Do you want to spend a fortune on expensive sleeping bags and sleeping pads or do you want a budget sleep system that's guaranteed to work? In this video I will show you the budget modular sleep system I use....and best of all it costs under £250. Watch to the end if you want to see me put it to the test in an overnight camp at -9°C.
Yes! Hiking in the Scandinavian mountains for 30 years with substandard stuff I earned my Hilleberg tents, Western mountaineering sleeping bags and Exped downmats, thank you very well ;)
Interesting video. The sol bivvi is a useful emergency addition to your kit but I wouldn't use it for anything but its intended designe purpose, imho it doesn't breath well, it's creates lots of moisture build up and though you might get away on an overnighter with it as in your demo, over two or more nights your sleeping bag will just be carrying too much condensation build up because of the sol bivi, and it's insulation value would be significantly compromised, especially if it's a down bag. A more suitable alternative to the sol bivi in a budget modular system would be a wool blanket. Heavier and more bulky but certainly warmer, way better moisture management, it holds heat when damp and ticks the budget box. I might have been tempted to use a synthetic sleeping bag also. Winter in the UK is cold and often wet or very damp air. Down is fantastic but not ideal for our predominantly damp climate. I think if budget is key, more forgiving materials make sense. They are slightly heavier and more bulky but winter kit is, even with high end offerings. Obviously it goes without saying there are many other equally important factors to sleeping warm in winter as in never sleep in your day wear, it will be damp, eat close to bed time, jog on the spot until your warm but not sweating so you dont get in your sleeping bag cold, stay hydrated, have a piss bottle to hand so you don't have to leave your shelter, hat, socks and gloves will help hold body heat and a buff will keep your mouth and nose protected and reduce condensation from your breath building up on your bag and shelter, use a nalgene bottle as a hot water bottle ect. If you wake up in the night cold, use your jacket and other spare clothing like quilts over your sleep system and don't forget insulation from the cold ground is as important as your sleeping bag which will be totally useless without it.
I’ve used an emergency bivy (Silver plastic bag) on the outside of my sleeping bag and it caught so much moisture it was dripping wet. I even tried it as a sleeping bag liner which was one of the strangest experiences I’ve had. It was like a sweat suit !
Frugal, is not about cheap and nasty, it is about values. I rather comprehend and appreciate your own value system far better than I do for a Value system based on elitism / snobbery. Beyond the subjective it is relative. So for the sake of not offending the Rab and Hiilberg crowd and their love a Rab jacket for the high street fasshion and gentrification syndrome let just say this; maybe a system costing £1000s may be useful in Alaska or the Antartic but the value and quality base of your system is brilliant for Scotland (soon to be my new home) and here in England. Thankx for a wonderful review, you have been added to my subscriptions.
Great video, I think everyone new to camping in winter should try this at least once. I did, with exactly the same kit. I'd never do it again, unless in an emergency. I'm not a gear snob, but I do like to be safe and to sleep well. Still a very well presented video.
Agree with your conclusions. Have the same type of gear (and exactly the same thermolite extreme liner and SOL escape biv), also similar conditions sometimes in NZ. The only thing I'd say is the Escape biv is best used (if needed) as a liner under the bag instead of over it. This improves condensation management and make it feel way less claustrophobic too
I have heard of people layering emergency blankets under the mattress too - or like you said, over the mattress to reflect the heat and have another insulation layer. This is what I am planning to do if I ever get this cold (unlikely given the AEGISMAX I have goes lower - 0C-5C even if it's a bit of a heavier bag - and I'm not intending to go that low usually, and will just unzip the bag and use as a cover if it's warmer, or just use the liner if it's really warm! But I am planning to do more spring/autumn camping where the temps can plunge at night - in fact I was freezing in my old Karrimor bag in August! Hence the upgrades.)
Thank you! I'm a larger guy and have found it impossible to find an affordable sleeping bag that's really compressible for hiking. That one looks ace 👌
Thanks Ewan for the Video, its exactly the info i was looking for. I was using two bags, and now im gonna try this sol bivy and a cheap fleece liner combo, to extend the temp range of my sleeping bag.
