Sleeping Bag Recommendation for Trip to Iceland

WadeWilson

WadeWilson

Joined
Mar 21, 2011
Messages
1,139
Good morning, Gadgets and Gear. So I'm going on vacation to Iceland in about 2 weeks and I'll be doing a lot of camping while I'm there. I've got my tent, my back pack but I am still wondering which sleeping bag would best suit my needs. I'd like to keep it under $100 and I'd like something that packs small and is lightweight. Any info would be greatly appreciated. I'm 5'10" and rather slim framed. Thanks in advance.

-WW
 
Don't skimp on the quality of your sleeping bag. A good night's sleep is essential. I'd suggest a synthetic bag that will stay warm even under damp conditions; a ground pad to insulate underneath is essential. Any good outdoor store like REI can offer a range of bags, but be sure it's warm enough. Colin Fletcher's "The Complete Walker" is an excellent source of information on a wide range of camping/outdoors stuff.
 
I agree with Alberta Ed, you don't want to skimp on quality. I have been using a North Face Kazoo for the past 15 years and love it. I just looked on the TNF website and I believe that its called the Blue Kazoo now. It's pretty pricey but they have other cheaper ones that I'm sure will fit your needs.
 
I've had the North Face Cats Meow for some years and it is a good bag with nice features. With some searching it can be found in your price range. They update the design frequently and many retailers discount the previous designs. Changes are minimal though so the previous ones represent good bargains.
 
My take...

Without knowing the temperatures, I would reach for my 20F rated bag. Warm enough with clothing to get you through a lot but not so hot that it can't be used as a quilt in hotter temps.

Down packs down smaller and will last for decades if cared for well. Use a liner to minimize the need to wash. Keep it from getting wet by lining your stuff sack with a trash compactor bag but be sure to let the bag air out as much as possible as sleeping in it will put some moisture in the bag.

Synthetics stay warmer when wet but are bulkier and won't last as long before loosing loft. They are less expensive initially but in the long run, become more expensive due to replacement costs.

I think North Face and Kelty are good value bags.
 
Codger_64 said:
I've had the North Face Cats Meow for some years and it is a good bag with nice features.
Click to expand...
I just got two using frequent flyer miles that would have expired at the end of last month and would have otherwise gone unused and turned into vapor. Incentives company screwed up the first order so shipped a second. Won't be able to use one until late fall/winter.
 
Iceland is actually pretty temperate (spent a day there in August 2013 touring around the Reykjannes Peninsula) due the the gulf stream current so it is unlikely you will see any really cold temperatures. It does however rain there frequently so while top quality down bags are fantastically warm, light, and compact...they are also worthless when they get wet and take forever to dry. However advancements in down have made it much more water resistant than in the past. Bags like the North Face Furnace 20 or Kelty Cosmic Down 20 bags use a water resistant down and are reasonably priced. If you choose synthetic, make sure it is a "shingled" construction. The North Face Cat's Meow is the standard for ~+20 synthetic bags. REI has a shingle construction synthetic bag on sale right now for just under $100 that would fit your needs.

https://www.rei.com/product/883270/alps-mountaineering-red-creek-15-sleeping-bag
 
Last edited:
Mil surplus Modular Sleep System (MSS) if you can find it. Goretex bivy, jungle bag, and arctic bag. Use what you need stow the rest.
 
leghog said:
I just got two using frequent flyer miles that would have expired at the end of last month and would have otherwise gone unused and turned into vapor. Incentives company screwed up the first order so shipped a second. Won't be able to use one until late fall/winter.
Click to expand...

As mentioned, in warmer weather they can be unzipped and used as a quilt or, in the case of the TNF, the foot unzips for bottom venting.
 
Codger_64 said:
As mentioned, in warmer weather they can be unzipped and used as a quilt or, in the case of the TNF, the foot unzips for bottom venting.
Click to expand...
I've got a Marmot Nanowave for warmer weather. Lighter and compresses smaller.
 
Yeah I looked average temps and it seems to stay an average of upper 50s to high 60s (highs in low 70s) during the time I'll be there so I doubt I'll need anything rated to 20F. And I'll have a tent so I don't think a bivy will be necessary as some have suggested. Again, appreciate the inputs. I love this community.
 
WadeWilson said:
Yeah I looked average temps and it seems to stay an average of upper 50s to high 60s (highs in low 70s) during the time I'll be there so I doubt I'll need anything rated to 20F. And I'll have a tent so I don't think a bivy will be necessary as some have suggested. Again, appreciate the inputs. I love this community.
Click to expand...
Look at Marmot's NanoWave 55 and 45. the 55 is 1 lb 8 oz. the 45 is 5 oz heavier. Fairly inexpensive on-line.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top