What sleeping bag?/other camping kit

[Itchy]

Ok we've had what stove , what tent , what etc, but whats a good reasonably cheap sleeping bag? (European summer climate) , I went to a local camping store to have a look and was faced with a rack of sleeping bags which made me just stand there and think um..... at the massive selection,

Online stores and ebay are not much help either...

Mentally packing I've got the tent on the rear seat cargo netted on, tank bag has water maps and rain suit, panier has coleman stove pan and other cooking bits ,spare fuel trainers and non biking clothes (few) and thus I've got half a unexpanded panier left , and still need to fit a ground sheet on there somehow..

Also any need for an air mattress? or some sort of foam mattress thing? , never been camping you see...

Any suggestions?

Ta
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Spain 2008France 2007Big one 2009 We all die. The goal isn't to live forever, the goal is to create something that will. In the end, your life will flash before your eyes. Make sure it is worth watching.

[19van71]

Just one on the mattress, get a roll mat or air matress!

They pack up to the same size'ish and you'll definately want one. Not only will it make for a more comfortable sleep, it will also insulate you from the ground, thus stopping the ground from sucking out all your body heat!

Trust me, i've been on both sides and never again without!

EDIT: I got a sleeping bag for £20 about 4 years ago, perfect for european summers, never been cold in it. You could also buy a liner for a bit more warmth (they pack up to the size of a pair of socks) if you wanted (silk is better).
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Living the dream....on my little 'ol CG125

[G]

I would go for a 'thermarest' style one - these are half foam half air.

Seem to work much better for me than just an air or just a foam one. Insulating you from the ground helps a lot in staying warm too.

I've got an Aztec sleeping bag that is absolutely massive, but kept me warm in a really dodgy tent in the middle of December on Salisbury plain. Remember to leave sleeping bags out of their bags when not in use.

[19van71]

[G]

I've knackered a hollow-fibre style one doing that too, so do it for all now.

[19van71]

[c-m]

I leave in just over a week and after much research have bought the following kit.


Ohvee 2-man 3-pole tunnel tent. paid around £30 on ebay. The tent is very easy to erect and has a huge porch area for kit.

Vango adventure regular self inflating mat - cost £15 nice and comfy and pack down to 1/2 the size of a foam roll out mat.

Vango self inflating pillow - just awesome for £5

Vango voyager 50 sleeping bag - £25 weighs 700g total, packs nice and small and is perfect for the European summer. e.g average night temps of 11-15c (the bag is actauly recommended for a wider comfort level)

Hope that helps
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[stinkwheel]

I too have Vango sleeping bags.

I say sleeping bags because for all year round camping you need more than one.

I have a 2-season one which is superb for in the summer and folds down nice and small (I think it's the next one up from yours). Also handy for use indoors if you need to stay over somewhere.

I also have a 4 season one for the winter which has a comfort level down to -6 and and "extreme" rating down to -15 (as in, you won't die). This is nothing sort of a mobile sauna in the summer, highly unpleasant!

Can I also suggest you take a small fleece blanket. They screw up small. If you find yourself a wee bit too cold, you can pull it over the top of you. If you wake up in the morning baking hot (as often happens in the summer) you can put it over your air mattress and lie on it without the sleeping bag. Air mattresses are uncomfy to lie on otherwise.
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“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

[c-m]

I just went for the 1 season bag - My experiences of Europe have always been good in terms of weather. Both travelling around Eastern Europe and when in Austira (spent around a year there)

Stinkwheel is right though, unless its June/July/August you might want a warmer bag.

I expect average nightly temps to be around 11-15C where I will be. Which is easily the comfort zone for the bag i bought. On colder nights I use layers.

Never toured on a bike before, but even on foot, a good nights rest is vital before long day travelling/sightseeing etc..
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Motorcycle headlight bulbs and HIDs
Blogging about my bike and trips
https://ridershandbook.com/