Very simply, the British Army modular system, can be bought new for around £100 for both bags, £30 for the British Army Gortex bivi bag- I’ve never had a problem with moisture. I’ve slept in about -5 C in the medium bag alone, that with the lightweight bag combined will take you down to -20 C. The only drawback is the weight.
Great video well presented and edited. I’m really interested in the idea of sleep systems. I use a liner and bivvy to get more use from a 2 season bag and successfully slept through a -2 night. Makes so much sense, just like the clothing layering system. Base/mid layer and outer.
Thanks for that Eddie. I played about with different items but I found this combination turned out to be the best all rounder for weight price and effectiveness. Cheers for watching and commenting. Much appreciated. 👍
Your presentation is on point, Ewan! Packed with info, well-done. I have the same liner and it works a treat! I’m sure a lot of campers will draw some inspiration from this. Cheers, Mari
Interesting kit, and very reasonable prices. One criticism, you didn't mention the clothing you were sleeping in, which can make a huge difference to the need for the various other items. For example, in winter I would be sleeping in merino base layers and a lightweight down jacket and primaloft trousers, which can double up as camp wear and sleep wear, and maybe cutting out one of the bag layers.
Great content as usual, Ewan. Keep it up. Regarding your cold nose... a buff made of microfiber or cotton will do the trick, but I use the hood of my microfiber inner liner to cover that small part once I'm fully enclosed in my bag. Microfiber is very breathable, so you can breathe with ease and keep your nose nice and toasty. A cold nose is a kick in the baws when camping.
Thanks Monty. 🙂 Yeah a buff would be a good shout there. (Kinda kicking myself that I didn't think of that to begin with) 😂 Hope you're well mate. All the best, Ewan
Thanks a lot for video! Very helpful, i am getting ready go wildcamping first time with my daughter and your video definitely helped us to get ready. Hopefully we won't freeze😅 we will see in couple of weeks
I'm glad I found this. I'm planning on buying a similar mat, a fleece bag liner and a SOL escape bivvy to sleep. A Hammock with tarp as shelter. Total cost less than $200 AUD. For fastpacking in the Aussie bush where nights can dip to 0C.
Thanks - I bought the AEGISMAX - but the warmer Nano 2L and the Sea To Summit Thermolite Liner cos of this video. Also will definitely take emergency blankets in case that's not warm enough :-)
Agree with your choices as a good way of getting a cheap system that will keep you safe in all normal British weather where -10c is unusually cold. Only thing I would add is to maybe think about doubling up the sleeping pads. Adding a second pad or ideally a second z pad plus a plan foam pad sandwiched between to Z pads is quite cheep and takes ground insulation from R1 to R3. Also adds some comfort! Heat loss through the ground is you biggest enemy for cold weather camping. If your bag is a bit marginal you can always wear a jacket, thick socks, a hat etc but it is really hard to increase ground insulation.
Great video, Ewan! I've been thinking of trying a decent closed cell mat for Winter as they are so simple and won't fail on you. I didn't know 3fUL did one, so will take a look👍 All the best!
@@EwanGoesHiking Thanks. We need more vids like this. That 3F mat single sided alu is £20 right now but there are others like WIDESEA which are nearly half the price. I wonder if they're any different. If I get one I'll try the even cheaper.
A well thought out sleep system, I think for me I could omit something from it, being I am from the colder climate of Michigan, but in an extreme situation, I would probably go with everything.
Awesome vid! Looking for gear myself. Getting lost in the wood of high end bollock stuff I could never afford lol. I wish we wil get some snow oneday ( Netherlands) as we had when I was a wee one ( ages ago) Lol, that liner was the first thing I bought recently..had in mind layering up seeing the prices of good cold weather sleeping bags!
Honestly I thought this was fascinating and a very honest review. I doubt I'd ever brave winter camping unless shtf but thanks for posting. It did occur to me that most of the gear you mention can be purchased via army surplus store but obviously you'd be buying British Army gear but at a fraction of the price......the only obvious trade off would be weight versus price. However BA arctic sleeping bags are truly a ting of wonder except for the weight 🤣
Not in a million years is that Aegismax bag suitable for anything close to 0c , ive had a LETO for 3 years that is very similar and you certainly regret using it when its even around 5c/6c and thats with using a bivy/synmat and wearing a down jacket and leggings. Great compact bags for 2-3 season but thats it.
