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PDU
travel kid vs.amerika



Registered: 12/03/02
Posts: 10,675
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Uncomfortable in Mummy bag - (updated - new sleeping pad!)
#17329649 - 12/03/12 09:48 PM (12 years, 1 month ago) |
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Ok, so I always wanted a mummy bag and bought a pretty sweet one from MEC, it's synthetic on the bottom, and down on the top. I have done several extended trips in it, sleeping in it for months on end ...
I've got issues with it:
- it's quite tight quarters, a little bit claustrophobic. - I roll onto my stomach and the down insulation loses its insulating properties when compressed. - It doesn't zip down past the toe box, meaning i get extremely hot and uncomfortable feet.
I've come to realize that I've been going about this all wrong. Using my 3/4 length thermarest and mummy bag are extremely uncomfortable and cause me fitful sleeps at best and no sleep at worst. I am, at this point, ready to purchase a new sleep set up for tenting, as i will be heading out on a long term cycle trip in the South Pacific...
What are my options? A barrel bag? Full Synthetic? Full length closedcell foam pad? Air mattress?
Obviously weight, size/compressability, and durability/waterproofness are primary concerns, but I am willing to sacrifice on some of these things in order to get excellent comfort in my tent.
What about a camp pillow?...
Discuss.
-------------------- GO OUTSIDE.
Edited by PDU (02/27/13 04:40 PM)
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PDU
travel kid vs.amerika



Registered: 12/03/02
Posts: 10,675
Loc: beautiful BC
Last seen: 9 years, 4 months
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Re: Uncomfortable in Mummy bag - advice on new sleeping set up. [Re: PDU]
#17329687 - 12/03/12 09:55 PM (12 years, 1 month ago) |
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BTW - keep in mind that some of this trip will be in less developed countries, so having an air mattress fail is not an option.
-------------------- GO OUTSIDE.
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PDU
travel kid vs.amerika



Registered: 12/03/02
Posts: 10,675
Loc: beautiful BC
Last seen: 9 years, 4 months
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Re: Uncomfortable in Mummy bag - advice on new sleeping set up. [Re: PDU]
#17329711 - 12/03/12 09:59 PM (12 years, 1 month ago) |
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Something like this looks almost perfect when combined with a sleeping bag liner or thermals for colder nights:
http://www.mec.ca/AST/ShopMEC/HikingCamping/SleepingBags/PRD~5025-515/mec-viator-down-quilt.jsp
Synthetic would be good ... i will often be in tropical countries.
-------------------- GO OUTSIDE.
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Draden


Registered: 07/27/11
Posts: 231
Last seen: 11 years, 1 month
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Re: Uncomfortable in Mummy bag - advice on new sleeping set up. [Re: PDU]
#17329764 - 12/03/12 10:07 PM (12 years, 1 month ago) |
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Have you ever considered trying a trekking hammock? It kind of nixes the stomach sleeping, but they're very lightweight and have many insulating options, which can be shifted for summer vs. winter camping.
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PDU
travel kid vs.amerika



Registered: 12/03/02
Posts: 10,675
Loc: beautiful BC
Last seen: 9 years, 4 months
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Re: Uncomfortable in Mummy bag - advice on new sleeping set up. [Re: Draden]
#17329797 - 12/03/12 10:13 PM (12 years, 1 month ago) |
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Yes, i have a hammock.
This trip is planned with my girlfriend, so sleeping solo in the hammock as i'd prefer, is won't happen. :P
-------------------- GO OUTSIDE.
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passifloracaerulea



Registered: 11/13/10
Posts: 10,485
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Re: Uncomfortable in Mummy bag - advice on new sleeping set up. [Re: PDU]
#17330150 - 12/03/12 11:20 PM (12 years, 1 month ago) |
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pendleton wool blankets are the best, but a little heavy. you can get large 100% alpaca blankets that are light as hell and just as warm as heavy sheep wool. i'll never use a sleeping bag again, for exactly the reasons you mentioned. if you ever wake up in a sweat, forget about sleeping at all in the bag the rest of the night.
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Shroomism
Space Travellin



Registered: 02/13/00
Posts: 66,015
Loc: 9th Dimension
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Re: Uncomfortable in Mummy bag - advice on new sleeping set up. [Re: PDU]
#17330323 - 12/04/12 12:09 AM (12 years, 1 month ago) |
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My advice.. go with synthetic, or wool.. down is worthless when wet and as insulation underneath you
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rackem



Registered: 11/27/09
Posts: 14,024
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Re: Uncomfortable in Mummy bag - advice on new sleeping set up. [Re: Shroomism]
#17330494 - 12/04/12 12:51 AM (12 years, 1 month ago) |
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agreed..
dont do go with a down bag man.
i usually sleep warm anyways and i have been sleeping in mummy bags sense the 6th grade.
a full length therma rest and a nice repair kit hasnt let me down ever.
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PDU
travel kid vs.amerika



