Travel Buying A Sleeping Bag

[rdhopkins2]

I'm looking at buying a new sleeping bag in the next few months.

Requirements: cheap as possible ie under $250.
down
lightweight and compact
warm enough to survive camping in just under subzero temp

I've been looking at Kathmandu, Mountain Design, Snowgum and Aussie Disposals.

Is there anywhere else I should be looking?

What are your personal recommendations?

This sleeping bag is likely to be used camping and in hostels (most likely with a sleeping bag liner) and needs to fit in my backpack.

Thanks for your advice.

 

[Bowski]

Not sure if they're still going but Rays tent city used to have some cracking deals on sleeping bags. I got mine there 4 years ago for $200 and it has seen me through the canadian mountains during winter.

 

[HarryTiger]

Requirements: cheap as possible ie under $250.
down
lightweight and compact
warm enough to survive camping in just under subzero temp

I've been looking at Kathmandu, Mountain Design, Snowgum and Aussie Disposals.

You know you don't consider buying anything from a Katmandu store unless it has at least 40 % off normal retail? If it isn't then it will at the next sale when they price their goods less insanely.

How about these?

Genuine North Face Down $250 AUD (+-) inc postage
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/NEW-NORTH-FA...emQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item2557b40dd1

Genuine Marmot Down $190 AUD (+-) inc postage
http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-MARMOT-20F-...emQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item2557dfd408

Take advantage of the exchange rate, that's what I'd do.

 

[rdhopkins2]

Ended up buying on sale from one of the stores I mentioned before. $239 down from $580. Like HT said, never pay full price (I never have and I've got a heap of nice backpacking gear). It's still expensive enough discounted but I love the quality.

 

[Ghostwriter]

A lot of hostels i've stayed at don't let you use a sleeping bag, you must use the linen provided.

 

[Chief]

Really? Why would that be?

 

[rdhopkins2]

It is true that most hostels (atleast in Australia, Europe, USA) won't let you use sleeping bags because of the risk of bed bugs.

However, if you will be doing camping at altitude on a backpacking trip, you certainly need a sleeping bag. Also a good idea to have anyway incase the hostel is a dive- you never know what you might encounter in less developed countries in the way of hostel linen!