Hi Andy, on your recommendation I went ahead and bought the Black Ice 700 down sleeping bag. Very happy with it. Arrived yesterday and I slept in it on top of my bed in my freezing cold flat last night, well, it's 13° at night inside here at the moment (can't put the heating on yet) and I have to say I was warm! I had to ditch my hot water bottle and for the first time ever, I didn't need to wear my hat in bed!!! So thanks for the tip off. Now to test it outside in a tent...
I just got it as well, the woman version and used it at -1 degrees Celsius. I'm a cold sleeper and was warm (with my merino layers on). Also super comfy!
I too have the Rab Asent 1100 and a Fab Bag. A touch unfair comparing the OEX 400 to it as I also have the OEX Leviathan EV 900 Sleeping Bag Temp -9 to Comfort -16 ... Iv'e used it to -10 and with a Thermarest Mat rated to R4.9 very comfortable with minimual clothing. However everybodys different on how they gain and lose heat. But the Rab I've had that down to -18 to -22 in Canada for 3 nights wearing a thin Marino Wool Thermal suit and "nice n comfortable". More than capable in the UK.
Wow, you must sleep hot! I've seen numerous reviews saying don't use the Leviathan under zero degrees c. Like you say, everyone is different and thanks for sharing your experiences.
I've got the oex and I also found my self getting a bit chilly at 0 degrees. I'll make do with a therma-lite liner and a pair of long johns lol. The Rab packs up to about the size of my whole kit 🤣
My experience of the OEX sleeping bags changes depending on wind chill. If there's a draft then the comfort limits are waaaaaay out. However, when there is no wind I find them much better.
Having a proper winter sleeping bag actually makes you look forward to the cold nights. With my old bag I was always worried about the temperature dropping which spoilt the camp. Now I can go camping with peace of mind I'll be nice and cosy no matter the temperature.
A good vid I'm new to your channel and I'm enjoying it. My question is have you considered military surplus, I've just recently got a British Arctic sleeping bag and it's the warmest one so far, haven't yet tested it in the real outdoors, that will happen at a camp in Feb but it only cost £35. For me getting the best value for money is essential, this is the first bit of military stuff I've bought but it definitely won't be the last. Thanks for reading this, keep going and stay safe👍
Hey Bud, I've never had a sleeping bag before, I was thinking of getting a little tent and doing some hiking, I need the right sleeping bag. What do you think of me getting an Ascent 500 Down Sleeping. ? ? ? I'd appreciate your knowledge. Fond regards Phil.
500 would be fine for warmer weather. 1100 is over the top unless it’s deep winter in minus temperatures. The 700 would be a good 3 season bag and could deal with some chilly nights.
I have the British army arctic sleeping bag that i use pretty much all year around but it is just so big and heavy, I can find it a bit chilly sometimes in the winter too. I was tempted to get this as a replacement but now worried that it might be too hot for warmer camps. Is there such a thing as a realistic "all-season" sleeping bag? or would you just go for 2 separate systems
@@BackpackingUK yeah I was just looking at that, it's the small difference in price that puts me off I keep trying to convince myself to spend the extra and get the 1100 but I think you're right, the 900 will probably be better for me. 👍🏼
Hi mate, how would you say this is for size to turn around in. I've always round myself to be tied up because I'm an active sleeper. Is this one slightly wider with it being a large winter bag? Cheers
I'm the same as you. There's definitely more wriggle room in this. It'll never match a rectangular bag but it's relaxed size means it's the best mummy style sleeping bag I've slept in.
100% winter only. However, they have other Ascent bags in the range for warmer conditions. It's well worth checking them out as they are lovely sleeping bags.
Maybe the 500 or 300. I have the 700 and was a bit too warm in The Highlands last weekend. I'm a cold sleeper. It was 9/10°C and rained all through the night. I ended up sleeping in a short sleeved top with my arms out of the bag. The 1100 is much warmer than the 700 so I'd definitely say it wouldn't be for UK summers.
I bought an 1100 RAB sleeping bag, and in my excitement couldn't wait to use it. So I made the mistake of using it in the house❗I woke up an hour later wet through with sweat❗🤪
Is this the R size? Only all the ones I'm seeing in this size are saying 185cm for height of person. I'm 191 and your specs says over 200cm, so I'm a bit confused. Thanks!
@whatsnottohike did you ever purchase this bag and find it OK at 191cm tall ? I'm about 195cm and considering the purchase but not sure I will be too big, cheers.
I also have a British army bouncing bomb sleeping bag.. It is awesome!.. It fell of the back of an Army truck..! Ooops.. In the summer I just turn it upside down and use it as a duvet..