Registered: 12/03/02
Posts: 10,675
Loc: beautiful BC
Last seen: 9 years, 4 months
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Re: Uncomfortable in Mummy bag - advice on new sleeping set up. [Re: rackem]
#17346511 - 12/06/12 07:42 PM (12 years, 1 month ago) |
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Yeah, i've been leaning towards synthetic anyways, just been reviewing my options the last few days...
No one with experience using a backpacking quilt?
I found this military/survivalist site that supposedly makes really high end stuff. I like the philosophy behind this bag:
-climaloft insulation -tougher than ripstop cover -neutral color -wide/roomy -fairly compressable + 2lbs. -good value
https://www.kifaru.net/slickbag.html#
The only thing i don't like, is the foot box doesn't open up. :S
This weekend i am going to map out the temperature ranges I expect to encounter during this trip to help narrow down the choices - i am thinking an insulated pad and a quilt might be the best way to go considering it should be warm temperatures and above freezing at the coldest.
-------------------- GO OUTSIDE.
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PDU
travel kid vs.amerika



Registered: 12/03/02
Posts: 10,675
Loc: beautiful BC
Last seen: 9 years, 4 months
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Re: Uncomfortable in Mummy bag - advice on new sleeping set up. [Re: PDU]
#17352588 - 12/07/12 09:14 PM (12 years, 1 month ago) |
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I think this: http://www.nunatakusa.com/site07/arc_products/arc_ghost.htm Is more appealing actually.
I really like the idea of a quilt, being able to get my foot out is key. I've always found zippers to be the most troublesome area of a sleeping bag anyways.
-------------------- GO OUTSIDE.
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PDU
travel kid vs.amerika



Registered: 12/03/02
Posts: 10,675
Loc: beautiful BC
Last seen: 9 years, 4 months
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Re: Uncomfortable in Mummy bag - advice on new sleeping set up. [Re: PDU]
#17357222 - 12/08/12 07:43 PM (12 years, 1 month ago) |
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Tried out some pad's today. Most were pretty disappointing, comparable to the lack of comfort i get from my thermarest prolight 3/4 length.
The thermarest z-rest (closed cell foam) is quite uncomfortable over all, and offers low R value.
Various thermarest's and other air mattresses are barely more comfortable than my prolight. The only one that is "decent" is the neoair, but it is noisy when you move around and quite narrow, which is a problem for me considering i toss and turn.
Call me nuts but i think i might buy this beast. It is designed for winter camping or car camping, but i can't get over how tough it seems and the comfort it offers.
It is bulky (the size of a 2 person tent rolled up 2'x6") 6' long, 3.5lbs+ and the absolute most comfortable thing i have ever laid on. A major plus for us is that you can connect two of them together with velcro tabs on the edge.
Although I am counting ounces (to an extent) on other gear, i figure with a thick, warm, comfortable pad i can go with an ultralight quilt. Overall i figure with this combination i will be at a +1lb net gain in total weight and that's fine by me, at least while on the bike.
Although it seems bulky compared to ultra compressable, ultralight pads common these days - everyone was using closed cell foam pads of this size 20 years ago or more.
So, fuck it. I need a good sleep in my tent. What's a lb?
-------------------- GO OUTSIDE.
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Hungry Raptor
Fossilized


Registered: 12/04/12
Posts: 66
Loc: Deep South
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Re: Uncomfortable in Mummy bag - advice on new sleeping set up. [Re: PDU]
#17363840 - 12/09/12 08:15 PM (12 years, 1 month ago) |
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I am also obsessive about having a foot outside my mummy bag. For the summer I always just go with a small blanket, but for the cooler temps I use The Marmot Fusion. I don't know if they make it anymore, but it is a combination down/synthetic bag that is still fluffy warm, but doesn't suffer from warmth loss from compression on the bottom since half of the fill is synthetic. It does not have an open footbox, but I usually just unzip it from the bottom and make like a 1 foot long hole there. Works out great for me.
As far as a pad goes just learn to sleep on the rocks lol. But in all seriousness, I have both the Thermarest pro-lite 3/4 and a Thermarest z-lite 3/4. When I go car camping I just put the pro-lite on top of the z-lite. Seems to work well for me but your mileage may vary.
-------------------- “Any system which says, This is a rotten world, wait for the next, give up, do nothing, succumb--that may be the basic Lie and if we participate in believing it and acting (or rather not acting) on it then we involve ourselves in the Lie and suffer dreadfully... which only reinforces that particular Lie.”
― Philip K. Dick
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PDU
travel kid vs.amerika



