Sleeping bag comparison
Today I got my grubby hands on a Kifaru 20 degree Fahrenheit Slick sleeping bag. Initial review is very positive.
Massive toebox. I can move my feet to a very comfortable width in the slick bag. My British Army bag is very restrictive in this regard, far too narrow at the foot end. I hate to think how restrictive it would be with boots on.
In terms of size, there is no contest. The Slick bag wins in almost every area.
When it comes to weight, again there is no contest whatsoever. The army bag is significantly heavier than the Slick. Its like comparing a desktop computer to a netbook. Slick bag is so light. Definitely replaces the army bag, no question about it.
Have you field tested it? You can’t really compare those two, they’re for totally different climates. That issue one will keep you really warm in cold weather when used with the bivvie bag.
There’s an issue lightweight jungle sleeping bag that compresses about as small as that Kifaru one:
http://www.armysurplussupplies.co.uk/WebRoot/Store3/Shops/es119571_shop/4A28/E7F0/EAE8/6D6B/E24B/50ED/8971/D6BA/JUNGLE_0020_bag.jpg
Only just got it this morning so no. Kifaru claims that the bag is pretty badass but only field testing will tell.
What are the standard issue and jungle bags rated for?
One site I found said the standard issue is rated to -20 C but I call bullshit on that, I distinctly remember camping in October a couple years ago and being very cold. Was a slightly different design though. Perhaps with a bivi bag it would be good to -20.
I plan on getting a wool blanket (as soon as I find someplace that actually stocks them), I figure the 20 F Slick (-6 C) coupled with it should get close enough to -20 for my needs. Poncho liner will fill the gap in the meantime.
Rarely hits 0 C in the UK so it won’t be difficult to keep warm.
As for the jungle, one site said 2 season. I imagine it is more to wick away moisture than anything else, jungles aren’t known for their freezing temperatures.
I love my 20 degree slick bag. The compression sack is longer than average by design, so I wouldn’t call that a loss. Patrick talks about it here.
Since the Slick bag wins in every other way I can think of, I’m not at all bothered about an extra few centimetres of length on the stuff sack. The benefits more than make up for it.
i think comparing kifaru with surplus kit is a little harsh, There 2 vey different items with significantly different design criteria.
wool blankets. but a little bit pricey at £17 each
http://www.transworldsurplus.co.uk/390-wool-army-blanket.html
Wasn’t intending on doing a proper full comparison, just size and weight.
Cheers for the link, can afford £17 for a massive blanket.
No problem man, server provides and all that.
If you do get one id be interested to know what its like condition wise.
more blankets,
http://www.endicotts.co.uk/product_info.php?products_id=1872
LUL itchy blankets? They’re evil. Why would you put yourself through that?
Misplaced sense of adventure?
or possibly masochism…..