S2S Sleeping Bags

[Lindsay]

I was in my local gear shop in Hornsby this morning browsing through the sleeping bags (my next expensive purchase, maybe for Christmas) and discussing the pros and cons of various models when the proprietor mentioned that Sea to Summit are venturing into the sleeping bag market, with their first offerings available from next month. Armed with a nice glossy brochure I headed home to do some reading. However this has just added more complications into my search for the perfect combination of comfort, weight and cost. Good to see another Australian company in the market though.

[dee_legg]

I've been lucky enough to see a few of the new STS bags in the flesh and they look incredible! One of the Alpine series will definitely be my next bag. Apparently (or so the rep told me) every batch of down they have used has passed tests that qualify them as 900 loft bags but they thought that no one would believe them so the decided just to advertise them as 850+ loft.

Anyway, I'll be interested to see if any of the Hobart outdoor stores stock them!

[sthughes]

They look great! Not sure about mandatory 60/40 fill, I tend to roll over bag and all, but otherwise they seem like a real goer, pending seeing the prices of course.

[Ent]

Hi Sthughes

Good pick up on the fill ratio so could be an issue for us side sleepers resulting in a cold back. Thank goodness they make long version for people up to 205cm tall, looks like they notice that people are getting taller. Like the idea of a light weight -2 bag for summer use. Of course the price is the big issue so be interesting to see how they compare to direct from USA imports or the local One Planet range. Only thing is I hope that the ratings are rather more realistic than the thermo extender liner.

Cheers Brett

[ninjapuppet]

I'm generally very impressed with all the S2S gear so far, so they're right up there in terms of quality. (same goes for prices unfortunately)

I heard One planet did manage to import in 50kg of 840 loft down late last year and were doing custom orders. OP bag's quality is among the best out there, but prices were somewhat higher than imported WM bags.

To have an Australian company make a bag that will rival western mountaineering in terms of price and quality, it would definitely be on my wishlist.

[dee_legg]

Has anyone ever looked into these guys before... http://www.phdesigns.co.uk/?

The options for the custom made bags are insane although veeeeerry expensive.

[Moondog55]

PH ? I think that may be Peter Hutchinson the original owner and chief designer for Mountain Equipment in England, the old Redline bag was for many years the standard by which cold weather bags were measured, I still have mine; son has it actually

[Maelgwn]

Has anyone ever looked into these guys before... http://www.phdesigns.co.uk/?

The options for the custom made bags are insane although veeeeerry expensive.

Yes I have one of the Minimus 500 Long. About 1kg for a -10C rated bag (probably slightly optimistic) with a full zip and big enough for someone 205cm ... (Should have bought a standard ... much longer than I need!)

There prices are very good on sale (which they have at the moment) and Australian's don't pay VAT, which for me approximately canceled the shipping cost for me.

Attention to detail and manufacturing quality is excellent. They are all sewn by skilled operators in the UK!

[Moondog55]

Just looking and I can't find a "Minimus 500" did you custom order?/ I found a "Minimus" but it is rated at +5C

[ninjapuppet]

i like the specs of the hispar 500: rated -15C, weighs 890g and costs 408 British Pounds

but comparing that to the hispar 400: rated -9 with 100 grams less of down, makes you wonder if the extra 100 grams of down really can add +6 degrees to a bag?
Those specs dont make sense to me

[Liamy77]

more f*#@ing mummy bags!! AAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRGGGHHH!

[Maelgwn]

Just looking and I can't find a "Minimus 500" did you custom order?/ I found a "Minimus" but it is rated at +5C

Oops, sorry. I meant Minim 500. (The warmer brother to the Minimus)

Could be bought all year on custom order but available normally at sale times also.

http://www.phdesigns.co.uk/product_info ... cts_id=290

[Jellybean]

They look great! Not sure about mandatory 60/40 fill, I tend to roll over bag and all, but otherwise they seem like a real goer, pending seeing the prices of course.

Agreed. Looks like the "form fitting" Micro series (55/45) is more accommodating for those of us who tend to roll over bag and all. (I was looking for a lightweight bag for 3 season use in NSW, this might be it. I was also considering the WM Summerlite). Apart from the more major considerations (fill, fabric, temp rating), I also like the idea of the internal pocket for electronic gadgets. With my regular rolling over I am always losing my torch in the middle of the night, this would solve that problem. The ability to convert it into a quilt is also attractive.

[ILUVSWTAS]

-54? Cant believe a sleeping bag would be rated to -54!

[Moondog55]

-54? Cant believe a sleeping bag would be rated to -54!

Why not??

Minus 90C has been recorded at Vostok base in Antarctica, and if I was headed Deep South or Deep North ( = Alaska Canadian winters ) that is the minimum I would want as an inner bag.

My down parka ( MD Everest and 15 YO ) is a minus 30C parka with the appropriate wind shell, my winter sleeping bag is a good -10 bag , add the two together with a bivvy sac and I could probably survive a minus 55C nite

[ILUVSWTAS]

I just find it hard to imagine. I dont doubt it, just sounds freakin cold.

[Moondog55]

Don't know, minus 18 is my coldest yet, but I am headed for the USA soon so planning for deep cold is on my research list.

I am told your urine can freeze solid before it hits the ground tho!!!

[Liamy77]

considering the ratings they give thier thermolite reactor I don't believe it either... i believe that the gear exists - i just don't believe their stated ratings anymore!

[north-north-west]

I do like the look of those S2S bags. If the price is right I'll probably get one of the Treks - I want a lighter down bag for mainland summers.

[richie]

I stumbled upon this media release with the prices http://www.adventurepro.com.au/news/?ac ... bratetheir