Recently used a Snugpak Thermalon Liner, wrapped inside a USGI Woobie blanket. With a Thermarest Xtherm pad⬅️ya that was not cheap. But motocamping requires ultralight and compact gear. It got down to 5°C and I was comfortable. Adding the SOL Bivvy to the mix now👍 Modular system work best for me. All those items pack together to 6x8 compression bag. Only 2 inches wider than my mummy bag with same pad.
Hullo Ewan, great wee video. I'm looking for some budget pads and sleeping bags for next hike with the Mrs, so will be looking into these items you mention. Took your previous review on the snagpak poncho, and been using it since.
I really appreciate that. Glad my recommendation for the poncho was useful. Please let me know if you pick up any of the stuff from my sleep system. All the best, Ewan
A very well-presented video and some great tips. I want o get back into wild camping this year after a gap of about 12 years. I was all set to buy an inflatable mat this week (Forclaz Trek 700 at Decathlon) but may consider a folding mat instead. Have subscribed to your channel and will work my way through the videos. Regards from Whitley Bay
Really appreciate the kind words Brian. Hope you do get back into wild camping again. Thanks for subbing. Gave you a wee sub back. All the best, Ewan 👍
I own the mat, it's pretty good. The only thing that the R value is 1.5,they state it's good for +8 degrees Celsius,i have yet to test that out this summer.
Very good my current sleep system is Exped HL mat 365gs for 120, OMM mountain raid 100 sleeping bag 360gs for 200, Rab silk liner 100gs 50, Alpkit Kolne bivy 280gs 110, Tomshoo Pancho cut in half for a footprint under my set up, obviously I wear balaclava, gloves, baselayer Rab down like synetic jacket if the weather is cold. All of this and lots of other things fit into a 25L daypack. The bivy is the best I've ever tried almost Zero condensation issues.
Love the honesty! Something scarce in the world of theatrical performance. As others have said, probably only feasible for a base camp or bushcrafting project. I do feel like processing wood in the dark is not an issue, provided you have a head torch. Finding wood/campsites and setting up camp wouldn’t be too pleasant in the dark for sure. Although I’m curious if a hammock hot tent wouldn’t be faster and easier to work with. Something like the Onewind hot tarp? I imagine making campfires would almost be necessary to dry out clothes and gear anyway, so this is just a better way of using the heat produced.
Ooh nice to see some love for 3F UL - I use one of their one-man tents....also this is really useful as I'm looking at that liner and maybe a new bag for decent UK 3 season stuff (even in August with a good cold-weather inflatable Thermorest matt I was cold some nights with my old '3 season' Karrimor bag and had to pile on all my layers).
Is your tent the Lanshan 1 by any chance? Ive got the pro and absolutely love it to bits. Let me know what liner and bag you decide on. All the best, Ewan
@@EwanGoesHiking also I accidentally bought a Mountain Hardwear Lamina -1C, new - I left a crazy bid on eBay and assumed it would be outbid cos it was half-price, their starting bid....and I got it! So that's backup, or I might sell it, I've briefly tried it and that is REALLY warm, but it is quite heavy. But might be better for rain?
My go-to modular system is just a Sleepingo inflatable pad ($30), the Aegis Max UL sleeping bag ($95) , then for sub zero nights I'll add an EKTOS 4lbs wool blanket ($24). The wool is heavy, but it is very warm and doesn't condensate. Since I only bring the wool out for one season of the year, the added weight is negligible. That's a complete four season sleeping system for under $150. Add a Gold Armor 10x10 tarp ($30) and you have everything needed to keep you warm and dry while camping for under $180, with a weight of under 9 pounds for the winter, and only 5 pounds the rest of the year.
