Sleeping Bags

gerhardsnorbaard wrote: Hi all

So I ended up buying a sleeping bag from www.hexvalleydown.com/shop/sleeping-bags/. Paying it forward with a quick review.

Hi All

Just for interest sake. I emailed Hex Valley Down and asked them what the fill power of the down is they are using. And they answered:
"The down we use has a fill power of approx 750+ fill EU standard or 800+ fill US standard."

In my opinion this is really good. If anyone is interested in buying a sleeping bag I would urge you to consider their products.

Remember down isn't just down. In the image below you will see the same weight down (1 oz) but look at the difference in volume ( 600vs 700 vs 800 cubic inches). The sleeping bag from Hex Valley Down has the down on the right.

GerritHuman wrote:

gerhardsnorbaard wrote: Hi all

So I ended up buying a sleeping bag from www.hexvalleydown.com/shop/sleeping-bags/. Paying it forward with a quick review.

Hi All

Just for interest sake. I emailed Hex Valley Down and asked them what the fill power of the down is they are using. And they answered:
"The down we use has a fill power of approx 750+ fill EU standard or 800+ fill US standard."

In my opinion this is really good. If anyone is interested in buying a sleeping bag I would urge you to consider their products.

Remember down isn't just down. In the image below you will see the same weight down (1 oz) but look at the difference in volume ( 600vs 700 vs 800 cubic inches). The sleeping bag from Hex Valley Down has the down on the right.

Hi all. Just a quick feedback on this bag. I used it in the Drakensberg on our trip last week. According to weather reports nighttime lows never dropped below 3deg, and I was mostly sweltering hot in the bag. My sleep routine was this: start halfway zipped in, sweat myself to pieces by 12, then get out of the bag, cool down in the breeze, freeze, zip myself in and then sleep like a baby between 3 and 5. The pertex (nylon) lining inside the bag gets so hot that I feared 3rd degree burns I had my best night's sleep on the coldest night, and would imagine that this bag is perfect for nighttime temps of at or below 0. I tried to use a liner but it didnt work for me.

On a more technical note, the only bothersome aspect of the bag is the thin zip baffles which could allow cold spots if temps drop well below 0 (i did feel cold air entering through the zip). This could however be easily remedied by requesting that they make the zip baffles as thick as the collar baffle (which is nice and puffy). The collar baffle and hood, however, worked a charm to keep heat inside.

In terms of fluff rating, my friend had a Kway Kili 2 and the hex valley bag is a LOT more lofty (seemed almost double in size to the naked eye). Safe to say that the claim of 750-800 fill rating is spot on.

G

Hi Gerhard,

thanks for the feedback. I have a friend that's looking for a new sleeping bag, and now after your feedback I would tell her about your positive review. A new First Ascent Snow Breaker / Ice Nino is very expensive. Your sleeping bag is cheaper, smaller and does the same temperatures.

Thanks for the feedback. Good stuff to know!

Found this definition online for the difference between the different ratings given on sleeping bags:

Upper Limit — the temperature at which a standard male can sleep without excessive perspiration. It is established with the hood and zippers open and with the arms outside of the bag.
Comfort — the temperature at which a standard female can expect to sleep comfortably in a relaxed position.
Lower Limit — the temperature at which a standard male can sleep for eight hours in a curled position without waking.
Extreme — the minimum temperature at which a standard female can remain for six hours without risk of death from hypothermia (though frostbite is still possible).

gerhardsnorbaard wrote:
Hi all. Just a quick feedback on this bag. I used it in the Drakensberg on our trip last week...

Hi Gerhard,

Do you have any long term test opinions? One of my friends are looking for a new winter bag. your opinion will be much appreciated.

Regards
Gerrit

Hi Gerrit,
I have the same bag from hex valley down and although I can't comment on its long term performance, I took a trip to Lesotho a couple weeks back where I was staying on the floor of a back packers, before we went to sleep, the thermometer read -4 inside and I was warm the whole night. Hope this helps.

Thanks Murray,

-4°C inside the backpackers! Wow that sounds like a dodgy backpackers
That is another positive review. Thanks for the reply.

Hi Gerrit

I have since used the sleeping bag countless times, and am over the moon with it. I live in the Cape, so havent used it much in sub 0 temperatures. I mostly use it zipped open as a blanket or half closed if there is wind chill (Works in summer, works in winter) There were problems with the stitching in the beginning, but they fixed it up with a smile. It is very low tech, but light and lofty. A "humble" offering..