To avoid a long story, I recently took my Techlite to a seamstress to replace a dodgy zip after many years use and she managed to destroy it.
I haven't been on here properly in a while so apologies if I've missed a thread, but is there anything now on the market that's better? Or is it a case of another 250 quid on the Snugpak?
Cheers lads.
I haven't been on here properly in a while so apologies if I've missed a thread, but is there anything now on the market that's better? Or is it a case of another 250 quid on the Snugpak?
Cheers lads.
In reply to Post #1
If you want lightweight but mega warm then no its still the best on the market imo.If you ring around they can be bought for around 200 for the dpm version
If you want lightweight but mega warm then no its still the best on the market imo.If you ring around they can be bought for around 200 for the dpm version
In reply to Post #2
Yeah light and warm is the priority. Cheers mate. Any idea of who to call?
Yeah light and warm is the priority. Cheers mate. Any idea of who to call?
Still nothing better mate 
Yonny ,there is a company called Scottish Mountain gear,they have a price list for repairing sleeping bags ,infill repairs...worth a look !..
They look the real deal..
They look the real deal..
If it can still be repaired / put right Edel Maya may be worth a call as the quality of work is very good.
In reply to Post #6
Nah, it's dead lads. She did quite an incredible job of getting it wrong.
Nah, it's dead lads. She did quite an incredible job of getting it wrong.
In reply to Post #7
Sewed up the top?!
Sewed up the top?!
In reply to Post #8
She managed to replace 3 of the 4 zips with 1 (!?) In some bizarre way. Took me a while to figure out how she got it so wrong tbh. It's no longer possible to close it anyway. A real mess.
She managed to replace 3 of the 4 zips with 1 (!?) In some bizarre way. Took me a while to figure out how she got it so wrong tbh. It's no longer possible to close it anyway. A real mess.
In reply to Post #9
I hope she is replacing it
I hope she is replacing it
In reply to Post #10
I ain't got the heart to make her replace it. She's this tiny old woman and she clearly knew she'd got it very wrong. She looked sheepish to the point of terrified as she handed it over bless her.
Tbh I got a good 6 years + out of it so probs time for replacement anyway.
I ain't got the heart to make her replace it. She's this tiny old woman and she clearly knew she'd got it very wrong. She looked sheepish to the point of terrified as she handed it over bless her.
Tbh I got a good 6 years + out of it so probs time for replacement anyway.
In reply to Post #2
Interested in getting one of these, whereabouts are they available for so cheap?
Interested in getting one of these, whereabouts are they available for so cheap?
So did they come up with an improved version, as I've had one since they first come out and never been that impressed with the warmth?
Down to 5 degrees is fine but any colder and I feel it, may just be me?
Down to 5 degrees is fine but any colder and I feel it, may just be me?
In reply to Post #13
heard too many people say theyre not warm enough for me to spend that much cash on a sleeping bag that I would still end up putting a cover over in winter anyway,
heard too many people say theyre not warm enough for me to spend that much cash on a sleeping bag that I would still end up putting a cover over in winter anyway,
In reply to Post #14
I'm on blood thinners and really feel the cold and not once have I been cold in this bag,I have been in minus temps a few times and been toasty warm
I'm on blood thinners and really feel the cold and not once have I been cold in this bag,I have been in minus temps a few times and been toasty warm
In reply to Post #11
New zip on a £250 sleeping bag
How good are these bags ? someone on here said they hated there's and didn't think they where any good overpriced how would they compare to the Gardner
New zip on a £250 sleeping bag
How good are these bags ? someone on here said they hated there's and didn't think they where any good overpriced how would they compare to the Gardner
In reply to Post #16
I might be the exception but not overly impressed and wouldn't pay it again. I use a cover with mine through the winter and also sleep in a hoodie, so maybe just me. The zips ain't great for the price, mine gets snagged every so often and I also have a yearly nightmare when I need to add the winter top layer as it just doesn't want to do up and generally takes me about 20mins with plenty of swearing and cursing.
Shame as the weight saving is the major plus point. No gripes generally with Fortis, I have the SJ9 jacket which I love and the salopettes (think I've worn them twice??).
If I was a serious winter angler these days I would definitely look for a different bag but winter nights are fairly rare so I'll stick with it.