Another great vid! Thanks Ewan. Just got myself an OEX Leviathan sleeping bad (-7 comfort £135) and teamed it up with a basic Decathlon Bivi (£40ish) so the down doesn't get wet with condensation in the tent. I use a basic bag liner that I've had for ages... the first test overnight was in Blair Athol on Friday night and it was sooo warm (It was only -1/2 though. I went for the Thermarest Trail pad but thinking it maybe wasn't the best choice as not as deep as stated and not fully self-inflating but we live and learn! Would love to hear your thoughts on cook systems if you fancy giving us your opinion on that aspect of camping. I struggle knowing how much gas to take for multi-day trips and sometimes wonder if I could just go without the stove and cold soak / eat processed snacks to keep going.
Thanks Roz. Sounds like you've got yourself a good wee setup there. I generally take a new canister any time I go for a multi day (and possibly a mini cannister if it's cold temperature or there are no shops around to buy a replacement). I tried the cold soaking briefly....not my thing. 😂 Hope you are well All the best, Ewan
i tried the same system but on a different mat. I would say with the sol escape bivvy it was too tight for me to get a good night sleep especially if are like me and move around at night. But it did keep me warm enough.
Cracking video, just ordered the sleeping bag 👍 what budget inflatable matt would you recommend?? I don't have space for the type of matt you showed here... Thank you 😊
Oddly enough, my own sleep system is similar, but needs tweeking. I use a 3 seasons inflatable pad but with a foam pad for extra insulation: lesson 1, the smooth aluminised pad I used last time was too slippy and I spent a lot of time trying to centre the two pads, I have used emergency blankets both on top and underneath and found them too much of a fiddle. My other equipment is the Aegismax Nano and the S2S Reactor extreme which I love for feel, extra warmth and keeping the sleeping bag clean. Thanks for the video, I'll now be looking at the Sol Bivvy.
Hey Andrew. That is a fairly similar system. Were it not for my dog being in the tent I'd be incorporating an inflatable too (but we have to work around our situations). Let me know how you get on with the SOL escape bivvy. All the best, Ewan
I think anyperson thinking about a sleep sytem !get the best you can afford, nothing wrong with ex military , its tough and proven, unless youre mountaineering, thats a differnt game,great vidio thanks.
Super video. I use a klymit insulated static V mat £55 along with an aegismax nano bag £60 which gets me through late spring, then summer as a quilt and into autumn I then use the nano2 £75 and in winter I put one inside the other. Total of £190 and just under 2kg. It’s done me fine to -3 and I’d be happy to -7 I’d guess. Like yourself, the only thing keeping me awake was a cold nose. I like the look of the 3ful mat and I’ve had my eye on the S2S reactor. How is it inside your aegiesmax for wiggle room ?
interesting combination.. I have yet to test sol bivy, but it is bit small for. me. I think getting synthetic sleeping bag for a price of a liner and aegismax would be a better choice in my opinion, bulkier, but reliable.
Huh, I actually came to this video as my last trip out, camping at about 7-10C, I found my Aegismax UL & Alpkit cloud base inflatable to not be enough. Will definitely look at adding the SOL & thermolite reactor. May reconsider a more insulated ground pad.
I wouldn't recommend using the emergency bivvy over the sleeping bag, I did that a few weeks ago when it got colder than expected, and by 4am the outside of my sleeping bag was wet with condensation. I do plan on buying that same sleeping bag liner, I would have been ok with that rather than the bivvy. In winter conditions you should have more than just a foam pad underneath since most of your heat will be drawn away from the ground. For winter camping you need the right gear, and that means spending money. Foam pad plus inflatable mat with decent R value and a 4 season sleeping bag with a liner as back up unless you're relying on baselayers. I have the Thermarest Ridgerest pad and Trekology mat, but for winter camps I will be buying the Thermarest Xtherm mat. I don't believe in being thrifty on the equipment that keeps you comfortable and safe.
Some good advice there Marko. I do mention in the video you have to be very conscious of your sleeping temperature to avoid the sweat issue. I usually aim (mild to comfortable) than (comfortable to warm). I may just be one of the lucky ones that doesn't have to be toasty to fall asleep. There's no doubting that buying expensive means better, more reliable gear but that wasn't the point of the video. I was trying to present a budget, lightweight option that works. I appreciate your input on the video mate. All the best, Ewan
@@EwanGoesHiking Camped again the other day this time with a sleeping bag liner and long johns, big difference. If someone had a budget sleeping bag, then a liner would supplement well rather than buying a more expensive sleeping bag.