Registered: 12/03/02
Posts: 10,675
Loc: beautiful BC
Last seen: 9 years, 4 months
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Re: Uncomfortable in Mummy bag - advice on new sleeping set up. [Re: Hungry Raptor]
#17364101 - 12/09/12 08:55 PM (12 years, 1 month ago) |
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After extensive self propelled traveling, and countless cold and uncomfortable nights, i am in a "i want the most comfortable bed in a tent, no matter the cost or weight" mind set, niether of those sleeping pads you mention are comfy IMO. That said, i was looking at the big agnes Q Core yesterday and it's about a lb lighter than the one i posted... but i can't try it out in person, and don't want to take a gamble with an online purchase. :S
My sleeping bag is the same as yours - synthetic on the bottom - unfortunately it's only got a 3/4 zip, so it ends around my knees. It makes sleeping with your feet out a total pain in the ass.
-------------------- GO OUTSIDE.
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Draden


Registered: 07/27/11
Posts: 231
Last seen: 11 years, 1 month
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Re: Uncomfortable in Mummy bag - advice on new sleeping set up. [Re: PDU]
#17364745 - 12/09/12 10:58 PM (12 years, 1 month ago) |
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I mean, if you REALLY don't care about weight... http://cascadedesigns.com/therm-a-rest/mattresses/camp-and-comfort/dreamtime/product
A little bit more reasonable, though... http://cascadedesigns.com/therm-a-rest/mattresses/camp-and-comfort/luxurymap/product
I have a ProLite for my trekking, and love it. Been using Thermarests for a couple years, and think they're solid pieces of kit.
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PDU
travel kid vs.amerika



Registered: 12/03/02
Posts: 10,675
Loc: beautiful BC
Last seen: 9 years, 4 months
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Re: Uncomfortable in Mummy bag - advice on new sleeping set up. [Re: Draden]
#17364814 - 12/09/12 11:11 PM (12 years, 1 month ago) |
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The one i posted above (actually i see the link didn't work: http://www.mec.ca/AST/ShopMEC/SleepingBags/SleepingPadsInflating/PRD~5025-645/mec-reactor-6.5-sleeping-pad.jsp) is actually more comfortable than the 2nd mattress (the luxury mat) you posted + a lb lighter!
Honestly, it is more comfortable than my bed. So wide, so long, so insulated...
Opinion.
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Draden


Registered: 07/27/11
Posts: 231
Last seen: 11 years, 1 month
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Re: Uncomfortable in Mummy bag - advice on new sleeping set up. [Re: PDU]
#17365076 - 12/10/12 12:04 AM (12 years, 1 month ago) |
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I've really never tried the bigger pads. I feel spoiled enough just having an inflatable pad when I'm trekking. I just use a 3/4 length ProLite. Less than a pound, and actually pretty comfortable.
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PDU
travel kid vs.amerika



Registered: 12/03/02
Posts: 10,675
Loc: beautiful BC
Last seen: 9 years, 4 months
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Re: Uncomfortable in Mummy bag - advice on new sleeping set up. [Re: PDU]
#17366031 - 12/10/12 07:50 AM (12 years, 1 month ago) |
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I have the same one and find it paralyzingly uncomfortable, although better than the ground.
I am a side sleeper, so my hips lay on the ground through it. Unfortunately i punctured it on my first night aswell.
-------------------- GO OUTSIDE.
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passifloracaerulea



Registered: 11/13/10
Posts: 10,485
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Re: Uncomfortable in Mummy bag - advice on new sleeping set up. [Re: PDU]
#17367122 - 12/10/12 11:54 AM (12 years, 1 month ago) |
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seriously, just make a moss, grass, soft sand, or leaf bed under your tent.
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Hungry Raptor
Fossilized


Registered: 12/04/12
Posts: 66
Loc: Deep South
Last seen: 12 years, 14 days
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Re: Uncomfortable in Mummy bag - advice on new sleeping set up. [Re: PDU]
#17370048 - 12/10/12 07:19 PM (12 years, 1 month ago) |
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Today I was browsing the local outdoor shop and ran across this thingy that may suit your needs for a sleep pad. It is definitely on the heavy side at ~4lbs, but if you are on a bike maybe you can swing it? Not sure about the quality though... seemed a bit iffy... http://www.amazon.com/AeroBed-PakMat-Sleep-System-Aero/dp/B003M5BIGU
Here is a vid of it in action:
-------------------- “Any system which says, This is a rotten world, wait for the next, give up, do nothing, succumb--that may be the basic Lie and if we participate in believing it and acting (or rather not acting) on it then we involve ourselves in the Lie and suffer dreadfully... which only reinforces that particular Lie.”
― Philip K. Dick
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PDU
travel kid vs.amerika



Registered: 12/03/02
Posts: 10,675
Loc: beautiful BC
Last seen: 9 years, 4 months
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Re: Uncomfortable in Mummy bag - advice on new sleeping set up. [Re: Hungry Raptor]
#17370205 - 12/10/12 07:38 PM (12 years, 1 month ago) |
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Looks too narrow/too tall. Reminds me of the thermarest neolites (or whatever they are calling them,) but alot heavier.
Thanks for thinking of me though.
-------------------- GO OUTSIDE.
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