hi for those who have been around a while... i am still using my old sundridge heat control sleeping bag from the 90's (had a few years off carp fishing). Are the more modern bags much better or should i not bother thinking about replacing until i need to
In reply to Post #1
I'm still using mine also mate, top bag IMO. Shame they are not made anymore.
Can't comment on newer bags (obviously) but am I right that Gardner brought the rights (or something) for the Heat Control bag and is now known as the Carp Duvet? Could be wrong.
I'm happy to stick with the Heat Control
I'm still using mine also mate, top bag IMO. Shame they are not made anymore.
Can't comment on newer bags (obviously) but am I right that Gardner brought the rights (or something) for the Heat Control bag and is now known as the Carp Duvet? Could be wrong.
I'm happy to stick with the Heat Control
In reply to Post #1
if it aint broke dont fix it springs to mind
if it aint broke dont fix it springs to mind
In reply to Post #1
Still using mine. The only drawback for me is that it's a little too wide, especially as I've gone to a narrower bed.
If it's still keeping you warm enough then don't change it.
Still using mine. The only drawback for me is that it's a little too wide, especially as I've gone to a narrower bed.
If it's still keeping you warm enough then don't change it.
No idea, I'm still using my JRC TH stealth bag......16-17yrs old now and still great with a cover...... 
In reply to Post #1
Had one of them, great bag and equal to what you can buy today.
Had one of them, great bag and equal to what you can buy today.
In reply to Post #1
Ive had several 'new' generation bags and none have come close to the original Tails Up Goliath or the Hutchy Cyclone.
The Goliath was so thin and light, yet so warm and comfortable. Ive had several conversations with Jim Rawcliffe, hoping to persuede him to re-release the Goliath but it just cant be done nowdays apparently.
Ive had several 'new' generation bags and none have come close to the original Tails Up Goliath or the Hutchy Cyclone.
The Goliath was so thin and light, yet so warm and comfortable. Ive had several conversations with Jim Rawcliffe, hoping to persuede him to re-release the Goliath but it just cant be done nowdays apparently.
In reply to Post #7
Weirdly seen a couple of Goliaths for sale in some classifieds last couple of weeks. Think sellers were asking @ 80 notes for them. Caveat Emptor springs to mind with a relic like that !! If they were reintroduced, im sure they would sell esp if they were of the same spec as before. Never seen one myself but im guessing they are of a similar build /weight design as the Fortis,just wider?
Weirdly seen a couple of Goliaths for sale in some classifieds last couple of weeks. Think sellers were asking @ 80 notes for them. Caveat Emptor springs to mind with a relic like that !! If they were reintroduced, im sure they would sell esp if they were of the same spec as before. Never seen one myself but im guessing they are of a similar build /weight design as the Fortis,just wider?
Im sure they re released the goliath a good few years ago but were no where near as good as they couldnt get the same insulation as the original.
In reply to Post #9
Carp-tech re-released the goliath and it wasnt made to anywhere near the same spec as the original.... I think the first TU ones where the retaining pocket was secured by pop studs and could be reversed over were the better ones... If you could cross breed the TU goliath with a techlite you may have the ultimate carping bag
Carp-tech re-released the goliath and it wasnt made to anywhere near the same spec as the original.... I think the first TU ones where the retaining pocket was secured by pop studs and could be reversed over were the better ones... If you could cross breed the TU goliath with a techlite you may have the ultimate carping bag
Trakker re released the Pertex bag but it was nothing compared to the original......... 
In reply to Post #7
i bought a TU G in 2002 and it was rubbish for over £200. found JR to be quite strange about my comments on the product also.
Heat Control before was v good though.
i bought a TU G in 2002 and it was rubbish for over £200. found JR to be quite strange about my comments on the product also.
Heat Control before was v good though.
In reply to Post #12
Im really surprised at that, My Goliath was EASILY the best bag Ive ever used for carp fishing and Ive have many.
Light weight, large dimensions and crazy warm in even the worst conditions. Id buy another in a heart beat if Jim re-launched them, no question !
Im really surprised at that, My Goliath was EASILY the best bag Ive ever used for carp fishing and Ive have many.
Light weight, large dimensions and crazy warm in even the worst conditions. Id buy another in a heart beat if Jim re-launched them, no question !