Hi Ewan thx for making this video I’m on a extreme budget but want to get out there to and been having the same setup idea. What size bag would you recommend for that setup plus a tent/ Hamok a jetboil and then how much food I want to take. The matters could probably go on the outside of bag. Thx
Having just upgraded to the SOL thermal bivvy and Ozark Trails rectangular liner, I’m anxious to get out in Alaska in summer with my friends. A video on repacking the bivvy into the small bag would be great 🤣💪🏻⛺️🏔
Hey Elizabeth. How are you finding the SOL & Ozark combo? I actually found the SOL bivvy fairly simply to get back in. I just fold into quarters lengthwise then roll up tight (starting from toe end). All the best, Ewan
Love the video, too many are just bragging about how much they spent, but the manufacturers season ratings on those mats are irrelevant. Thermarest could call their mat 4 season and who would know? Unless there is an independent tog, or similar, rating it is meaningless. For example, I have a mat made from Amazon packaging, I reckon it's easily 5 or even 6 season. I use a Multimat Adventure 25 self inflating mat (tog rating just over 4) which cost around £28 and weighs the same as this mat but takes up less room. My dog uses a foam Multimat Nato XXL, folded in half, around Tog 4. We share a foil faced emergency blanket as a groundsheet. The downfall of my lightweight system is a Buffalo bag given to me by Buffalo nearly 20 years ago and it wont be going into this winter with me, sadly. I wont be buying a cheap down bag though, I couldn't sleep knowing that the down came from live plucked birds, geese plucked several times in their life. Seems unnecessarily cruel to me.
I think the bivvy might work better inside the bag to act as a vapour barrier to keep your body moisture out of the bag's insulation. So working outwards: liner, bivvy, bag. If you weren't in a tent, bivvy outside of course.
The only thing I don’t like is the “four season” claim in the title. You put the capabilities of this gear in the right context and explained its limitations, however, these things should be super clear and if anything “underestimate” it’s capabilities in the thumbnails, titles etc. Cool video. 👍
i sleep in: fleece liner inside of synthetic 50° poly fill sleeping bag inside of canvas xxl military heavy extreme cold sleeping bag with soft thermal inside and an outer waterproof shell with insulated fleece liner- (breathable bivvy Shell) if needed for outdoor or extreme cold. also have a separate tyvek bivvy if needed. extra emergency warmth- if needed for most extreme cold: surplus military blanket (1971) (65% wool / 35% reprocessed wool) and synthetic camp quilt also have a down footbox i made from an old puffy, and fleece footies. with an Alaskan insulated hat with earflaps that wrap around your face. also a pair of thick wool socks, and fleece thermal mittens. i decided one day when i couldn't feel my toes or fingers, that i will never ever be cold again when camping/bushcrafting. lmao i sleep on: ultralight air mattress reflective blanket facing up thin soft polyester layer thermarest military pad reflective blanket facing down ranger mat tyvek groundsheet and i have a Northface Kestrel i might use, or a Kelty Mountaineering tent. both have outer tyvek footprint and inner groundsheet. both have foam padding, and insulated reflective floor and ceiling panels i can attach. With a large 11×17 tarp that can fully enclose both tents with room for vestibule and a fire. all my tyvek stuff is the commercial grade, not homewrap-d. much stronger and better all around. i only always sleep in boxers and usually no socks. down to below zero° F i am unstoppable 😂😂🔥💨
I have all those products from years a go no way it take that out on a cold night.. there a old saying no such thing as bad weather only bad gear…. Your brave testing that .. good job
Hello Ewan, love this video, brilliantly presented and explained. And we have been thinking about getting that Sea to Summit liner too! That sleeping bag is amazing wow, never heard of it! Loved the sneaky last element too, great idea! Cracking video, really usefull advise on sleeping temps too 🏕❤👍☕ stay safe and well, Ceri and Kat 🤗
Thanks for the kind words. If you're considering the bag liner I'd definitely recommend it. Great bit of kit. Hope you're both doing well. p.s - really enjoyed your GoPro Hero 9 vid the other week. I can't justify upgrading from the 8 at the moment.....but perhaps the 10 will tempt me whenever it arrives
@@EwanGoesHiking thanks Ewan, i think we'll definitely get a liner for Kat, she is a cold sleeper. Thanks for your kind words on the GP vide, even the DJI action2 will be interesting competition for GP. We are still suffering with the issues, but I do love the quality of footage it produces. Anyways have a great afternoon ❤👍
Sleeping bag looks great value, ill look at that. Definitely wouldn't use a survival bag inside a tent like thst thoough. Ive done it on one occasion due to being unable to sleep. Sleeping bag liners a good shout. Also sometimes i wear a down jacket in the bag. Definitely for desperate times id say.
