Has anyone owned both of these bags (Fortis Techlite and Gardner Carp Duvet Compact)? If so, is the Fortis worth the extra spend?
I've researched and read the many threads about, or which mention, each of these, and they both seem to be regarded as decent bags. The Fortis is slightly lighter but my gut feeling tells me the Gardner is a better buy on a practical level as it's got a waterproof outer (and is around half the cost!). If anyone has owned both of them and could share their opinions, it'd be much appreciated!
I've researched and read the many threads about, or which mention, each of these, and they both seem to be regarded as decent bags. The Fortis is slightly lighter but my gut feeling tells me the Gardner is a better buy on a practical level as it's got a waterproof outer (and is around half the cost!). If anyone has owned both of them and could share their opinions, it'd be much appreciated!
In reply to Post #1
I own both, dog has a habit of ruining them so had to buy one from a local tackle shop whilst out on a trip. Both fantastic, Gardner one for me was warmer in the cold, but either with a throw and you'll be good all year round.
I own both, dog has a habit of ruining them so had to buy one from a local tackle shop whilst out on a trip. Both fantastic, Gardner one for me was warmer in the cold, but either with a throw and you'll be good all year round.
In reply to Post #1
I sold the techlite after two trips as I found it too restrictive and I'm only 5'7” and average build. I replaced it with the carp duvet compact and it's far better imo.
I sold the techlite after two trips as I found it too restrictive and I'm only 5'7” and average build. I replaced it with the carp duvet compact and it's far better imo.
In reply to Post #3
Im 5` 8" and was 17 stone 50" chest when I bought my Techlite my bed was a standard ELS fitted fine lots of room not in the east restrictive
BUT !!!
found I felt the cold on my back My answer was to buy a Sim this completely cured the problem and as un unexpected bonus transformed the comfort level
Im 5` 8" and was 17 stone 50" chest when I bought my Techlite my bed was a standard ELS fitted fine lots of room not in the east restrictive
BUT !!!
found I felt the cold on my back My answer was to buy a Sim this completely cured the problem and as un unexpected bonus transformed the comfort level
In reply to Post #1
Ive had both, and currently just have the fortis... The material of the Gardener feels cheaper than the Fortis, and i prefer the smaller packdown / weight of the Fortis.
Size wise, avoid the Fortis compact unless you are circa 5ft - i had one on a compact bedchair that they stated it fitted... well it kind of did, until you got in it, and then it put pressure on where the retaining hoods are stitched to the bag (which is a weak point in the design and build of the Fortis). The Gardner 'compact' is about the same size as the standard Fortis (not compact).
I wouldnt say either is perfect - not sold on zips used on the Fortis when trying to exit in a hurry, but then the zips on the gardener look pretty cheap. On a premium product (Fortis) i dont see why they didnt just add the best YKK crash zip, like the ones used on the ECWCS modular bags....
If weight is a consideration and you can justify the cost, the fortis is a better bag, but its not twice as good, in my opinion.
Ive had both, and currently just have the fortis... The material of the Gardener feels cheaper than the Fortis, and i prefer the smaller packdown / weight of the Fortis.
Size wise, avoid the Fortis compact unless you are circa 5ft - i had one on a compact bedchair that they stated it fitted... well it kind of did, until you got in it, and then it put pressure on where the retaining hoods are stitched to the bag (which is a weak point in the design and build of the Fortis). The Gardner 'compact' is about the same size as the standard Fortis (not compact).
I wouldnt say either is perfect - not sold on zips used on the Fortis when trying to exit in a hurry, but then the zips on the gardener look pretty cheap. On a premium product (Fortis) i dont see why they didnt just add the best YKK crash zip, like the ones used on the ECWCS modular bags....
If weight is a consideration and you can justify the cost, the fortis is a better bag, but its not twice as good, in my opinion.
Thanks all, appreciate the input. I think I'll make a trip out over the weekend and try to see them both in the flesh. With summer just about here it's not an urgent purchase so plenty of time to make a decision - which I'd like to only make once with the price of the Fortis bag! 
In reply to Post #1
I have the fortis on an trakker els. It restrictive and they are not crash zips.
Warm light and packs nicely in beechair tho.
I have the fortis on an trakker els. It restrictive and they are not crash zips.
Warm light and packs nicely in beechair tho.