In reply to Post #13
anecdotally there was a huge difference from his originals to the one i bought from him in the early 2000's. far inferior, but didn't stop him charging full whack. at one point when i suggested that it wasn't warm enough, suggested that i go the to the doctors to get checked out lol. total bs. no problem with the build etc, just no where near 4 seasons.
anecdotally there was a huge difference from his originals to the one i bought from him in the early 2000's. far inferior, but didn't stop him charging full whack. at one point when i suggested that it wasn't warm enough, suggested that i go the to the doctors to get checked out lol. total bs. no problem with the build etc, just no where near 4 seasons.
In reply to Post #1
I still have my original sundridge heat control bag and its a cracker in all but the coldest of weather, but then id use a bag cover and a bivvy suit to hold onto some warmth.
I always craved the wider, bulkier, warmer mk2 and eventually i found one. Its massive but the inner section covers my ample bulk with no problem.
I still have my original sundridge heat control bag and its a cracker in all but the coldest of weather, but then id use a bag cover and a bivvy suit to hold onto some warmth.
I always craved the wider, bulkier, warmer mk2 and eventually i found one. Its massive but the inner section covers my ample bulk with no problem.
I can't speak for the Goliath, or Sundridge. However the new Trakker 365 I have just bought has the most loft of any sleeping bag I've ever owned or seen. Btw to get the most warmth from a sleeping bag you shouldn't be wearing much when you're in it.
In reply to Post #16
I've read this several times but never understood it, can you explain how this works?
I've read this several times but never understood it, can you explain how this works?
In reply to Post #17
You're body heat is all that warms the sleeping bag, it has to transfer to the lofted insulating layer then it keeps you warm. If you trap the heat next to your body you will sweat and then chill, the bag will not warm you. The transfer is best when the bag is close to your body without a big air gap. That's why serious mountaineering bags are mummy shaped. It's best to wear a minimal layer of synthetic material in the bag and add a layer when you need to get out.
You're body heat is all that warms the sleeping bag, it has to transfer to the lofted insulating layer then it keeps you warm. If you trap the heat next to your body you will sweat and then chill, the bag will not warm you. The transfer is best when the bag is close to your body without a big air gap. That's why serious mountaineering bags are mummy shaped. It's best to wear a minimal layer of synthetic material in the bag and add a layer when you need to get out.
In reply to Post #1
For years I used to think old quality gear was the best. But as I've got older I've learnt (begrudgingly) that often modern quality gear is significantly better. Sleeping bags is a perfect example. just don't buy cheap!
For years I used to think old quality gear was the best. But as I've got older I've learnt (begrudgingly) that often modern quality gear is significantly better. Sleeping bags is a perfect example. just don't buy cheap!
In reply to Post #18
Don't trap heat next to your body ... but the bag needs to be close to your body. Hmmm...
My feet are always warmer when I stuff my snugpak coat down the bottom of the bag so my feet are closely surrounded by insulation.
Don't trap heat next to your body ... but the bag needs to be close to your body. Hmmm...
My feet are always warmer when I stuff my snugpak coat down the bottom of the bag so my feet are closely surrounded by insulation.
In reply to Post #20
If you've got room for a snugpak coat the air gap is too big by putting the nugpak in you are making the whole bag more efficient. Try sleeping with a couple of layers of cotton on. Then try it with a thin synthetic layer I.e t shirt and pants or long sleeved shirt and longjohns. Do you go to bed with 2 layers on at home then sleep under a duvet? When it's cold what do you do? Pull the duvet closer to you to unconsciously reduce the air gap.
If you've got room for a snugpak coat the air gap is too big by putting the nugpak in you are making the whole bag more efficient. Try sleeping with a couple of layers of cotton on. Then try it with a thin synthetic layer I.e t shirt and pants or long sleeved shirt and longjohns. Do you go to bed with 2 layers on at home then sleep under a duvet? When it's cold what do you do? Pull the duvet closer to you to unconsciously reduce the air gap.
In reply to Post #19
I still have a tails up, goliath combi and I would happily buy a new sleeping bag if
I could find something better.. But I can't.. 😊
It has an extra layer you can put inside but I have only used that a couple of times, I have only had it for 15 years though..
I still have a tails up, goliath combi and I would happily buy a new sleeping bag if
I could find something better.. But I can't.. 😊
It has an extra layer you can put inside but I have only used that a couple of times, I have only had it for 15 years though..
im sorry but its an absolute myth on this forum that sleeping in less is warmer than more - It may work for some but it wont for everyone. If you are sleeping in cold weather you should definitely sleep in multiple layers and adjust layer amount to your comfort zone. Breathable layers are the key.