I might be the exception but not overly impressed and wouldn't pay it again. I use a cover with mine through the winter and also sleep in a hoodie, so maybe just me. The zips ain't great for the price, mine gets snagged every so often and I also have a yearly nightmare when I need to add the winter top layer as it just doesn't want to do up and generally takes me about 20mins with plenty of swearing and cursing.
Shame as the weight saving is the major plus point. No gripes generally with Fortis, I have the SJ9 jacket which I love and the salopettes (think I've worn them twice??).
If I was a serious winter angler these days I would definitely look for a different bag but winter nights are fairly rare so I'll stick with it.
In reply to Post #17
Ecws us army sleeping bag if you can get one
Sometimes called MSS system
Quite hard to get hold of
Ecws us army sleeping bag if you can get one
Sometimes called MSS system
Quite hard to get hold of
In reply to Post #17
The zips sound a nightmare I think I will leave it
The zips sound a nightmare I think I will leave it
In reply to Post #19
Tbf mine was fine for 6 years. As for those saying it's not warm, I struggle to get my head round that but obviously some feel the cold more than others.
Tbf mine was fine for 6 years. As for those saying it's not warm, I struggle to get my head round that but obviously some feel the cold more than others.
In reply to Post #20
I bought a Snugpak Techlite bag not long after they came out
and I just cannot have the door shut so I found with a cold wind blowing in I was cold on my back
so I bought a Helium 3.8 SIM this instantly cured it and a bonus transformed the comfort of my bed I was as warm as toast
( I wear minimal clothing in the bagso the bag works for me by reflecting my body heat back)
in the very coldest sub zero I use a bedchair cover on top prior to this I have owned and used most bags and no question in my mind the Snugpak Techlite is as warm as any previous bags but without the bulk and weight
I bought a Snugpak Techlite bag not long after they came out
and I just cannot have the door shut so I found with a cold wind blowing in I was cold on my back
so I bought a Helium 3.8 SIM this instantly cured it and a bonus transformed the comfort of my bed I was as warm as toast
( I wear minimal clothing in the bagso the bag works for me by reflecting my body heat back)
in the very coldest sub zero I use a bedchair cover on top prior to this I have owned and used most bags and no question in my mind the Snugpak Techlite is as warm as any previous bags but without the bulk and weight
In reply to Post #21
Wearing less is how they work mate, same as the jackets. They store the body heat so the more layers you wear the less effective they are. I see guys wearing hoodies under the jackets and in the bag. It stops them from working properly.
Wearing less is how they work mate, same as the jackets. They store the body heat so the more layers you wear the less effective they are. I see guys wearing hoodies under the jackets and in the bag. It stops them from working properly.
In reply to Post #21
Tbh if I paid £250 for a sleeping bag I would expect it to do the job without buying extras as it's starting to add up must be around £350 definitely not for me
and there jackets doesn't seem to be any quality control I tried on 5 in large all different gave up in the end
Tbh if I paid £250 for a sleeping bag I would expect it to do the job without buying extras as it's starting to add up must be around £350 definitely not for me
and there jackets doesn't seem to be any quality control I tried on 5 in large all different gave up in the end
In reply to Post #22
That's a myth.... Other than hoodies not being great insulators, if you wear the right type of clothing layers and trap air it warms up.
A decent thermal underwear or fleece will always be warmer, plus adaptable/regulatable.
That's a myth.... Other than hoodies not being great insulators, if you wear the right type of clothing layers and trap air it warms up.
A decent thermal underwear or fleece will always be warmer, plus adaptable/regulatable.
In reply to Post #23
They're different because they're hand made. Agree you defo need to try them on before buying.
They're different because they're hand made. Agree you defo need to try them on before buying.
In reply to Post #25
I don't see being hand made is got to do with it tbh don't they work to a pattern if they did they would all be the same it's not good for there reputation looks like sloppy workmanship
I don't see being hand made is got to do with it tbh don't they work to a pattern if they did they would all be the same it's not good for there reputation looks like sloppy workmanship
In reply to Post #23
I have paid a fortune for my Shelters rods reels landing nets etc
so buying something thats keeps me warm and cosy is priceless IMO I will pay whatever is necessary for the right product and if there was something better I would buy it no matter what the cost but IMO there just isnt
but its your priority's I guess
I have paid a fortune for my Shelters rods reels landing nets etc
so buying something thats keeps me warm and cosy is priceless IMO I will pay whatever is necessary for the right product and if there was something better I would buy it no matter what the cost but IMO there just isnt
but its your priority's I guess
My aqua bag ,lost its loft after many years ,so had to get another .was a great bag..
