Sleeping Bags for Sailors
- Alexander Großkord
- 6 hours ago
- 5 min read
So Many Opinions - What Are the Real Pros and Cons?
When it comes to sleeping bags, one name dominates the conversation: Cape Wild's original Ocean Sleepwear. This option isn't just popular; it's highly recommended across the board. But is it the best choice for you?
Let's break it down, but first, let's establish some key fundamentals.
During my extended military time, we were taught to sleep in just our underwear inside the sleeping bag, except in combat situations. This is critical not just for avoiding moisture buildup, but for maximising warmth. If you sleep in your mid-layers, they will absorb sweat during the night. When you leave the warmth of your sleeping bag, those damp clothes will make you feel even colder.
Keeping your mid-layers dry is essential to staying warm and comfortable once you get moving. Maintaining dry insulating layers allows your body to regulate its temperature more effectively, which is especially important in cold environments. This simple but straightforward technique can significantly enhance your comfort.
Shivering for a minute after leaving the sleeping bag is okay because you will warm up quickly and stay warm by putting on your dry base and mid-layers.
PRO TIP: Always place your mid-layer between the sleeping and the bivy bag in cold, wet conditions, and keep your base layer inside the sleeping bag. This method will ensure that your base and mid-layers stay dry and warm after your short sleep, providing you with maximum comfort for your next watch.
Cape Wild
Crew from The Ocean Race, Clipper 2023-24, the Ocean Globe Race, Transpac, AZAB, Route du Rhum, Fastnet Race, Talisker Atlantic Rowing Challenge and more have chosen our sleeping bags.
Pros
Stays Warm Even When Wet
The sleeping bag retains warmth even in damp conditions, offering reliable insulation when you need it most.
Exceptional Comfort
Thanks to its generous cut, the sleeping bag provides plenty of room to move, eliminating the feeling of being confined.
Cozy Interior
The fibre pile lining adds a layer of softness and insulation, promoting a restful, comfortable sleep.
Extremely Durable
Built with high-quality, robust materials, this sleeping bag is designed to withstand heavy use and harsh environments.
Easy Entry & Exit
Fast and smooth-running No. 10 non-lock coil zips provide a quick entry and exit.
Cons
Bulky for Travel
While the size may not be an issue during a race, it becomes less convenient when travelling. It requires extra space and should be treated as a separate piece of luggage.
Heavy
The bag's weight is noticeably higher than many modern, ultralight alternatives.
Insufficient Insulation in Very Cold Conditions
During early spring in the Solent, I needed to wear mid-layers just to stay warm at night. That was one of the main reasons I sold it. The bag's wide cut, roomy interior, and lack of a heat collar make it difficult to retain body heat. While these design choices are great for comfort, they allow warmth to escape, making them less suitable for truly cold conditions.
Big Size
When you are sharing a bunk, it takes up a lot of room, and sometimes you face difficulties finding enough space to store it and keep it dry.
Price: £250.80 – £259.60
However, I believe the Volvo Ocean Race Sleeping Bags would be a better choice, even though they are more expensive. I haven't personally used one, but I've never heard any negative feedback about them. One main reason is the close top that retains the body heat better, plus an additional microfleece layer. The microfleece layer can also be used alone when conditions get hot and you need less insulation. Pretty smart idea!
Price: £334.40 – £352.00
SNUGPAK
UK-made Sleeping bags! I used them during my first term in the army when our equipment was not so sophisticated.
Mainly developed and used for the armed forces. Whether you're after a lightweight sleeping bag for summer or a 4-season sleeping bag for year-round protection, Snugpak provides good value for money. Softie® and Special Forces ranges are also available in Short, Standard, and Extra-Long sleeping bag Sizes so you can find the perfect fit.
My recommendation would be
Pros
Stays Warm Even When Wet
Due to the synthetic fibre, the sleeping bag retains warmth even in damp conditions.
Light & Compact
Everything that a modern Sleeping bag can offer. With app. 1,8 kg, it is easy to carry and the small packing size saves you lots of free volume.
Water repellent
The Paratex® Micro and Paratex Steelplate provide good protection even without the Bivvi bag.
Very Durable
Created and developed for military use.
Easy Entry & Exit
Two-way YKK centre zips with an insulated baffle behind provide a quick entry and exit.
Cons
Too warm for Leg 5 & 7
It is a three-season sleeping bag that would be too warm for warmer weather, like Leg 5 & 7.
Comfort
The comfort is not the same as the very spacious Ocean Sleepbag from Cape Wild.
Price: £204.00 - £289.00
Price Bivvi Bag: £115.00
The Special Forces 1 WGTE Sleeping Bag can be used on its own or zipped together with the Special Forces 2 WGTE to make a 4-season sleeping bag, an extreme bag for temperatures of -15°C. Perfect for warmer regions like Leg 5 & 7
Price: £161.00 - £236.00
Carinthia
This is top-of-the-line equipment and my personal favourite. The key feature is the unique premium synthetic fiber insulation known as G-LOFT®. It is warm, lightweight, and breathable, even in extremely wet and cold conditions. Its unparalleled selling point is the exceptional warmth-to-weight ratio of this advanced fibre.
That is my favourite Sleeping System
Defence 4 - Leg 3 & 4
Tropen - Leg 7
Gore-Tex Bivvi Bag - Leg 3,4 & 7
The best price you can find at Varusteleka
Gore-Tex Sleeping Bag Cover
Many other excellent brands exist on the market. In this blog, I have highlighted my personal observations and provided examples based on my experience. There is a wide array of outstanding brands available in the market today, each offering unique products and experiences. In this blog, I've taken the time to share my personal observations along with specific examples drawn from my own experiences. My aim is to provide insights that reflect my journey and help others navigate the vibrant landscape of brands out there.
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