Creating the Ideal Sleeping System

Choosing the right sleeping system is not only essential for your comfort but also your safety when sleeping outdoors. Here are our top suggestions for summer, winter and extreme conditions, as well as our lightest range for those looking for a no-frills set-up. All of these can be paired with our Contour Sleeping Pad which will offer extra comfort and insulation.

Summer Sleeping System

Lunar 2 Person 3 Season Hiking Tent, Amplify 900 Synthetic Sleeping Bag, Aero 5.5 Mattress and Contour Sleeping Pad

Ideal for: Summer Hiking / Orange River / Cederberg

Lunar 2 Person 3 Season Hiking Tent

Embrace the summer heat with our Lunar 3-Season Hiking Tent. It features doors on both sides and a fully peelable flysheet, enhancing ventilation and breathability. Stay cool and comfortable without sacrificing shelter and protection.

Amplify 900 Synthetic Sleeping Bag

When you're on the move during summer or spring, and every ounce counts, the Amplify 900 Synthetic Sleeping Bag is your solution. It's tailor-made for warm-weather backpacking and hiking, boasting a comfort rating of 7°C for when the night cools down.

Aero 5.5 Lightweight Mattress

The Aero 5.5 is lightweight and easy to carry with you for those enchanting nights under the starry sky. Its design conforms to your body's shape, providing the perfect blend of support and relaxation after a long day of adventure. When it's time to pack up, this mattress compacts down to save space for other essentials. 

Cold Weather Sleeping System

Helio 2 Person 3 Season Hiking Tent, Ice Breaker Sleeping Bag, Contour Sleeping Pad, Ultralight Insulated Mattress

Ideal for: Winter hiking / Drakensberg / Lesotho

Helio II 2 Person 3 Season Hiking Tent

The Helio II is crafted with a mesh upper and sturdy nylon walls, designed to keep you cosy when temperatures drop. This two-person tent is your go-to choice for challenging weather conditions, offering top-notch protection and insulation. Quick setup, reflective guy ropes for night visibility, and an expanded awning for cooking in unfavourable conditions make it a three-season hiking tent that promises a dry and restful night's sleep in South Africa’s colder months.

Icebreaker Down Sleeping Bag / Amplify 900 Down Sleeping Bag

When it comes to staying warm in chilly conditions, the Icebreaker and Amplify 900 down sleeping bags are your trusted companions. With a comfort ratings of -3°C, these versatile sleeping bags ensure a toasty night's sleep on cold-weather adventures.

Ice Nino Sleeping Bag

For those with smaller frames, we've got you covered with the Ice Nino sleeping bag. It's a slightly scaled-down version of the Icebreaker, offering the same cosiness and performance tailored to your needs.

Ultralight Insulated Mattress

This lightweight mattress is designed to keep you comfortable as well as insulated on cold nights with its Thermofibre technology that assists in retaining body heat. Compact, durable and easy to inflate and deflate, this mattress is the ideal overnight companion to ensure a good night’s rest during all four seasons - featuring an R rating of 2.2.

Lightest Sleeping System

Stamina 1 Person 3 Season Hiking Tent, Aero 5.5 Mattress, Amplify Down Sleeping Bag, Contour Sleeping Pad

Ideal for: Solo hiking or bike-packing in summer or spring

Stamina 1 Person 3 Season Hiking Tent

Crafted to slip effortlessly into the lower compartment of your hiking pack, snugly fit the top case of your overland motorbike, or even attach to your bike, it's the ultimate space-saver. Weighing in at a mere 2.04 kg, this tent is your go-to choice for solo hikes or bikepacking escapades, ensuring you travel light and fast.

Amplify Down Lite Sleeping Bag

For the weight-conscious explorer, the Amplify Down Lite Sleeping Bag is a must-have. Loved by adventure racers, travellers, and climbers, this super light and compact sleeping bag is the go-to choice for summertime adventures - featuring a comfort rating of 9°C. Travel light without compromising on comfort.

Aero 5.5 Lightweight Mattress

Weighing in at just 410g, as the name suggests, it's unbelievably lightweight and compact, without compromising on comfort. Travel light, sleep right!

Alpine Expedition Sleeping System

Peak 3 Person 4 Season Hiking Tent, Blue Wolf Sleeping Bag, Contour Sleeping Pad, Ultralight Insulated Mattress

Ideal for: Kilimanjaro / Extreme Cold

Peak 3 Person 4 Season Hiking Tent

When embarking on extreme adventures like scaling Kili, staying warm isn't just a comfort—it's a matter of safety. The 4 Season Peak Tent boasts a unique pole configuration for exceptional stability. Snow skirts on both sides keep you shielded from snow and biting winds during extreme weather. 

Blue Wolf Down Extreme Sleeping Bag

For the intrepid mountaineer venturing into the depths of Mother Nature's most unforgiving realms, the Blue Wolf Down Sleeping Bag is your unwavering companion. Crafted for the most severe conditions, this sleeping bag features a comfort rating of -15°C It will keep you warm in some of the coldest environments on Earth, ensuring your safety and comfort when you need it most.

Ultralight Insulated Mattress

Even in extreme alpine conditions, a good night's sleep is paramount. Our Ultralight Insulated Mattress is designed to keep you both comfortable and insulated on bone-chilling nights. Thanks to its advanced Thermofibre technology, it retains your body heat, offering unrivalled insulation from the cold ground below.

Of course, you should always check the conditions of your next adventure in advance to make sure you’re best prepared - the best sleeping system for you may vary depending on the location, your sex, your metabolism, the layers you prefer to sleep in etc. 

Read more on how to choose the right tent or how to choose the right sleeping bag for your next adventure.

You can learn more about our equipment range by viewing our sleeping bag guide, tent guide, and mattress guide.

Read more blogs from First Ascent.

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