I ummmd and arrrd about a techlite,for ages ,my son bought one ,I still held back thinking wow mega bucks....
I had other Snugpak bags ,but they for another hobby I do..anyway I bit the bullet I got a techlite ,I like it ....use mine with a multimat ,adventure..one thing I don't do is zip any sleeping bag up ,I want a fast exit ,so I was concerned I'd be cold ,...I was hot,and really rate it now,but ....its a lot of money...but I can justify it ,...same pack down as my old Aqua and weight ...plus it goes in my porterlite bag ..Nice and loose..
Nothing worse than being cold n damp out in the field ,much rather warm and relaxed ,those days of cheap.argos bags are but a distant memory..
I ummmd and arrrd about a techlite,for ages ,my son bought one ,I still held back thinking wow mega bucks....
I had other Snugpak bags ,but they for another hobby I do..anyway I bit the bullet I got a techlite ,I like it ....use mine with a multimat ,adventure..one thing I don't do is zip any sleeping bag up ,I want a fast exit ,so I was concerned I'd be cold ,...I was hot,and really rate it now,but ....its a lot of money...but I can justify it ,...same pack down as my old Aqua and weight ...plus it goes in my porterlite bag ..Nice and loose..
Nothing worse than being cold n damp out in the field ,much rather warm and relaxed ,those days of cheap.argos bags are but a distant memory..
In reply to Post #27
Couldn't agree more.
Couldn't agree more.
Snug pak elite 5 or snug pak special forces, both of these are warmer than my tech lite
In reply to Post #30
OMG no way could I ever use a mummy style bag I cant even have my Techlite zip done up far too claustrophobic
OMG no way could I ever use a mummy style bag I cant even have my Techlite zip done up far too claustrophobic
In reply to Post #31
Agreed not for everyone, but pack down to nothing and toasty warm (less cold spots), the special forces is the best I've ever had (for me personally) after all the idea of a winter bag is to keep you warm and these 2 were hands down better than my techlite, just another option for yonny to consider
Agreed not for everyone, but pack down to nothing and toasty warm (less cold spots), the special forces is the best I've ever had (for me personally) after all the idea of a winter bag is to keep you warm and these 2 were hands down better than my techlite, just another option for yonny to consider
In reply to Post #32
but I have never ever been cold in mine ? in fact any warmer and I would be too warm in anything but winter I cant wear socks as my feet get too hot
but I have never ever been cold in mine ? in fact any warmer and I would be too warm in anything but winter I cant wear socks as my feet get too hot
In reply to Post #33
In reply to Post #1
Trakker 365. Big, bulky. But incredibly warm, well made with top notch zips.
Trakker 365. Big, bulky. But incredibly warm, well made with top notch zips.
Best bag for winter I have had is the Snugpak Antarctica. It's mummy shape but if u add the expander panel it's manageable. No cold spots unlike square shaped fishing bags.
In reply to Post #21
Yeah I have a helium SIM as well, used one for years, it helps ease the cold rising but still find the bag isn't warm enough overall. I've tried less clothes and more clothes, hasn't helped for me but accept that perhaps I feel the cold more these days? Years ago I had a trakker peachskin bag, now that was super warm and didn't need a cover now matter how cold it was, downside, weighed the same as my car!
Yeah I have a helium SIM as well, used one for years, it helps ease the cold rising but still find the bag isn't warm enough overall. I've tried less clothes and more clothes, hasn't helped for me but accept that perhaps I feel the cold more these days? Years ago I had a trakker peachskin bag, now that was super warm and didn't need a cover now matter how cold it was, downside, weighed the same as my car!
Top tip for cold feet is to shove your winter coat down into the end of the bag. Do this with my SJ9 when it drops really low and don't bother with the water bottle anymore.
In reply to Post #35
Another for the Trakker 365.
No doubt is it big and bulky but for good reason, it's mega warm.
Another for the Trakker 365.
No doubt is it big and bulky but for good reason, it's mega warm.
Been using a Gardner duvet compact for a few years. I much prefer it to fleece lined bags. Its warm with the inner sleeve clipped in. I do you a bed chair cover on top of it when its cold. The Only down side for me is the zips jam in the material quite a lot, they are robust and pull out easily but its still annoying.
