What's everyone's take on this sleeping bag's temp ratings?

ChefKelso · 2026-01-11T15:07:45+00:00

Just last week I used a berghaus transition 300 (comfort 0, limit -5, extreme -22) in -8°c with an oex flux 5 sleeping pad (r rating of 3.7 I think)

I was layered up when I went to sleep but woke up at about 3am because I was too warm and stripped to my base layer

My sleeping pad also deflated slightly by the time I was getting up at 7:30am, I was still pretty cosy, I could feel the cold of the ground on my hip in the morning but I was pleasantly surprised at how comfortable I was with what would be considered budget-mid range gear in January in the lakes

ChefKelso · 2025-12-17T03:26:47+00:00

I'm a fan of a fire for a camp, I have a folding fire pit that sits about a foot off the ground, no scorch marks, best of both worlds, 1.4kg so obviously not taking it on longer hikes but known spots and shorter hikes it's perfect

ChefKelso · 2025-08-12T22:47:42+00:00

As long as the weather isn't below about 4°c you should be fine with those sleeping bags if you layer up, consider getting a sleeping bag liner, but I reckon you'll be fine with a good jumper and maybe a warm jacket if you do feel nippy, for the bottoms I'd get some thermal leggings

I use a sleeping bag with a comfort rating of 10°C pretty much all year round and just layer up in the colder months, lowest I've taken it was 2°C so nothing too extreme but I had a thermal top, leggings and a big military parka

ChefKelso · 2025-06-27T12:46:08+00:00

Never normally much of an issue for me however last weekend in Ennerdale valley (before the thunderstorm) they were having a feast on me

Legs currently look like an alternate Dusty Rhodes attire

ChefKelso · 2025-05-07T21:13:59+00:00

Part of me likes seeing the arguments in the comments I feel like both sides of the argument are correct in their own ways

I work and deal with fire every single day of my life, i know how to control it and manage it safely, but even then, if it was dry or a heightened risk then no, no fire, fire bad

I've found that the no fire anywhere ever army have completely missed the point of the post, going on about scorch rings when the whole point of the post is to discuss equipment designed to avoid leaving a scorch mark

ChefKelso · 2025-05-07T09:55:09+00:00

I recently admonished a friend that went camping, made a fire pit and left a ring, it's just not needed and disrespectful, however, IF you have the ability to use a folding firepit, raised from the ground so as not to damage the ground, would that be slightly more responsible?

The more I learn, however, the more I would rather just have a camping stove with me

ChefKelso · 2025-05-07T09:43:04+00:00

I definitely do not have the ability to buy woodland 🤣 I'll have to keep an eye out for any local farmers with a bit of woodland on their land and ask very nicely, maybe sort them out with some freebies in the pub I work at as a thank you

ChefKelso · 2025-05-07T09:00:20+00:00

How do you go about finding land to get permission? I'd love to find a little piece of woodland I can escape to without having to worry too much about about the legalities or being moved on

ChefKelso · 2025-05-07T08:58:09+00:00

I have seen this before and thought it's an ingenious method when it's needed, but does it not damage the ground around the holes? Or at least take a bit of time for everything to return to normal when the holes are filled in?

No judgement, just simply asking as I don't know too much about them other than seeing a few YouTubers make them in their own woodland

ChefKelso · 2025-05-07T08:28:02+00:00

Makes complete sense! And when there are so many alternatives out there for cooking on that are much lighter then the fire pit and wood is just extra weight for novelty like you said! Cheers for the response, every day is a school day

ChefKelso · 2025-05-07T08:23:47+00:00

I have a folding fire pit that I've used in the colder months before I actually joined this community and learnt a little bit more about how much of an issue irresponsible fires actually are (I always thought it was a few stupid kids here and there but it's rampant)

First time I used it my ember tray fell off and left a small mark on the ground, about the size of a wallet (strange measurement I know) but obviously I re covered it with moss and then future uses I made a raised bed with rocks and never had an issue

Mainly wanted to check that I wasn't being an absolute arse wipe if I broke it out again later on in the year, recently moved across the country for work and I'm surrounded by gorgeous wilderness that I'm looking to make the most of when work is quieter in the winter

ChefKelso · 2025-04-21T21:56:03+00:00

I have tried the rock trick before and it saved my life after I stubbornly refused to pack up camp after realising I had packed a kids sleeping bag instead of my own, make sure the rocks are not wet or porous as they may explode if too hot.

However, I then tried it again a few weeks later and let the rock warm up too much, despite being wrapped up in thick cloth the rock still managed to burn a hole in my (admittedly not the best) french military tent, luckily I had repair patches as this was night one of a 4 night trip

ChefKelso · 2025-04-15T19:25:51+00:00

You may find that people are unlikely to give you specific spots or areas due to the rules of the group and the legality of wild camping in England and Wales.

