Sleeping Bags

@ klimbykel
the -15 bag in my opinion is ample for the cold Berg conditions . Obviously it does differ from person to person and how your body reacts to the cold.
I have slept in the open on cold days with bottles freezing solid next to me with just a t shirt on in the bag and been really comfi . If it does get much colder than the usual , by wearing your extra clothing it should be good. I personally wouldnt get something more extreem than that, weight in mind to.

Im sure my problem was 1)the insulation from the floor and 2) because i havent washed it before and have had a few wet nights in it by doing silly things like pulling a fly sheet over it

I washed the bag on the weekend (and its still wet and starting to smell.... any tips?the thing just wont dry?) and im heading to the upper Berg this weekend so i will try it out again, this time with proper insulation on the floor and let you know how it went.On the topic are there any clues to find Rolands cave ? Intending on spending Sat and Sun nights there.

@ Mike
Thanks for info about the bag. I tend to get chilly easy, and was a bit curious if i was going to turn into a Canadian popcycle out there. Stick your bag outside in the breeze, but not in the direct sunlight.
By the way, I know just the person to tell you how to get to Roland's cave. He SMS'd me from it once...and then I moved to SA and married him. I will have him give you directions. Take pictures, as I am dying to get to that cave soon! We too are going out this weekend, but to Monk's Cowl this time.

Those who are freezin' their butts off obviously have very little covering their butts. Which in the confines of a tent becomes a serious social issue.

So to solve this, I shall add the following:

Sleeping bags [SB] are one of your essential pieces of kit.It is worth investing in a good one, and with care, they last for years.
A SB acts as an Insulator, not a heater, and all low temp ratings indicate the minimum temp below which an individual would begin to feel uncomfortable.

Considering that we have recorded -21 sleeping on an icefield near Nkosazana cave, should one go out and purchase a -30 bag.

If you consider the Insulation angle, then it stands to reason that the more you layer your clothing inside the bag, the more warm air you retain inside.
Using a beanie you can effectively requlate your temp as well [provided you can find the blasted thing in the dark after you have yanked it off !]


The - ratings are usually done making use of a foam [ground] pad, and one layer of clothing.
When it comes to inflatable ground pads bear in mind that the air inside does not insulate as well as a solid foam. [for comfort, i use both - with foam under air]
Ground pads are vital, as the loft of any bag is obviously compressed between the ground and your body, and this is where the greatest heat loss is likely to occur. [if you are not convinced, spend half the night off the pad, and then the other half on the pad - use the snoring of your comfy partner as the experimental control, and reach your conclusion by morning]

Besides the ambient temp your metabolism, level of fatique, and hunger also play a role in how cold you may feel

When choosing a bag, consider first what kind of environment you are most likely going to use it in.
For the summit, consider the following:
Mummy bag with hood [keeps you confined so less heat loss and more room in tent for compadres']
Draft collar inside around neck area [keeps the draft out, and heat in]
Draft tube behind zip for full length [ the sausage of filled material for jambing the zip on]
Full length zip [for summer use and letting odours out]
Double opening zip, allows you to get your feet out without extricating your entire self first.[handy for chasing basotho in the dark]

When done using, air it for a day or two before lightly folding away in a dry place. Don't store stuffed into its carrier, as this completely destroys loft, even synthetics.

For general care, try not 'cook with gas' whilst wrapped in your bag, as poly and flame are like electricity and water, they don't mix too good.
[duct tap has helped the foolish in years past]

For extra warmth and comfy zzzz's, I purchased a large chunk of polarfleece from a cloth waste centre, and sowed a mummy shaped inner to fit.

In the last 29 years I have owned only two bags; a 'CapeDown' -15, replaced about ten years ago as the goose has died [it is now a fair summer bag] and replaced with a 'cape onion mart' Expedition series -30 {?!} that is now due for a wash.
Both cost lots of bread but have been worth every crumb.

Enjoy shopping - no better place for retail therapy than an outdoor store [where one is sure to hear an eager salesman telling the innocent that "those boots are TOTALLY waterproof sir, 100%"]

Reading this makes me realise it's time for an upgrade...

For the past 2 trips (December and April) I've been using my trusty First Ascent Packlite (+5 as in PLUS five...). And I will be using it again this weekend in the Mnweni.

What I like about it is that it packs into a ball the size of a pineapple. However in -15 situations It's probably a bad idea...

I think what helps is that I sleep on an inflatable mattress - not the super thin expensive ones, but a R100 Camptrails one with six "fins" inflated seperately. Although three of the fins got punctures after a bivvy beneath the Sentinel after our Angus-Leppan adventure.

Thanks Intrepid im sure il have a cozy night in it
Gollum you must be half yeti It looks like a warm weekend but if you looking for an upgrade i see Cape Union has great specials on this week!

@ Serious Tribe 2
That's an excellent write up! Thanks for posting.

.... on a related topic, any tips on "how to wash a down sleeping bag"?

Thanks
Rolf

This thread has been very informative for me (a relative newcomer). Great insight and many tips - and many more questions raised...