In reply to Post #1
i have the gardner (although not compact) and would say its been great, well made, zips have been ok, just about folds down. maybe not 100% 5 season, but im happy.
i have the gardner (although not compact) and would say its been great, well made, zips have been ok, just about folds down. maybe not 100% 5 season, but im happy.
In reply to Post #8
I'm using Gardner compact (misleading name its big) for 12 months now. Great bag but not perfect. Its warm for most weathers but 4 degree or lower i have to add a thermal cover or I'm cold.
Other issue is the zips snag constantly on the baffles, common issue to many bags. A pain though.
Also the stuff sack is rubbish and very hard to get the bag into it, mine ripped after a few uses.
Other than brill bag.
I'm using Gardner compact (misleading name its big) for 12 months now. Great bag but not perfect. Its warm for most weathers but 4 degree or lower i have to add a thermal cover or I'm cold.
Other issue is the zips snag constantly on the baffles, common issue to many bags. A pain though.
Also the stuff sack is rubbish and very hard to get the bag into it, mine ripped after a few uses.
Other than brill bag.
In reply to Post #9
I bought a gardner waterproof carryall for my plus duvet and fits perfectly. The stuff sack is crap. It was only £25 as well 👍🏻
I bought a gardner waterproof carryall for my plus duvet and fits perfectly. The stuff sack is crap. It was only £25 as well 👍🏻
In reply to Post #9
Phew, so it's not just me then.
I think the Gardner bag is crap. Size wise it's good, on the whole I think it's really lacking. You'll freeze you're ass off in the winter in one of these if you don't use a decent thermal cover. The zips must be the cheapest they could get their grubby mits on, why they never put YKK zip's on them is beyond me, even if they added on a tenner for better quality zip's I'd happily stump up the money. Oh, and the stupid winter inner, the hell is that all about. First time I used it one of the loop fastenings ripped off...zip in inners anyone at Gardner if you're listening not the measley one the comes with the bag?
From what I've seen, the Trakker 365 or whatever they're calling it now looks like a much better bag.
Phew, so it's not just me then.
I think the Gardner bag is crap. Size wise it's good, on the whole I think it's really lacking. You'll freeze you're ass off in the winter in one of these if you don't use a decent thermal cover. The zips must be the cheapest they could get their grubby mits on, why they never put YKK zip's on them is beyond me, even if they added on a tenner for better quality zip's I'd happily stump up the money. Oh, and the stupid winter inner, the hell is that all about. First time I used it one of the loop fastenings ripped off...zip in inners anyone at Gardner if you're listening not the measley one the comes with the bag?
From what I've seen, the Trakker 365 or whatever they're calling it now looks like a much better bag.
In reply to Post #11
Never used my gardner bag in winter fishing but used it camping in january when it was around -2 and i was wasn't cold at all and I was tin a t shirt and joggers. I never zip mine up so not bothered about the zips as dont use them. It huge so just use it like a quilt and wrap it over me.
Never used my gardner bag in winter fishing but used it camping in january when it was around -2 and i was wasn't cold at all and I was tin a t shirt and joggers. I never zip mine up so not bothered about the zips as dont use them. It huge so just use it like a quilt and wrap it over me.
In reply to Post #11
I find it warm, but I've been happy with a ventec lite with thermal cover down to freezing temps.
Agree about zips and the useless inner attachments.
Dissapointing given the positive feedback on here
I find it warm, but I've been happy with a ventec lite with thermal cover down to freezing temps.
Agree about zips and the useless inner attachments.
Dissapointing given the positive feedback on here
Prices of the 3 sleeping bags on my list 10% discount + £17 voucher:
-Fortis Snugpak Standard G2 Techlite Sleeping Bag DPM: £210, £193 for the Olive one
-Trakker AS 365 £141
-Gardner Carp Duvet Compact: £83
I don't mind paying £210/193 or £141 but is it worth it if I can buy the Gardner for £83?
-Fortis Snugpak Standard G2 Techlite Sleeping Bag DPM: £210, £193 for the Olive one
-Trakker AS 365 £141
-Gardner Carp Duvet Compact: £83
I don't mind paying £210/193 or £141 but is it worth it if I can buy the Gardner for £83?
In reply to Post #14
I suppose it depends whether you need a light weight bag or a very warm bag, and whether crash zips are important to you. I had a trakker waterproof cover already and always sleep with the bag unzipped so the Gardner compact is a good fit for me. I also have a S.I.M. to go on my bedchair. I feel the cold but need to leave the bag unzipped and the bivvy door open unless driving rain makes it impossible.