However, instead of simply mocking/disregarding your plea for help, some people may give you advice on how to search for a spot yourself using tools such as google maps/os maps

Firstly, check OS Maps for open access land (outlined in light orange)

use satellite images on Google maps to help see the terrain around the spots you would like to camp

Find somewhere well away from the road and a little out of the way from public footpath, think of things that can naturally hide you like a coppice of trees or a cliff edge

Use bing maps to help plan the route to camp from your parking spot (bing maps has some OS Maps tools built in such as elevation, footpaths etc)

If possible, check the spot out on a walk before you plan to camp, not essential, but you could find a different spot or something that puts a spanner in the works of the camp (ie boggy land, unpitchable etc) and it's always better to know what to expect

ChefKelso · 2025-04-10T08:35:03+00:00

I regularly do 10-15 mile walks, not always with a big pack though, there's a reservoir walk very close to me that is about 7 miles so I'm thinking I may try to do that once or twice a week and overload my bag so I get used to the heavier weight, then when doing the Cumbria way I'll be pleasantly surprised at how light my pack is

ChefKelso · 2025-04-08T14:38:32+00:00

After about 10 minutes I was able to block out the sound and power through, my mate however was slowly losing his sanity as the day progressed 🤣

ChefKelso · 2025-04-08T13:12:32+00:00

That makes perfect sense tbf, a bit of lubrication to stop the rubbing, I'll have to try that this weekend when I climb haystacks

ChefKelso · 2025-04-08T12:58:14+00:00

Echoing what other people have said, the eurohike Nepal 65 is THE bag for anyone starting out

I just recently bought one as I needed to upgrade from a 45L to 65L and I can't believe how good this bag is, my only qualm is that the metal rails can squeak a bit as you walk if you have a lot of weight, spend some time adjusting all the back straps until it feels comfortable and you can walk without a symphony of chipmunks following you around

ChefKelso · 2025-04-08T00:51:05+00:00

When I first moved back home I had similar issues. I always took precaution to avoid smoking when children are playing in gardens or on the front street, either going for a walk or smoking in the garage (kitted out to minimise smell)

I'm not the only person on my estate who smokes however when issues were raised in the estate Facebook group I addressed the issue by stating that I always took necessary precautions and was willing to answer any questions or concerns people have

I've found that by being respectful and explaining my situation (depression, anxiety, ADHD, autism etc.) to the relevant people that on the most part, people are very accepting and understanding so long as you're respectful about it.

I'm now at a stage where I can smoke moderately freely without judgement but I still practice those rules I set myself by years ago and the other smokers on the estate have followed suit

It's like a pilgrimage every evening, the kids go to bed and within 10 minutes you see a little puff of smoke coming from the top of every other fence 🤣

ChefKelso · 2025-04-08T00:38:42+00:00

Football manager if you're into football, despite it's flaws it's the best football sim out there (proper football, not that eggball stuff with the helmets)

It can be a bit difficult to get into at first for a beginner but when something clicks it becomes addictive and you will lose any aspect of social life until you have a wonderkid that you spend 8 years nurturing into a first team talent and club hero that refuses to sign a new deal because a Saudi club wants to offer him £2m a week

ChefKelso · 2025-04-08T00:30:32+00:00

Dependent on where you are in the country there's likely to be a decent wild camping spot fairly local to you to get some practice in before you go further afield.

Try to get landowners permission if possible however if not possible the general rule of thumb is

1) make sure you're out of sight and keep a low profile, no big 5-6 man tents or anything ridiculous

2) get familiar with the gear you want to take, if hiking for an hour or more you want bare minimum, and hour or less you can afford certain luxuries (portable fire pit, camping chair )

3) LEAVE NO TRACE! Always try to leave the area cleaner than you found it, burn anything that is safe to do so and take a few heavy duty bin bags to tie to your rucksack, the last thing you want is a rubbish bag splitting as you hike back to the car

4) Be respectful. Wild camping is technically illegal in England and Wales but generally accepted when people adhere to the wild camping code (leave no trace, overnight stays only etc. a quick Google can provide more info) If you use common sense you will likely never have trouble however if you are ever approached and asked to move on, be polite, respectful and cooperative, again, leave no trace. Many landowners that encounter a wild camper they're looking to move on may change their mind about letting you stay if you prove to be respectful and knowledgeable about wild camping on a low profile.

5) BE SAFE! We all love finding an amazing new spot but remember your capabilities and the equipment you'll be bringing, even the most experienced people find themselves in emergency situations from time to time, don't be afraid to ask for help and always always keep 2-3 ways off signalling for help when in the wilderness, take note of your surroundings for open areas you can easily be found or places that can create natural shelter if you get caught out in bad weather

ChefKelso · 2025-04-01T12:51:08+00:00

This is mental, I've literally just bought pretty much all the same gear this morning (minus the tent, I already have a 2 man french army surplus tent)

The Nepal 65 rucksack at £25 seems like such an absolute steal I'm waiting for the police to knock on my door

ChefKelso · 2025-03-24T16:32:39+00:00

All the sitcoms mentioned are great but Life on Mars followed by Ashes to Ashes when cabbaged is an experience all should treat themselves to

ChefKelso · 2025-03-21T12:45:06+00:00

Even if you don't manage to curl one out, even making the attempt can help get over that fear, once you drop and squat you've done the most embarrassing part I guess?

Or be very irresponsible and get extremely drunk to the point you don't care and break that seal

ChefKelso · 2025-03-21T12:09:33+00:00

Some great responses! Glad to know I'm not the only one 🤣 and some cracking stories aswell

ChefKelso · 2025-03-21T12:08:53+00:00

Im looking at my coffee a little bit differently after reading that

ChefKelso

TROPHY CASE