Thanks for the reply just wanted to get an accurate measure for winter camping outdoors in a tent.Rabs web site has no standard which seems deceptive,at least with a comfort rating you have a clue @@BackpackingUK
I’m a little shorter than you at 168cm. If by your B feeling it’s huge I wonder if I’d be better looking at woman’s sized bags. That bag would go well with my exped mats syn7 and down9.
@@BackpackingUK 😂 I’ve narrowed my choices down to thermarest Oberon or the ten ascent but it may come down to colour. Albeit I like bright colours. Except red! 🙄. It’s a soulo bl im after since all my winter gear is hammock based. I summit camp with a MSR elixir1 but not in winter.
i do like RAB products but i do totally agree with you on them being sketchy when it comes to their sleeping bags a company that does not list comfort rating is just stupid and i would never buy a sleeping bag from them . i use them in extreme mountain conditions and in the winter in the mountains in scandinavia so guessing the ratings is just not gonna work .... best regards from scandinavia
I must say though, the warm in this bag is ridiculous. It’s too warm for the UK unless you’re a cold person. Comfort rating must be something like -15!!!
I tend to get cold and took the 700 out for its first trip last week. Around 9/10°C overnight temperatures and it rained all night. I didn't get cold once, but was too warm for a while. I've never been too warm when I first go to bed camping. Even if I get too warm later, I'm always chilly to start with. Not with that one. It was milder than I thought it would be, but good to know it will see me down to cooler temperatures and with a liner would probably see me through pretty much any UK weather. Maybe just the liner for warmer weather and no sleeping bag. I'm trying to figure out if the 300 might be a good summer bag. As a side sleeper, who tends to curl up, I can say I love the 700. I could easily change sleep position without either getting drafty or having to fight with it to let me move.
I have the OEX and used it on Crooks Peak,on The Mendips in Somerset,literally last night. It is complete rubbish and will be going back to Go Outdoors tomorrow. It’s not even good enough for the dogs basket…. Regards.
Unfortunately there is no rule to what a 4 season sleeping bag is or official testing of the listed comfort levels. So many people get caught out (including me!). I think Rab and Mountain Equipment give a ‘good night guarantee’ but that doesn’t help budget campers.
@@BackpackingUK oh nice good luck getting your gear on the back of that 😂 hepco and Becker do some decent luggage solutions I struggled to find anything to go on my gen 2 but they do a c-bow system of panniers that look decent and a sport rack that replaces the rear seat.
Check out Wildlife Moto channel. One of his bikes is a Tuono and he fits a Ventura Evo luggage system to it. Have that on my Ducati...bag with camping stuff, including tent, goes on pillion seat and everything else goes in the Ventura! 😎
@@BackpackingUK I also used TopCashback to get a further 12% off which is £26.00 it takes a month or so to get it. they often have codes for go outdoors
I have just bought the rab 1100 will be testing it on mount kilimanjaro can't wait
Wow! Let me know how you get on.
Im guessing he froze to death
How was it ?
@@williamrehl6520 maybe he's dead 💀
&...we're waiting on an update
Your an amazing reviewer, I could feel the warmth of that bag....
Wow thanks 🙏
Brilliant review and much appreciated and thank you 😄👍👌
No problem 👍
Hi Andy, on your recommendation I went ahead and bought the Black Ice 700 down sleeping bag. Very happy with it. Arrived yesterday and I slept in it on top of my bed in my freezing cold flat last night, well, it's 13° at night inside here at the moment (can't put the heating on yet) and I have to say I was warm! I had to ditch my hot water bottle and for the first time ever, I didn't need to wear my hat in bed!!! So thanks for the tip off. Now to test it outside in a tent...
I just brought this for 220 lovely bag, can’t wait to use it.
Just make sure it's really cold before you do, it's the warmest sleeping bag I've ever used!
I just got it as well, the woman version and used it at -1 degrees Celsius. I'm a cold sleeper and was warm (with my merino layers on). Also super comfy!
I too have the Rab Asent 1100 and a Fab Bag. A touch unfair comparing the OEX 400 to it as I also have the OEX Leviathan EV 900 Sleeping Bag Temp -9 to Comfort -16 ... Iv'e used it to -10 and with a Thermarest Mat rated to R4.9 very comfortable with minimual clothing. However everybodys different on how they gain and lose heat. But the Rab I've had that down to -18 to -22 in Canada for 3 nights wearing a thin Marino Wool Thermal suit and "nice n comfortable". More than capable in the UK.