The compact is a big bag the name is decieving, it fits my trakker els bed well and thats 88cm wide
The compact is a big bag the name is decieving, it fits my trakker els bed well and thats 88cm wide
Was out last night and down to about -7 where I was, my Trakker 3 season and Gardner bedchair cover was challenged to keep me warm. I wasn't freezing but also not that warm, was in my open fronted Tempest bivvy as like to see my rods also not be zipped up.
Trakker peach skin 3 season is great for anything down to 3-5 with the bedchair cover, looking at either the Techlite or the Trakker 365.
I wasn't cold in my fairly new Snugpak Torrent and Snugpak salopettes, so have faith in both Trakker and Snugpak brands.
Thoughts to sway me either way?
Trakker peach skin 3 season is great for anything down to 3-5 with the bedchair cover, looking at either the Techlite or the Trakker 365.
I wasn't cold in my fairly new Snugpak Torrent and Snugpak salopettes, so have faith in both Trakker and Snugpak brands.
Thoughts to sway me either way?
In reply to Post #41
The Trakker 365 is about the size and weight of a full dustbin, I'd go for the Techlite if funds allow.
The Trakker 365 is about the size and weight of a full dustbin, I'd go for the Techlite if funds allow.
In reply to Post #41
I use a Techlite all year round although I do put a cover on when it starts to get to 5ish degrees or colder, currently I have an Edel Maja one which is the nuts. I just prefer the feeling of a bit of weight on top of the bag when it's proper cold. That probably defeats the object of buying the techlite in the first place but hey ho, I'm warm and comfortable. I just sleep in thermal base layer, trackies and a light hoodie and as you know I'm out 3 nights a week all year and don't feel the cold in that
I use a Techlite all year round although I do put a cover on when it starts to get to 5ish degrees or colder, currently I have an Edel Maja one which is the nuts. I just prefer the feeling of a bit of weight on top of the bag when it's proper cold. That probably defeats the object of buying the techlite in the first place but hey ho, I'm warm and comfortable. I just sleep in thermal base layer, trackies and a light hoodie and as you know I'm out 3 nights a week all year and don't feel the cold in that
In reply to Post #41
Depends how you approach your fishing.
If your moving about the lake frequently then it Is a fairly heavy bag to be carrying around and the snugpak would probably be a better option.
If like me you tend to fish a lot of day tickets and are limited to pegs then once its barrowed round to your peg it doesn't make a blind bit of difference
It's thick, warm and the zips are spot on.
Depends how you approach your fishing.
If your moving about the lake frequently then it Is a fairly heavy bag to be carrying around and the snugpak would probably be a better option.
If like me you tend to fish a lot of day tickets and are limited to pegs then once its barrowed round to your peg it doesn't make a blind bit of difference
It's thick, warm and the zips are spot on.
In reply to Post #43
Hope you're well Barry 👍
Hope you're well Barry 👍
Thanks for replies guys 👍
In reply to Post #46
Trakker 5 season peachskin hotest bag by a mile. Sleep system love the nash 5 season. Heavy but warm and comfy.
Trakker 5 season peachskin hotest bag by a mile. Sleep system love the nash 5 season. Heavy but warm and comfy.
I use the trakker duotexx sleeping bag and have found it to be fantastic. Double layer design so you sleep under the middle layer in winter and on top of it in summer. I hate having to keep zipping winter sections in and out and this gives me a bag I can leave on all year round. I have also found that it is particularly useful when you get a cold snap in spring and can sleep under the middle layer - no more laying there freezing wishing I hadn't unzipped the winter section!
I have an Aqua Sleep System bags (a few years old non fleece bag) for warmer months
Trakker Armotexx or Pertex Big Z for winter.
I also use Trakker Armotexx sleeves which raise the warmth considerably
Trakker Armotexx or Pertex Big Z for winter.
I also use Trakker Armotexx sleeves which raise the warmth considerably
I bought myself a Nash indulgence mf60 5 season sleep system in the standard size and I wish I didn't. I'm 6ft tall and ok my shoulders are probably slightly wider than average and because of this I can't lie on my side in cold weather. When I do my shoulders hold up the sleeping bag and air pumps through on me. I bought the winter shroud as it says it has a draft skirt but it makes no difference and also gathers condensation around the waterproof seam. So disappointing as I also bought the pillow, sheet and the electric blanket and now I'm like 700 quid in and I just regret it. I'm ok on my back and front but I sleep on my side so I'm just not happy. Don't make the same mistake as me.
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