Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Equipment, Travel > Camping Equipment and all Clothing
Spent last night in my conservatory ! Spent last night in my conservatory !
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Camping Equipment and all Clothing Tents, sleeping bags, stoves etc. Riding clothing, boots, helmets, what to wear when not riding, etc.
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland




Like Tree1Likes

Reply
Page 2 of 4 1 2 34
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #16  
Old 11 Jan 2009
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Bellingham, WA, USA
Posts: 3,969
Quote:
Originally Posted by geordie_e View Post
Thanks for all the advice and comments
The top and sides of the bag wasnt cold, just the bottom of the bag.
Geordie
The job of a down bag is to keep your top and sides warm, insulating you from the cold air. It will not keep you warm underneath; that is the job of your sleeping pad, hence all the commentary here. Get a good pad and you'll certainly stay warm in such mild temperatures as are under discussion here.

For real cold (well below zero C) I add a thin closed-cell pad to my usual thermarest. This is a better weight, bulk and warmth combination than a fat thermarest.

enjoy,

Mark
Reply With Quote
  #17  
Old 11 Jan 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Newcastle upon Tyne UK
Posts: 252
markharf thanks for the advice, will def look at thermarest or copies.

Tim thanks for the links, I missed your one on adv site, cheers


Cheers
Geordie
Reply With Quote
  #18  
Old 11 Jan 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Staffordshire. uk
Posts: 766
I just bagged up my summer gear. Therma-rest 3/4 mat and Softie 3 summer bag.





As you can see it's rated down to 0c. I've been below that in it but you do have to wear everything you've got! It's comfortable at around freezing though. I'm no hero I've got a -15c bag too and usually use two mats as well when it's cold.

I've spent times in the bottom of a trench too, cold as a grave!
Reply With Quote
  #19  
Old 11 Jan 2009
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: UK
Posts: 66
RE getting cold during the day and warming up in your sleeping bag at night.

Test it at home first but when out in winter I take a metal water bottle, Sigg is a good make, boil some water, put lid on, let it cool for a couple of minutes and put into the bag as a hot water bottle. Wont leak as the water cools it causes a partial vacuum in the bottle. Also gives you water not frozen in the morning to use.
__________________
julian
Reply With Quote
  #20  
Old 11 Jan 2009
Tim Cullis's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: London and Granada Altiplano
Posts: 3,119
And just in case anyone's not aware... sleeping bags and thermarests should be stored uncompressed and only put into stuffsacks before they are to be transported.

Tim
__________________
"For sheer delight there is nothing like altitude; it gives one the thrill of adventure
and enlarges the world in which you live," Irving Mather (1892-1966)
Reply With Quote
  #21  
Old 12 Jan 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: sunny England
Posts: 790
thermarests dont work for me because i cant sleep on my back and i weigh 140kg, my hips dont like being a ground spike. thats why i use an air bed.
__________________
dave
Reply With Quote
  #22  
Old 12 Jan 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Staffordshire. uk
Posts: 766
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tim Cullis View Post
And just in case anyone's not aware... sleeping bags and thermarests should be stored uncompressed and only put into stuffsacks before they are to be transported.

Tim
I bagged them up for the photo, they're now relaxing in the front room waiting for the spring!
Reply With Quote
  #23  
Old 12 Jan 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Mid Wales
Posts: 100
Thermarest copies
Years ago on a Kayaking/Landrover fixing trip to Iceland, most people had Thermarests while one mate had a Sunnacamp copy. Over the 4 weeks it slowly came unglued with a slow creaking noise, turning from a flat object into a perfectly round sausage, despite his best duct-tape repair attempts. It kept us all enourmously amused.

As an aside I think silk liners are worth about a season in terms of sleeping bags (but then I took a Karrimat to Iceland so don't trust my judgement)
Reply With Quote
  #24  
Old 13 Jan 2009
DarrenM's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Coventry
Posts: 126
Quote:
Originally Posted by geordie_e View Post
Im going to have a scout around and try thermarest (but I cant work out why my airbed which ive used for the last 5 years was so cold).
Is the floor in your conservatory made from Stone or Concrete, either will suck heat out faster than having your airbed in a tent on dirt.
Reply With Quote
  #25  
Old 14 Jan 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: sunny England
Posts: 790
Quote:
Originally Posted by Flyingdoctor View Post
I bagged them up for the photo, they're now relaxing in the front room waiting for the spring!
i keep my bags in the loft in old pillow cases, keeps them clean while not compressing them.
__________________
dave
Reply With Quote
  #26  
Old 14 Jan 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Newcastle upon Tyne UK
Posts: 252
Hi
I keep my bag uncompressed in the cupboard when not in use.

My conservatory floor has laminate wood with fibre board under it.

So the weak link must be the air bed. Ive got a fleece liner Im going to try next (when another cold night is forcasted)

Cheers for all the replys

Cheers
Geordie
Reply With Quote
  #27  
Old 14 Jan 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: Oslo, Norway
Posts: 521
Hi,
Just spent another weekend out in -15 centigrades on a winter motorcycle rally. Like it's been said: The air bed sucks the heat out of you, whether it sits on concrete, mud, dirt or on your tent floor. This is one of the times when air does NOT insulate - on the contrary. You can use the air bed for comfort, but you must then add some insulation on top of it. Personally I use a NATO army folding bed, put a thermarest-like mattress on it and add reindeer skin on top of that again. Keeps me warm and comfy in any temperature (my sleeping bag is rated at -35 centigrades). I use a sidecar, so I can transport it all. But the basic is a warm sleeping bag and a top-rated insulating mattress. Oh, and use a wool cap to keep you even warmer.
Reply With Quote
  #28  
Old 15 Jan 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Newcastle upon Tyne UK
Posts: 252
Thanks Indu

Ive got a NATO camp cot in my garage but its too big for the bike.

Heres the thing with thermarest, ive got 2 disc's in my lower back which are on their way out ! So getting a comfortable sleep is a big thing for me.

I was wondering, who uses a cot type bed with a thermarest ? whats the pack size ?


Cheers
Geordie
Reply With Quote
  #29  
Old 15 Jan 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: Oslo, Norway
Posts: 521
What you CAN do is to use this one:



- - Mammut

It's a down filled, insulated air mattress that is inflateable to 7,5-10 cm thickness, which should be sufficient for high comfort and warmth. According to the producer Mammut it's 65% smaller than conventional self-filling air mattresses of same size when packed. That should vouch for transportability, insulation and comfort I think.
Reply With Quote
  #30  
Old 16 Jan 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,598
I use a steel framed camp bed. they cost about £10 ( 9.99 from Argos)
the heat loss is nearly always greatest from the floor because the insulation is compressed and there is little air to insulate. My cure is to take a big sheepskin fleece. I sit on it during the day, and lie on it at night. Is also usefull for an afternoon siesta. I just drop it on the deat and rest it againstthe bag on the dual seat as a kind of back rest. held in place with a bungee rubber or two.
Reply With Quote
Reply
Page 2 of 4 1 2 34

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Spent a lot of $'s on border crossings in Central America nanagosa4 Central America and Mexico 17 2 Dec 2008 22:10
Warm night.... Joybringer Welcome to HU 2 2 Nov 2007 13:53
Where to stay the first night McThor Route Planning 11 2 Nov 2007 02:00
Moscow to St P at night insureguy Europe 8 20 Jun 2007 14:45
Do you keep the panneirs on the bike at night? Iain Equipping the Bike - what's the best gear? 10 14 Oct 2005 01:51

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-15
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 23:28.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top