BB200 - sleeping bag

[StuartG]

Hi all,

I have committed to the BB200 and working through my kit. There is no chance of me riding through the night so I will be sleeping over and your advice on a sleeping bag would be appreciated.

I am used to touring, where I can use my panniers and space is less of an issue an, so I need to get a lightweight sleeping bag for October. I will using the following set up overnight:

Exped 5 DM mat
TN Jupiter

I am a warm sleeper, but tend to find the cold on my back at about 4 am. I have a blown lower disc so need to keep the cold off my back, which is why I am using the Exped.

Are there any recommendations for a bag that packs small, but ok for October? Would a Rab Module be too cold for October?

Any help would be appreciated.

Stuart

[Richard G]

Just a thought, wouldn't something that keeps your lower back warm be a good idea? I'd be tempted to cut up a compression top and put something fleecy in the back part for toasty goodness.

[StuartG]

Thanks Richard, I will be using something similar on my lower back, so this will the exped my back should be okay with a bag/quilt over it.

[Giacomo]

I've a PHD Minimus K Series. Not cheap, but fantastic warmth to packability ratio...

I'm a warm sleeper and have used down to 0 degrees and been fine with a Neoair mat.

[Single Speed George]

i am interested in what people are using for this as well a i was thinking of just using my really light like 1-2 season bag and my big rab down jacket as that setup is smaller than my 3-4 season bag i use this set up for bike packing in the summer and spring but duo if will be too cold in october ... suppose i will find out haha, unsure at the moment what i will take.

[Bearbonesnorm]

It's a very difficult thing to judge, not only because everyone's different but also because conditions are unknown ... in 2013 I was riding all night without gloves and my jacket undone but last year people got frost-nip.

However, it is fairly uncommon to have a hard frost at that time of year, so I'd suggest taking whatever you think's required for temps down to 0. There's a school of thought that says, you don't want to be too comfortable as that removes the incentive to get up and back at it.

There's certainly warmer bags than the Module that are also lighter but seeing as you've already got it, I thnk I'd use it and possible supplement it with something else.

[StuartG]

Sorry should have made it clearer, that I haven't got a module but was looking at this as I already had the Exped, but I have a feeling it will still be too cold!

[Bearbonesnorm]

Sorry should have made it clearer, that I haven't got a module but was looking at this as I already had the Exped, but I have a feeling it will still be too cold!

Ah right, in that case I wouldn't buy a Module ... a lot of weight considering the amount of insulation it contains.

If you fancy the idea of a quilt, then have a look at the Cumulus 350 or if you'd prefer a sleeping bag, the new Alpkit PD400 would be worth considering.

[StuartG]

The Cumus 350 quilt is the one that I was thinking about. With euro it is really good value.

[rudedog]

I went for the Cumulus 350 comforter as I wanted the option to open the footbox up in warmer weather so I could use it like a regular quilt. The temps dropped to just above freezing the other weekend in the Cairngorms and it kept me plenty warm - I don't think I've ever slept as soundly in a tent.

[StuartG]

Rudedog - what size doe it pack down to?

Many thanks Stuart

[rudedog]

In the provided stuff sac, its roughly size of a standard kettle. You could probably compress it by another 20% though.

[StuartG]

That's great and my selection has been made. Thanks for all the help on this.