Nice budged sleeping system. I once owned a thick (expensive) winter sleeping bag - only to find out, that I do not want to carry 2.5kg all day and sweat at night during 3 seasons of the year... Winter sleeping bags are nice, but how often do you use them? After that bag was gone I started to use combinations of bags - or as you put it: a sleep system. Price is about the same (250 or so) but much more usable and better to pack too - at least for me it is easier to have one bag in the sack and the other one in a plastic bag on the outside of the bag in winter ... those few times a year when I am actually sleeping outside in winter temps. Good hike!
Thanks for the kind words Tim. Yeah I love hammock camping. Got myself a nice wee DD Hammock/Tarp combo I like to use when the midges aren't too bad. I take it you're a hammock man yourself?
Best video I’ve seen on the subject in quite a while , very helpful as it reflects what most of our financial situation will be ,if not in the future, what you speak to is the light weight nature of the kit as well of its adaptability through the seasons , brilliant ! Like one of the comments mentioned , was the clothing you already wear is a major point especially a wooly hat ,a great deal of heat is lost through the head as you probably know . The mat was a real steal , didn’t know that ! There is a point of science here though that’s worth a mention , foil only reflects radiant heat not convectional heat . The fabric of the bivi protects against heat loss through cold drafts (convection , forced Convection if there’s a stiff breeze), the foil does very little if at all , what this particular model (solar extreme ? ) is it’s breathable ,it’s worth it for that and light , a blanket would be better but there’s a weight penalty , Always felt there should be a warning against total reliability on the use of these , don’t use on their own if under 8°c . But that’s not your fault ! Great video , easy listening , I’ve subscribed 👍🏻
I've got a similar (though a little more expensive) system. This is designed for Australian East Coast alpine conditions. Klymit Static V or Nemo Tensor mat Depends on season and whether I'm in my hammock strung up, or know I'll have it on the ground (should do my own video on this). Carinthia Grizzly liner Helikon Swagman roll (used as a quilt) Snugpak Special Forces bivvy All up, if I wear boxers and a singlet - and have my dog as a hot water bottle, I can get this to about 2 to 0 degrees Celsius depending on wind factor. If I wear thermal base layers, then -2 ish If I wear puffy jacket and pants etc then -5 ish. But here is my secret weapon - this is all using a standard tarp. If I use my thermo tarp from bushmens in Poland, then I can get it even lower. Mind you, I sleep quite hot. If I'm run down, or have a cold / flu coming on etc, then increase the degrees by 2 or 3.
Hi I bought the sol bivy just feel it way to narrow, Especially when I tryed to put my sleeping bag in it. Might try to use it like a liner and have the sleeping bag on the out side. Have you tryed it that way?
i never thought about pairing a down bag with a sol bivy overtop. correct me if i'm wrong but wouldn't you want that as a mid layer so as not to compress the loft?
Cower up your face with a scarf, preferably a balaclava is essentially sleeping in minus degress. Your lungs will turn to ice if you sleep bare faced. And so, your body will use tons of energy keeping your vital area heated, and it takes away heat from arms and legs, and feet. I've done a bit of sleeping out in the winter, coldest 36 minus. Your set up, with that outershell, is not good either, because it traps the humidity. You don't want to go humid in the cold weather. So, change your set a bit, and coweer up your face, and you should be good.
For Uk buyers - I just received my S2S reactor extreme for £35 delivered fron epictv and a sol escape bivvy from exxpozed for £34 and I was not charged duty which was odd. Very happy
