Does anyone else have any budget sleeping bag recommendations? I think the Aldi £14.99 ones are good value, but I prefer the materials and feel of the OEX.
Cheers Kev, just going through my current sleeping bag options, and this little vid has provided the answer to that question. all my bags are either to warm, to heavy, or bulky, Thanks ATVB. Scott Somerset
I have the 300 version of this. It's been great down to around 3°c but I froze in an early frosty wild camp near Kinder Downfall last October. I now have a Rab Ascent 900 for chillier camps but I agree the OEX are well designed and made of nice comfortable materials
Cheers Graham. I like the look of the 300, but not found one cheap enough yet. I've also got a Rab bag for the very coldest weather. Hoping to get some snow this year to try it out.
Hello there Kev. OUTDOOR REVOLUTION Campstar Midi 400 DL Sleeping Bag I managed to get a left and a right hand one from Very. Reduced to £45 each. Very roomy, very warm, bulky and does not cinch around neck, but roomy enough to scrunch into and flop the hood over to seal in the warmth.
Did you manage to fix the drawstring? Same thing just happened to mine, which is annoying, as I've only just bought it and it was the first use. I could send it back, but I bought it with a discount code and it's no longer valid, which means if I bought another one I'd be paying more. Besides, if it's an inherent fault I might be wasting my time, and the sleeping bag is still useable anyway.
I did. My friend is a dab hand with a needle and thread so they just threaded it back through and sewed it back on at the end so it works as new. It's still my go to bag when it's in between summer and autumn.
@@TheWalkingKev I might give that a go then. I'm not the world's best sewer, but I have become quite proficient at sewing buttons back onto my trousers, and I'm about to give a small seam separation a go. It probably helps that we had sewing lessons at school.
@@TheWalkingKev My late Mum was heavily into sewing, and I inherited her full sewing kit, which is quite handy. She also had a sewing machine, but she sold that years ago.
@@TheWalkingKev yeah some of the warmer snugpak bags are bulky. I think the travelpak 2 is a good sweet spot for 2-3 seasons. I used it alot and still find myself going back to it fairy regular. Used it in summer as a bivvy as it has an integrated mesh hood that can be zipped away.
Great review. Thanks. I'm looking for a light camping set up. Got a eurohike 2 man tent already. Thinking t a Trangia mini,, trekology ul80 mat. Foil under blanket. And maybe the 300 version of this? Need keep weight down as carrying my gear and my sons gear on my back. we lucky enough to live on the border of snowdonia. national park. Cheers
Wow, you've some amazing spots on your doorstep then! I can imagine it is tough carrying your stuff and your son's stuff. This bag certainly packs down small and light for the money.
@@theandybchannel.1819 Sounds ideal, I'm pretty close to the Brecon Beacons but a good 20 miles from the coast sadly! Thanks for subscribing, really appreciate it.
Great video. It looks like a good quality bag. Will definitely have a look. Now for anyone reading, here is the challenge: 3 seasons / 1kg max / £50 max. Any recommendations ?
I saw those in Go Outdoors the other day and nearly got one. But I've got my army surplus ones plus a Rab 500 plus a down blanket, so I didn't. I bought another boat instead 🤣
Most if not all my gear is budget gear on principle- I don't think any outdoor hobby should be about being able to afford it. I leave others to go label chasing, I buy what works at affordable prices. In fact I got some gear with labels on and cut them off where I could- if they want advertising they can pay me for it. I just gear that works.
Thanks Mark. I've got a variety of gear because I do a lot of looking for 50% plus sales and also buy a lot of used gear. I've been really impressed so far with all of the budget gear and I certainly think some brands do overcharge based on their label. There is sometimes, sadly, a bit of snobbery around the budget brands which is intimidating for the more casual walker / hiker / camper.
@@TheWalkingKev this weekend I shall mostly be spraying tents and rucksacks, tarps and jacket with a fab water sealant. I get more life ftom them that way- I need get some seal as well for the edges, I will look them up soon. I think your channel and approach are great, keep up the good work, in your mild manner, do much more relaxing than the over enthusiastic ones.
@@TheWalkingKev sorry to hear that, feel a bit groggy myself after my jab on Wednesday but it's for the best, flu jab tomorrow. Hope you're up and feeling better soon. Take care.
Does anyone else have any budget sleeping bag recommendations? I think the Aldi £14.99 ones are good value, but I prefer the materials and feel of the OEX.
@@MrNotanybody thanks, I'll check it out.
Cheers Kev, just going through my current sleeping bag options, and this little vid has provided the answer to that question. all my bags are either to warm, to heavy, or bulky, Thanks ATVB. Scott Somerset
Cheers Scott. It's a solid bag
I have the 300 version of this. It's been great down to around 3°c but I froze in an early frosty wild camp near Kinder Downfall last October. I now have a Rab Ascent 900 for chillier camps but I agree the OEX are well designed and made of nice comfortable materials
Cheers Graham. I like the look of the 300, but not found one cheap enough yet. I've also got a Rab bag for the very coldest weather. Hoping to get some snow this year to try it out.
@@TheWalkingKev Yeah it wasn't exactly budget when I bought it in early 2019 - £48
@@grelumbass I think that's solid value, but I'm all about the bargains!
Hello there Kev. OUTDOOR REVOLUTION
Campstar Midi 400 DL Sleeping Bag I managed to get a left and a right hand one from Very. Reduced to £45 each. Very roomy, very warm, bulky and does not cinch around neck, but roomy enough to scrunch into and flop the hood over to seal in the warmth.
That sounds good. I'll check it out.
