Sleeping Bags

ST, try and see if you can pick up a TNF Blue Kazoo. Every now and then they are on sale at places like Runway Sale, One Day Only etc. I acquired one this way a few years back, and roughly 2 months ago got one for my wife as well.

This bag is lighter than the FA Ice Breaker (1.4kg vs 1.8kg) and a bit warmer. It's a bit tight around the shoulder areas for me though, but it could be due to my length as the top tapers in a bit, and I'm pushing the limits of this bag's length, even though it is the extra-long version. Even though it doesn't have a zip you can open separately at the bottom, the main zip can be opened from the bottom, allowing some welcome cool mountain air into the bag for lower berg sleeping.

I've had mine for about 5 years now and it was recommended to me by ASL, who has taken his Blue Kazoo to the Berg for probably 15 years or more. I have both this and a FA Ice Breaker and prefer this over the Ice-Breaker in the Berg, mainly due to it's lighter weight. Both should be fine for 99.9% of temperatures you will experience in the berg.

Thanks, yes I see the Blue Kazoo seems to be rated on the forum, as does the FA Ice Breaker.   I see on the Drifters site, there is the JR Gear Hellium 550 and 750, does anyone know these bags.  Given that they sell FA and also the very expensive Sea2Summit options, I assume they wouldn't carry a poor quality brand?

 

I agree they try to sell only 'good quality' products but do cater for a middle ground where cost is more reasonable. I have looked at JR Gear products including their sleeping bags at Drifters and they seem quite decent quality. One thing worth mentioning is that the comfort ratings used by JR Gear on sleeping bags are for women, which are different to the ratings for men who on average have higher body temperatures. This improves the rating for the JR 750 to a similar level to the Blue Kazoo.. it's around the same weight too

Hi ASL  At R4669 and R5399 the 550 and 750 are not exactly what i would call a reasonable cost, so I have to assume  that they are 'good' quality.  Just no reviews of them anywhere.  I chatted to the guys at drifters and they said that they are a Chinese brand and have been selling them for the last 4 years with no returns.  Naturehike is also Chinese, and not inexpensive either.  They are a cold country, and I would assume that they know how to make things that are warm, just not sure of the quality of the materials.

true story, it's difficult to trust something without a personal reference for sure. I have had my Blue Kazoo for 18 years and it's in perfect condition!

If you can get one on sale it's a great product for sure. Otherwise Marmot bags are tremenendous value too if you can buy in the USA and get it brought over..

Hi Everyone

How do you think this www.driftersshop.co.za/collections/sleeping-bags/products/sea-to-summit-venture-vtii compares to the FA ice breaker and Blue kazoo and where can i purchase a blue kazoo locally?

Thanks

Hi Serious Tribe

You could also contact Annemien at Hex Valley Down and ask her if they could make a custom bag for you. 

They make summer, standard and expedition if I recall. I have the standard one which I have been very comfortable in at around the  0 mark. 
The bags are quite low tech but good value for 100% goose down and also local...which is lekker.

Pertex Mummy Expedition Model is R3999.

I can vouch for the effectiveness of the Hex Valley Down sleeping bags. Had one made for my Everest trip a few years back, only used it twice in the berg so far as the bag is just waaaay to hot for your typical local Berg weather. If I remember correctly it contained over 1kg of high quality down - the thing is super hot, and at 2.2kg's also a bit heavy, but that's ok for the warmth it provides at the price they charge.

The only gripe I have with the bag is that it's not quite up to spec when compared to the newer designs you get on the market today. It's still old school, kinda like the FA Ice-Breaker, and the zip and baffles are not very good. Aside from that, it offers good value for money and will definitely keep you warm in the Berg as they use good quality down - I pulled a few down feathers out of mine to see what the down quality was like, and it was better than the fill used in any of my other bags.

Have a gander at...

www.mountainmailorder.co.za/vaude-marwees-700-down-sleeping-bag/

...well made, thoughtful construction, responsible and reputable. Priced ok too.
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with a review of the "500" by odd Dutch fella

Hi All
Still on the hunt for a bag that won't be overkill, and won't kill the bank.  
I purchased a FA Cowl down 250 back in 1998 and then sold it last year.  Does anyone perhaps know what the temp stats were for this bag.  If i can try to find that out, it will help me make a decision between the Ice Breaker and the Explorer.  

Here is an image of the details from my old bag.