Down can work out cheaper in the long run as it is more resilient to compression than synthetics (although you should always store down sleeping bags loose when not using). You can restore a down sleeping bag to virtually new condition by using a specialist cleaner like Elite Cleaners in Rotherham. A good down sleeping bag/quilt will last a very long time. Synthetic sleeping bags lose their loft after a few years with constant compression, although they are improving with new materials (e.g. Climashield Apex). Down bags also compress smaller in your rucksack.

If you look on backpacking forums, you can often pick up a good down sleeping bag cheaply. I bought a Western Mountaineering Ultralite for less than half price the original price a couple of years ago. Although it was in excellent condition, I had it cleaned. Effectively I ended up with a new sleeping bag for a song. Western Mountaineering is widely regarded as the Rolls-Royce of sleeping bags, so it's well worth having a look around.

thank you all so much for your helpful information on sleeping bags....there are so many to choose from !!!

wendy

Hi Wendy,
I've used a light down quilt (PhD) with a Pertex overbag (homemade) for several years, so my sleeping "bag" weighs about 700g. Keeping the weight low is important and this system works for me. Don't be shy of sleeping in all/any dry clothing as well if you are cold! In the last 6 years I've always woken up at least one morning to find frost and/or snow on the tent.

You should really try sleeping indoors once in awhile Kirsten ....

Hi Wendy,
It's my first time too and I'll be using my Alpkit sleeping bag.
When I started wild camping about four-five years ago I bought a basic Alpkit down sleeping bag. I love it. It is fairly warm (they do make warmer ones than mine), although I don't use it in mid-winter and it is still in great condition. I got a short version, which means I don't have to carry round extra material! It was also a lot cheaper than many of the other options such as Rab, etc. So far everything I've had from Alpkit has been great and delivered fast - you can only order online but they don't charge extra for delivery.
See you in May!

I always carry it in a dry bag so it doesn't get wet!
But then I carry everything in dry bags whatever the weather so none of it gets wet :)

Hi Jessica, thanks for your information about sleeping bags, I have been on the site to have a look at them. Hope to see you to in May.
Wendy