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Down Sleeping Bag Guide
What sleeping bag do I need?
There are 11 options in the First Ascent sleeping bag range. But which one do you need? Are you spending 5 nights in winter in the Drakensberg, or adventuring through the Fish River Canyon? We have an option to suit every adventure.
This guide will assist you understanding our range, and ensure you equip yourself with the best sleeping bag option for your trip.
Let's get started
By answering the below questions to ensure you understand what type of sleeping bag you need for your next adventure.
How much weight will I be carrying?
Weather can be incredibly unpredictable – especially in South Africa. One moment we have sunshine, the next cloud, rain and high winds. Besides weather changes, usual day to night temperature fluctuations can swing wildly from a hot sunny days to a frigid below zero nights.It is therefore important to understand the weather conditions of your trip in order to determine the comfort ratings of the sleeping bag you will need.
How warm does the sleeping bag need to be?
It is important to know how warm your bag will need to be to sleep comfortably.The primary number to be considered is the comfort rating of the sleeping bag. This rating is based on a person having a comfortable night's sleep. It is not advisable to purchase a bag based on the transition rating.The trick here is that everyone has a different metabolism and will need a slightly warmer or cooler bag. As an example, your friend might need a 5⁰C bag but you might need to add a thermal liner to add additional warmth to your sleeping bag.
How much weight will I be carrying?
Seasoned adventurers understand how important it is not to carry too much weight, and having to make compromises on what to take vs what to leave.One item you should never compromise on is your sleeping bag. The last thing you need on your trip is to have it ruined by poor sleep due to being either too cold (insufficient sleeping bag insulation) or too uncomfortable while trekking (sleeping bag is too heavy).
Do I need down or synthetic insulation?
The type of insulation fill in a sleeping bag is the primary factor that affects its temperature rating.
Down | Synthetic |
|---|---|
Greater warmth-to-weight ratio | Synthetic insulation performs better when wet |
Highly compressible and packble, perfect for travelling | Dries quickly |
Long-lasting if taken care of | Easier to care for |
Down Sleeping Bags
Our down sleeping bags are designed and engineered to ensure that you are kept warm and have a comfortable night's sleep. Filled with 92/8 goose down (sourced from Responsibly Sourced Down Suppliers) and shelled with soft touch Microtex fabric.
Ice Breaker Down
Ideal for
Hiking/Camping in very cold conditions
The perfect all-round bag suited for cold conditions, this popular bag won't let you down. With a comfort rating of -3°C this sleeping bag ensures warmth on a variety of adventures, from backpacking around Europe to local trips in the Drakensberg.
COMFORT RATING | WEIGHT |
|---|---|
-3°C | 1.62 kg |
DOWN FILL | SEASONS |
|---|---|
92/8 Goose Down | 4 Season |
Amplify Down 900
Ideal for
Kilimanjaro / Everest Base Camp
A hugely versatile bag which is designed for more extreme conditions. If expeditions such as Mt.Kenya, Kilimanjaro and Everest Base Camp are on your list, then this is the bag that will ensure warmth and comfort when needed most.
COMFORT RATING | WEIGHT |
|---|---|
-3°C | 1.71 kg |
DOWN FILL | SEASONS |
|---|---|
92/8 Goose Down | 4 Season |
Blue Wolf Down
Ideal for
Everest / Arctic / Extreme Cold
This is a bag for the serious mountaineer, planning on spending some quality time with Mother Nature's dark side. It is a serious bag for serious conditions. This sleeping bag will keep you warm in some of the coldest environments on Earth.
COMFORT RATING | WEIGHT |
|---|---|
-15°C | 2.6 kg |
DOWN FILL | SEASONS |
|---|---|
92/8 Goose Down | 4 Season |
Amplify Down Light
Ideal for
Summer Hiking / Camping in cool conditions
A super light and compact sleeping bag, popular with Adventure racers, travelers and climbers wanting a summer bag. This sleeping bag will keep you warm on cool summer evenings and moderate winter nights.
COMFORT RATING | WEIGHT |
|---|---|
9°C | 0.595 kg |
DOWN FILL | SEASONS |
|---|---|
92/8 Goose Down | Spring / Summer |
Ice Nino Down
Ideal for
Hiking / Camping in cold conditions
Slightly smaller version of the Ice breaker, and with a comfort rating of -2°C this sleeping bag ensures warmth on a variety of adventures, from backpacking around Europe to local trips in the Drakensberg. The Ice Nino is versatile, durable and designed to last a lifetime.
COMFORT RATING | WEIGHT |
|---|---|
-3°C | 1.62 kg |
DOWN FILL | SEASONS |
|---|---|
92/8 Goose Down | 4 Season |
Blue Wolf Down Large
Ideal for
Everest / Arctic / Extreme Cold
This is a bag for the serious mountaineer, planning on spending some quality time with Mother Nature's dark side. It is a serious bag for serious conditions. This sleeping bag will keep you warm in some of the coldest environments on Earth.
COMFORT RATING | WEIGHT |
|---|---|
-15°C | 2.6 kg |
DOWN FILL | SEASONS |
|---|---|
92/8 Goose Down | 4 Season |
You need these for a comfortable nights sleep
The best investment any adventurer can make when planning to spend a night outdoors.