@@TheWalkingKev at 3kgs that's a job for your brother I reckon 🤣
@@thevalleywalker that's a heavy sleeping bag! I'd need a separate backpack to carry it in.
I absolutely ADORE your voice and mannered presentation x
Thanks, much appreciated!
There's a touch of the ASMR going on.
@@Bungle2010 absolutely. I could listen to him all day
Did you manage to fix the drawstring? Same thing just happened to mine, which is annoying, as I've only just bought it and it was the first use. I could send it back, but I bought it with a discount code and it's no longer valid, which means if I bought another one I'd be paying more. Besides, if it's an inherent fault I might be wasting my time, and the sleeping bag is still useable anyway.
I did. My friend is a dab hand with a needle and thread so they just threaded it back through and sewed it back on at the end so it works as new. It's still my go to bag when it's in between summer and autumn.
@@TheWalkingKev I might give that a go then. I'm not the world's best sewer, but I have become quite proficient at sewing buttons back onto my trousers, and I'm about to give a small seam separation a go. It probably helps that we had sewing lessons at school.
@@Bungle2010 I'm lucky I've a friend who has now repaired a few tents and bits of clothing! It's definitely a useful skill.
@@TheWalkingKev My late Mum was heavily into sewing, and I inherited her full sewing kit, which is quite handy. She also had a sewing machine, but she sold that years ago.
Its definitely a good bag mate iv had this oex bag now for over a year and I think the temperature ratings are pretty good to be honest mate.
Cheers Andrew. Yeah, I think the ratings are realistic and it's a quality bag for the money.
Try the snugpak travelpak range. Maybe slightly more expensive but really good robust bags.
They range from 1-4 for the seasons. 👍🏻
I've got a Snugpak Sleeper Xtreme for winter months, grabbed it off eBay for £30. Rated for comfort at -7c but it's big and heavy!
@@TheWalkingKev yeah some of the warmer snugpak bags are bulky. I think the travelpak 2 is a good sweet spot for 2-3 seasons. I used it alot and still find myself going back to it fairy regular.
Used it in summer as a bivvy as it has an integrated mesh hood that can be zipped away.
I've been turned off snugpak because of the zip. Had the elite 2 here, and the zip was awful. Shame as great bag otherwise
I have the ev400 and it's a great bag for £60
Very warm
£60 is a good price for that bag. I'd get one but I've too many already!
Any thoughts on the OEX Helios EV Hydrodown 300 ?
No, sorry. I've never used that or even had a play with it in store. They look like decent bags based on specs though.
Great review. Thanks.
I'm looking for a light camping set up. Got a eurohike 2 man tent already. Thinking t a Trangia mini,, trekology ul80 mat. Foil under blanket. And maybe the 300 version of this? Need keep weight down as carrying my gear and my sons gear on my back. we lucky enough to live on the border of snowdonia. national park. Cheers
Wow, you've some amazing spots on your doorstep then! I can imagine it is tough carrying your stuff and your son's stuff. This bag certainly packs down small and light for the money.
@@TheWalkingKev literally on my back door ... And the beach by my front. Life's grand... 😂
Thanks again. I've subscribed.
@@theandybchannel.1819 Sounds ideal, I'm pretty close to the Brecon Beacons but a good 20 miles from the coast sadly! Thanks for subscribing, really appreciate it.
Great video. It looks like a good quality bag. Will definitely have a look. Now for anyone reading, here is the challenge: 3 seasons / 1kg max / £50 max. Any recommendations ?
Good challenge. I'll have a look and get back to you...
I saw those in Go Outdoors the other day and nearly got one. But I've got my army surplus ones plus a Rab 500 plus a down blanket, so I didn't. I bought another boat instead 🤣
Ha ha! How many boats is that now? You must have enough for a personal armada?
@@TheWalkingKev a flotilla 🤣 Currently got 8. It's time for some to go 😁
@@MoreThanJustaCleaner fair play that's a lot of boats! Still, at least whichever ones you keep will be good, given the variety you've tried.
Could you possibly do a review of options for filtering water when wild camping?
I've only got one filter so I'm not sure I could do much on different options unless it was purely theoretical!
@@TheWalkingKev could you talk about the filter you use? I'd find it useful
@@TimelordUK sure. I think they are really important items to have with you. I'll do a video soon.
Most if not all my gear is budget gear on principle- I don't think any outdoor hobby should be about being able to afford it. I leave others to go label chasing, I buy what works at affordable prices. In fact I got some gear with labels on and cut them off where I could- if they want advertising they can pay me for it. I just gear that works.
Thanks Mark. I've got a variety of gear because I do a lot of looking for 50% plus sales and also buy a lot of used gear. I've been really impressed so far with all of the budget gear and I certainly think some brands do overcharge based on their label. There is sometimes, sadly, a bit of snobbery around the budget brands which is intimidating for the more casual walker / hiker / camper.
@@TheWalkingKev this weekend I shall mostly be spraying tents and rucksacks, tarps and jacket with a fab water sealant. I get more life ftom them that way- I need get some seal as well for the edges, I will look them up soon. I think your channel and approach are great, keep up the good work, in your mild manner, do much more relaxing than the over enthusiastic ones.
@@marksadventures3889 cheers Mark, really kind of you to say. I'm currently ill in bed which is annoying as I have a new budget tent to test!
@@TheWalkingKev sorry to hear that, feel a bit groggy myself after my jab on Wednesday but it's for the best, flu jab tomorrow. Hope you're up and feeling better soon. Take care.
The answer is no.
OEX feather bags leak notoriously.
Warmth to cost: 8/10
Weight 6/10
Durability 3/10
Compressability 5/10
This is a synthetic bag though and doesn't leak like their down ones...