When you're just starting out camping, do you ever wonder what the right sleeping bag to choose is?
If you choose the wrong sleeping bag, you'll need to prepare many sleeping bags for each season, so be careful.
It costs money to get a sleeping bag for each season, and if you have more gear, it can be difficult to store it at home.
This article introduces Snugpak's "Sleek Basecamp" sleeping bag.
The "Sleek Basecamp" comes with two sleeping bags, and by layering the two, it becomes a winter sleeping bag.
Each can also be used individually, making it suitable for spring, summer, and fall, and usable regardless of the season.
I have summarized the results of actually testing how low temperatures it can be used in.
A member of the editorial department who loves Snugpak's Basecamp
has reviewed it.
Features of Snugpak Sleeping Bags
Snugpak is a British brand that makes sleeping bags, jackets, and other gear actually adopted by the military.
The characteristic of Snugpak's camping gear is its strength, designed to function even in extreme conditions, as it is used by the military.
The Snugpak Basecamp was the first sleeping bag to incorporate a removable double-layer system.
Basic Performance
- Two-piece sleeping bag set, inner and outer
- When layered, comfortable outdoor temperature: -12 degrees, lower limit outdoor temperature: -17 degrees
- Inner: Similar to Mariner (olive / envelope type) Comfortable outdoor temperature: -2 degrees
- Outer: Similar to Nautilus (desert tan / RH square) Comfortable outdoor temperature: 3 degrees
- Weight: 3100g
The outer sleeping bag is for autumn, and the inner sleeping bag is for spring/summer.
In winter, the two sleeping bags are connected with zippers, so they don't shift, allowing for smooth entry and exit.
It uses synthetic insulation, which maintains warmth even when wet, and can be machine-washed at home, making maintenance easy.
Appearance and Size
The outer sleeping bag is desert tan, and the inner sleeping bag is olive.
Both colors blend naturally, making them easy to match with any campsite.
When stored, the size is 30 cm in diameter and 50 cm in length, which is large, so it is not suitable for those seeking lightweight options.
The outer sleeping bag measures 220 cm in length and 160 cm in circumference when unfolded.
The inner sleeping bag measures 180 cm in length and 154 cm in circumference when unfolded.
Both sleeping bags of the Sleek Basecamp are rectangular envelope-style sleeping bags, allowing you to sleep without feeling constricted.
Even when layered, it doesn't feel cramped.
Positioning of Snugpak Sleek Basecamp
The comfort temperature is the outdoor temperature at which most people feel comfortable when using this sleeping bag.
The comfort temperature is provided by Snugpak.
While I personally tend to get cold easily, I've also noted the temperatures at which I actually felt comfortable using it.
When using the two layered sleeping bags, the comfort temperature is -12 degrees, but in reality, -3 degrees is the limit.
When using only the outer sleeping bag, the comfortable temperature is 3 degrees, but in reality, 5 to 10 degrees is just right.
When using only the inner sleeping bag, the comfortable temperature is -2 degrees, but in reality, I could sleep comfortably at 0 to 5 degrees.
Therefore, Snugpak's suggested comfort temperature should only be used as a reference; I do not recommend it for cold places below -3 degrees.
If you're using it in temperatures below -3 degrees, it's a good idea to also use an electric blanket or a stove.
Disadvantages of choosing Snugpak
The downsides are the stiffness of the zipper and the difficulty of putting it into the storage bag.
The zipper doesn't slide very well, and until you get used to it, you might accidentally catch the fabric and struggle to close it properly.
It can be a bit annoying when your hands are numb from the cold.
Also, when storing it, even if you try to roll it as small as possible, it's very difficult to fit into the storage bag.
I think it would be difficult for one woman, so it would be easier to store if you bought a cord or belt that can be tied to make it smaller.
Advantages of choosing Snugpak
The biggest advantage is its cost-performance; being usable all year round for 16,500 yen (tax included) is an exceptional price.
It offers excellent warmth for winter use and is easy to care for, making it perfect for those starting out in camping.
Since it can be fully opened up to the feet, it can also be used like a blanket, which is convenient for regulating body temperature when it's hot.
How to use Snugpak's Basecamp
I check the temperature forecast to decide which sleeping bag to bring.
I usually bring the two layered sleeping bags for temperatures below 0 degrees, only the inner sleeping bag for 0-5 degrees, and only the outer sleeping bag for temperatures above 5 degrees.
When using the two layered sleeping bags in the dead of winter at -6 degrees, my feet were indeed cold, so I added an electric blanket.
What I like about Snugpak's Basecamp
First, I love how both the outer and inner sleeping bags have colors that are easy to match and look stylish.
I also like how easy it is to care for; when it gets dirty or smells, I can just wash it all at once at a coin laundry and hang it to dry on the balcony.
Summary: Snugpak's Basecamp is recommended for all-season use
While the perception of cold varies from person to person, I found the Snugpak Sleek Basecamp to be comfortable for use in temperatures ranging from -3 to 10 degrees.
If you're looking to start camping regardless of the season, consider this sleeping bag as it's the only one you'll need.