Wow, you must sleep hot! I've seen numerous reviews saying don't use the Leviathan under zero degrees c. Like you say, everyone is different and thanks for sharing your experiences.
I've got the oex and I also found my self getting a bit chilly at 0 degrees. I'll make do with a therma-lite liner and a pair of long johns lol. The Rab packs up to about the size of my whole kit 🤣
My experience of the OEX sleeping bags changes depending on wind chill. If there's a draft then the comfort limits are waaaaaay out. However, when there is no wind I find them much better.
@@BackpackingUK I found it too narrow to add any sort of decent liner in it and I’m pretty much the same size as you!
My thought as well, wonder where will I put all my gears with that sleeping bag. 😅
Nice review mate 👍🏻
Cheers Simon!
Looks a great bag. I've just bought a hyke & bike eolus 800 for £150 so rab is out of my budget now.
800 fill power is massive, should be a really warm sleeping bag 👍
Looks a great bag Andy, thanks for the review. Where did you get it for £220?
The cheapest I can currently find that actually have it in stock is Trekitt at £263.
Pretty much have purchased the same bags. Got my 1100 in July for 220ish from Trekit. Bring on the toasty nights this winter mate! 👍
Having a proper winter sleeping bag actually makes you look forward to the cold nights. With my old bag I was always worried about the temperature dropping which spoilt the camp. Now I can go camping with peace of mind I'll be nice and cosy no matter the temperature.
How did you find it so cheap? Cheapest I can find is 279
A good vid I'm new to your channel and I'm enjoying it. My question is have you considered military surplus, I've just recently got a British Arctic sleeping bag and it's the warmest one so far, haven't yet tested it in the real outdoors, that will happen at a camp in Feb but it only cost £35. For me getting the best value for money is essential, this is the first bit of military stuff I've bought but it definitely won't be the last. Thanks for reading this, keep going and stay safe👍
They're pretty good bags but I find them a bit cold and they weigh a ton!
What size rucksack do you use to contain that RAB bag? It far too big to carry up the hills unless you have a Sherpa
I use a Sea to Summit eVent Drybag strapped to my pack. You’re not getting down to -10 degrees comfortably with a 500g 20cmx20cm bag!
Hey Bud, I've never had a sleeping bag before, I was thinking of getting a little tent and doing some hiking, I need the right sleeping bag. What do you think of me getting an Ascent 500 Down Sleeping. ? ? ? I'd appreciate your knowledge. Fond regards Phil.
500 would be fine for warmer weather. 1100 is over the top unless it’s deep winter in minus temperatures. The 700 would be a good 3 season bag and could deal with some chilly nights.
@@BackpackingUK Thank You My Friend, Top Man
I have the British army arctic sleeping bag that i use pretty much all year around but it is just so big and heavy, I can find it a bit chilly sometimes in the winter too. I was tempted to get this as a replacement but now worried that it might be too hot for warmer camps. Is there such a thing as a realistic "all-season" sleeping bag? or would you just go for 2 separate systems
Personally, this is a bit overkill. Maybe opt for the Ascent 900 version instead?
@@BackpackingUK yeah I was just looking at that, it's the small difference in price that puts me off I keep trying to convince myself to spend the extra and get the 1100 but I think you're right, the 900 will probably be better for me. 👍🏼
Hi mate, how would you say this is for size to turn around in. I've always round myself to be tied up because I'm an active sleeper. Is this one slightly wider with it being a large winter bag? Cheers
I'm the same as you. There's definitely more wriggle room in this. It'll never match a rectangular bag but it's relaxed size means it's the best mummy style sleeping bag I've slept in.
Hi there! May I ask if this sleeping bag not suitable for 'UK summer'? or this is really for winter use only? Many thanks and great video review :D
100% winter only. However, they have other Ascent bags in the range for warmer conditions. It's well worth checking them out as they are lovely sleeping bags.
Maybe the 500 or 300. I have the 700 and was a bit too warm in The Highlands last weekend. I'm a cold sleeper. It was 9/10°C and rained all through the night. I ended up sleeping in a short sleeved top with my arms out of the bag. The 1100 is much warmer than the 700 so I'd definitely say it wouldn't be for UK summers.
I bought an 1100 RAB sleeping bag, and in my excitement couldn't wait to use it. So I made the mistake of using it in the house❗I woke up an hour later wet through with sweat❗🤪
😂😂😂
@@BackpackingUK How stupid could I be ❓🤣🤣🤣
Is this the R size? Only all the ones I'm seeing in this size are saying 185cm for height of person. I'm 191 and your specs says over 200cm, so I'm a bit confused. Thanks!