I suppose it depends whether you need a light weight bag or a very warm bag, and whether crash zips are important to you. I had a trakker waterproof cover already and always sleep with the bag unzipped so the Gardner compact is a good fit for me. I also have a S.I.M. to go on my bedchair. I feel the cold but need to leave the bag unzipped and the bivvy door open unless driving rain makes it impossible.
In reply to Post #15
Weight on all 3 is good for me, dont like it that the cold comes through the Gardner bag (dont wanne use a sim)
I'm looking for a sleeping bag that I can use all year round, possibly with a cover in the very cold months
Are the zips so bad on the Gardner bag? I always sleep with my sleeping bag zipped up
Weight on all 3 is good for me, dont like it that the cold comes through the Gardner bag (dont wanne use a sim)
I'm looking for a sleeping bag that I can use all year round, possibly with a cover in the very cold months
Are the zips so bad on the Gardner bag? I always sleep with my sleeping bag zipped up
In reply to Post #14
I upgraded from my ventec lite to the Gardner, found the ventec too cold in the winter months even with a cover on. ( But the ventec is better made throughout)
The Gardner with cover is very warm, the negatives I found were that horrible pointless baffle that runs along your neck line, if you don't have a pillow to cover it I can imagine you'll feel it.
The pointless outer pockets that don't really fit much as there too small and tight.
The inner sleeve should be zipped in.
Apart from that I really like it
I upgraded from my ventec lite to the Gardner, found the ventec too cold in the winter months even with a cover on. ( But the ventec is better made throughout)
The Gardner with cover is very warm, the negatives I found were that horrible pointless baffle that runs along your neck line, if you don't have a pillow to cover it I can imagine you'll feel it.
The pointless outer pockets that don't really fit much as there too small and tight.
The inner sleeve should be zipped in.
Apart from that I really like it
In reply to Post #17
That baffle is rubbish. I cut mine off after a couple of nights (cut one end then pulled out the stuffing), and I can't really understand why the extra thermal layer only goes down to knee height - who's complained of their feet being too hot in the winter? In reality I've always got a coat or a couple of spare jumpers stuffed in the bottom of the bag during winter, so it's no big deal.
I've had no problems with the zips and won't be changing to another sleeping bag anytime soon.
That baffle is rubbish. I cut mine off after a couple of nights (cut one end then pulled out the stuffing), and I can't really understand why the extra thermal layer only goes down to knee height - who's complained of their feet being too hot in the winter? In reality I've always got a coat or a couple of spare jumpers stuffed in the bottom of the bag during winter, so it's no big deal.
I've had no problems with the zips and won't be changing to another sleeping bag anytime soon.
The Gardner bag is off the list, choice will be between the Fortis or Trakker AS365.
In reply to Post #19
I have the Fortis bag,have had it for about 6 months and used 2,sometimes 3 nights a week.Overall ,despite one niggle of it being a bit awkward to close the velcro strap when the bag is zipped up its been brilliant.
Does seem to be a bit tight once you get into it but the smooth material makes it easy to move about in.
Would I buy another? Most definately.
I have the Fortis bag,have had it for about 6 months and used 2,sometimes 3 nights a week.Overall ,despite one niggle of it being a bit awkward to close the velcro strap when the bag is zipped up its been brilliant.
Does seem to be a bit tight once you get into it but the smooth material makes it easy to move about in.
Would I buy another? Most definately.
In reply to Post #16
No cold comes through my gardner bag at all. Never had an issue with the zips either. I agree the inner section should be zipped in though instead of cheap toggles.
No cold comes through my gardner bag at all. Never had an issue with the zips either. I agree the inner section should be zipped in though instead of cheap toggles.
In reply to Post #19
I have the Fortis bought it for a few reasons biggest was the weight so if weight is not an issue
there is no contest just buy the 365
I have the Fortis bought it for a few reasons biggest was the weight so if weight is not an issue
there is no contest just buy the 365
In reply to Post #23
If It was the 365 (6.2kg) I would go 100% for the Fortis, but the AS365 is only 4.2 kg, I can live with that
If It was the 365 (6.2kg) I would go 100% for the Fortis, but the AS365 is only 4.2 kg, I can live with that
Reading ALL pages