gaps in the down filling. It's not very even - some parts thick, but some parts where it thins to nothing. Is this normal when first unpacked? Is it possible to rectify (by pushing the filling around)?

As @cathyjc says, its continuous all the way round. I don't find it any different to my other bags tbh. Gaps are more noticeable in bags with less fill weight. A good shake and leave it to loft, i tend to fold it and leave it at the bottom of my mat.

I find it good above zero, a summer bag, once it gets lower i upgrade. Im a cold sleeper.

 

[cathyjc]

As @cathyjc says, its continuous all the way round. I don't find it any different to my other bags tbh. Gaps are more noticeable in bags with less fill weight. A good shake and leave it to loft, i tend to fold it and leave it at the bottom of my mat.

I find it good above zero, a summer bag, once it gets lower i upgrade. Im a cold sleeper.

Ditto.

 

[Franky]

Any reason why Alpkit hasnt been mentioned. The Pipedream 400 will be back in stock on 30th June (available to pre order). Might not be the lightest, but a good 2 season bag (although for many they seem a bit optimistic with the temp ratings). I sleep cold, and have never bothered with a 'summer' bag as usually my summer camps tend to be colder than my autumn ones! Number of times my mates have opted for lighter summer bags on trips and slept cold.

I'd recommend having a look at the Mountain Equipment Helium range. These bags are great. I have a winter rated one and its toasty. Helium 250 (summer bag) is about £190 with the 3 season 400 around £220. Well built and warmer than the rated specs. Plus they are in stock and in this country for quick delivery.

I mentioned Alpkit early on in the thread but the affordable hint went unnoticed Lol

 

[Franky]

I’d buy another ME bag tomorrow if I could justify…I’ve also gone back to a traditional Self Inflating firm Silent mat and can sleep at last once again and get up no aches

 

[Rog Tallbloke]

I’d buy another ME bag tomorrow if I could justify…I’ve also gone back to a traditional Self Inflating firm Silent mat and can sleep at last once again and get up no aches

Comfiest mat I ever carried was a long Thermarest expedition. Weighty, but good.

 

[Franky]

Comfiest mat I ever carried was a long Thermarest expedition. Weighty, but good.

I know you love a ‘comfy mat’ Rog!!

 

[syd_away]

Thanks all

Well, I'm due to start the South Downs Way tomorrow, train tickets booked (wanted to attempt to complete it before the start of the school hols). It's too late to think about getting something else now. I expect the bag will be fine - it seems highly recommended. Think I'm just being anxious! It certainly feels very light. Currently lofting now.

If I don't get on with it I'll sell it on (btw I intend to use a silk liner with it at all times, for those who might be interested!)

I also now have an Exped Hyperlite Winter, the "action pumpo gizmo" thingy doubling as a pack liner

 

[One L]

I've just walked the South Downs Way. Cheated though and used B&Bs. It's a cracking walk and much quieter people wise than I thought it would be given its proximity to London, Brighton etc. Its also pretty rough under foot with flinty paths esp the western half.

 

[Rog Tallbloke]

Thanks all

Well, I'm due to start the South Downs Way tomorrow, train tickets booked (wanted to attempt to complete it before the start of the school hols). It's too late to think about getting something else now. I expect the bag will be fine - it seems highly recommended. Think I'm just being anxious! It certainly feels very light. Currently lofting now.

If I don't get on with it I'll sell it on (btw I intend to use a silk liner with it at all times, for those who might be interested!)

I also now have an Exped Hyperlite Winter, the "action pumpo gizmo" thingy doubling as a pack liner

Have fun, you'll be fine.

 

[cathyjc]

Thanks all

Well, I'm due to start the South Downs Way tomorrow, train tickets booked (wanted to attempt to complete it before the start of the school hols). It's too late to think about getting something else now. I expect the bag will be fine - it seems highly recommended. Think I'm just being anxious! It certainly feels very light. Currently lofting now.

If I don't get on with it I'll sell it on (btw I intend to use a silk liner with it at all times, for those who might be interested!)

I also now have an Exped Hyperlite Winter, the "action pumpo gizmo" thingy doubling as a pack liner

The Exped pump/pack liner is a good piece of kit .
Good luck, have a good time and report back, please

 

[syd_away]

Hi all, I'm back from the SDW, and I completed it (yay!).

The WM Summerlite performed very well - it was perfect for the conditions. Thank you @cathyjc for the pick Warm but not too warm, and outer fabric seemed very resistant to dampness or the odd water spill, or touching wet grass by accident (though I need to learn to be more careful!). I wonder if that also helped to up the warmth, as I was worried about gaps in the down fill, but that turned out not to be a problem.

The Exped mat was good too - very quiet and comfortable.

The pump was fine until I used it as a pack liner. Definitely not durable enough for that... From day one it developed several puncture holes, which then made it less effective as a pump (I've now patched these up with Gorilla tape). Though I think it should still be ok as a secondary dry sack for the sleeping bag etc.

Also less successful was the silk liner. I used to use it (years ago) all the time, but this now I feel like I'm fighting it like an escape artist (maybe it's my age), and also it seemed to attract damp. I stopped using it after a couple of days. Shame to waste that lovely silk fabric though - think I might cut it up and make it into a dress!

I've just walked the South Downs Way. Cheated though and used B&Bs. It's a cracking walk and much quieter people wise than I thought it would be given its proximity to London, Brighton etc. Its also pretty rough under foot with flinty paths esp the western half.

Yes I agree that was my experience. Very quiet, but lovely... That last bit - ouch! I was wearing Topo Terraventures and could have done with something with thicker soles. (They need replacing soon anyway).

 

[cathyjc]

Hi all, I'm back from the SDW, and I completed it (yay!).

The WM Summerlite performed very well - it was perfect for the conditions. Thank you @cathyjc for the pick Warm but not too warm, and outer fabric seemed very resistant to dampness or the odd water spill, or touching wet grass by accident (though I need to learn to be more careful!). I wonder if that also helped to up the warmth, as I was worried about gaps in the down fill, but that turned out not to be a problem.

The Exped mat was good too - very quiet and comfortable.

The pump was fine until I used it as a pack liner. Definitely not durable enough for that... From day one it developed several puncture holes, which then made it less effective as a pump (I've now patched these up with Gorilla tape). Though I think it should still be ok as a secondary dry sack for the sleeping bag etc.

Also less successful was the silk liner. I used to use it (years ago) all the time, but this now I feel like I'm fighting it like an escape artist (maybe it's my age), and also it seemed to attract damp. I stopped using it after a couple of days. Shame to waste that lovely silk fabric though - think I might cut it up and make it into a dress!



Yes I agree that was my experience. Very quiet, but lovely... That last bit - ouch! I was wearing Topo Terraventures and could have done with something with thicker soles. (They need replacing soon anyway).

Silk liner - I used to think they were the "thing to do" - but like you I found them increasingly frustrating. I havn't used one in years now.
I wear base layers to sleep in to help protect the SB. - vary according to the waether.
Additional advantage is you then have 'clothes' on when you need "to go" in the night .

 

[Robin]

Silk liner - I used to think they were the "thing to do" - but like you I found them increasingly frustrating. I havn't used one in years now.
I wear base layers to sleep in to help protect the SB. - vary according to the waether.
Additional advantage is you then have 'clothes' on when you need "to go" in the night .

I agree. I gave up with liners. Lightweight baselayers are more comfortable and flexible.