I have a mint Carp-Tech Goliath with stuff sack if anyone interested
I have a mint Carp-Tech Goliath with stuff sack if anyone interested
In reply to Post #23
A skin hugging synthetic wicking layer will be beneficial wearing a couple of cotton layers will not help. You need to wear wicking or as you say breathable synthetic material. . if you're going to wear multiple layers, there's probably no point in using a sleeping bag. Just sleep in your clothes.
A skin hugging synthetic wicking layer will be beneficial wearing a couple of cotton layers will not help. You need to wear wicking or as you say breathable synthetic material. . if you're going to wear multiple layers, there's probably no point in using a sleeping bag. Just sleep in your clothes.
In reply to Post #23
only in your opinion certainly not in mine
only in your opinion certainly not in mine
Get a decent bag and a breathable cover and the last thing you need is layers .
It is actually true that a sleeping bag with less space in, is far warmer than one with lots of free space and warms up quicker. Basically, before you get warm in a sleeping bag with lots of room inside, your body has to warm up all that space, to warm it up, and on a cold night, your body will lose heat in the process.
I mentioned it a long time ago, that if your a "martyr" to the cause and sit out in the cold till your virtually shivering or actually shivering, the best thing you can do is get in your bag with your fleece or jacket on and stay like that till you get warm, and once you are warm, wait until you get that hot you can take your jacket or fleece off. To get into a sleeping bag shivering after losing so much of your core temperature after stripping your outer layers off is not good, and it will be a long time to get warm until somehow you have warmed up all the space inside your bag before you start to get warm.
The warmest bags are the mummy style as there is less space inside them and you warm up in no time. Rectangular bags are the worst as they have too much space inside that needs to be warmed up and overall, they are far bigger.
The mummy style bags are also far easier to get in and out of if fitted with a crash zip, no matter which way you twist and turn, the zip will always be in front of you and you can be out in an instant. No need to fanny about like you do with having to zip or unzip a rectangular side zipper.
I have 11 sleeping bags ranging from very light weight jungle bags up to arctic bags rated down to -32 and during the course of the year check what bag I need and always pick the one that I can sleep in and be warm and also wear the clothes that I will be warm in if I have to out to play a fish.
Most times though, its just an overwrap, a poncho liner or a good heavyweight army surplus wool blanket or a combination of and that will keep me warm most of the year.
I mentioned it a long time ago, that if your a "martyr" to the cause and sit out in the cold till your virtually shivering or actually shivering, the best thing you can do is get in your bag with your fleece or jacket on and stay like that till you get warm, and once you are warm, wait until you get that hot you can take your jacket or fleece off. To get into a sleeping bag shivering after losing so much of your core temperature after stripping your outer layers off is not good, and it will be a long time to get warm until somehow you have warmed up all the space inside your bag before you start to get warm.
The warmest bags are the mummy style as there is less space inside them and you warm up in no time. Rectangular bags are the worst as they have too much space inside that needs to be warmed up and overall, they are far bigger.
The mummy style bags are also far easier to get in and out of if fitted with a crash zip, no matter which way you twist and turn, the zip will always be in front of you and you can be out in an instant. No need to fanny about like you do with having to zip or unzip a rectangular side zipper.
I have 11 sleeping bags ranging from very light weight jungle bags up to arctic bags rated down to -32 and during the course of the year check what bag I need and always pick the one that I can sleep in and be warm and also wear the clothes that I will be warm in if I have to out to play a fish.
Most times though, its just an overwrap, a poncho liner or a good heavyweight army surplus wool blanket or a combination of and that will keep me warm most of the year.
I fell asleep last night onto of the sleeping bag but under
The Gardner cover. Mind you I was wearing bib n brace and a snugpak.
The Gardner cover. Mind you I was wearing bib n brace and a snugpak.
In reply to Post #24
Sleeping in clothes with layers isn't the same as you need the insulation of the sleeping bag. I'm going by personal experience and the advice from people who sleep in a much colder environment than we do. As I said in my original post, everyone reacts different and this needs taking into account. Some people will be warm in a single layer ... other will need more
Sleeping in clothes with layers isn't the same as you need the insulation of the sleeping bag. I'm going by personal experience and the advice from people who sleep in a much colder environment than we do. As I said in my original post, everyone reacts different and this needs taking into account. Some people will be warm in a single layer ... other will need more
In reply to Post #29
Modern bags are good especially zips. But I had a peak 1 Coleman bag 30 years ago fairly light and mega warm. Definitely pants and tea shirt only.
Modern bags are good especially zips. But I had a peak 1 Coleman bag 30 years ago fairly light and mega warm. Definitely pants and tea shirt only.
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