Yes, the regular version suits people up to 185cm but is 215cm long. I guess the difference is the hood.
@@BackpackingUK thanks. well i'm 191cm so i'll fit into 215cm easily! Thanks
@whatsnottohike did you ever purchase this bag and find it OK at 191cm tall ? I'm about 195cm and considering the purchase but not sure I will be too big, cheers.
@@TheKreissl94the long version is meant for folks your height.
I also have a British army bouncing bomb sleeping bag..
It is awesome!.. It fell of the back of an Army truck..! Ooops..
In the summer I just turn it upside down and use it as a duvet..
Is this the regular size? Would it fit someone 6’2?
I would say you’d need a long bag at 6’2”.
@@BackpackingUK wicked. Thanks for the reply!
why is the comfort rating impossible to find?
No idea. Possibly because it’s so ridiculously warm!
Thanks for the reply just wanted to get an accurate measure for winter camping outdoors in a tent.Rabs web site has no standard which seems deceptive,at least with a comfort rating you have a clue @@BackpackingUK
What about the rab andes infinium 1000 down sleeping bag?
That’s about £600 more than the Ascent! I definitely can’t stretch to that. Nearly a grand for a sleeping bag 😬
Nice review. Pitty size makes it impossible to back pack. Would need another bag just to put that in 😆
😂 In all seriousness though, when you pack it right down it’s size is packable.
@@BackpackingUK 🤣👍 ye to be fair guess it'd gotta be big to keep u warm in those - temps. Just been looking at them. Am tempted 👍
@@BackpackingUK bought one 😆👍 thanks for review. Managed to get for £217
I’m a little shorter than you at 168cm. If by your B feeling it’s huge I wonder if I’d be better looking at woman’s sized bags. That bag would go well with my exped mats syn7 and down9.
I’ve thought about that myself! Personally I think it’s a good idea but you may have to put up with alternative colour choices 😂
@@BackpackingUK 😂 I’ve narrowed my choices down to thermarest Oberon or the ten ascent but it may come down to colour. Albeit I like bright colours. Except red! 🙄. It’s a soulo bl im after since all my winter gear is hammock based. I summit camp with a MSR elixir1 but not in winter.
hello. What is the comfort temperature?
I don’t think they’ve released it but it’s definitely well under -0 degrees.
Ok.Thanks
Does it go smaller than that in a compression bag!?!? Can't imagine carrying that up the fella
Much, much smaller!
i do like RAB products but i do totally agree with you on them being sketchy when it comes to their sleeping bags a company that does not list comfort rating is just stupid and i would never buy a sleeping bag from them . i use them in extreme mountain conditions and in the winter in the mountains in scandinavia so guessing the ratings is just not gonna work .... best regards from scandinavia
I must say though, the warm in this bag is ridiculous. It’s too warm for the UK unless you’re a cold person. Comfort rating must be something like -15!!!
I tend to get cold and took the 700 out for its first trip last week. Around 9/10°C overnight temperatures and it rained all night. I didn't get cold once, but was too warm for a while. I've never been too warm when I first go to bed camping. Even if I get too warm later, I'm always chilly to start with. Not with that one. It was milder than I thought it would be, but good to know it will see me down to cooler temperatures and with a liner would probably see me through pretty much any UK weather. Maybe just the liner for warmer weather and no sleeping bag. I'm trying to figure out if the 300 might be a good summer bag. As a side sleeper, who tends to curl up, I can say I love the 700. I could easily change sleep position without either getting drafty or having to fight with it to let me move.
What are you talking about? Rab state the comfort rating on all their bags.
I have the OEX and used it on Crooks Peak,on The Mendips in Somerset,literally last night.
It is complete rubbish and will be going back to Go Outdoors tomorrow.
It’s not even good enough for the dogs basket….
Regards.
Unfortunately there is no rule to what a 4 season sleeping bag is or official testing of the listed comfort levels. So many people get caught out (including me!). I think Rab and Mountain Equipment give a ‘good night guarantee’ but that doesn’t help budget campers.
@@BackpackingUK Is that not ‘False Advertising’ then?
I dont have so big backapack for Rab sleepengbag :))))
You need a whole rucksack just for that ha ha. Way too bulky. Is it or is that in incorrect observation?
The problem with being my size is that I make everything look enormous! 😂
@@BackpackingUK Hey it looks comfy mind.
Way to Bulky, thats my whole backback filled up, not no Andy.
NEVER ROLL UP A SLEEPINGBAG, always stuff it in the stuffbag !!!!
I don’t agree, especially when packing it ready for camping.
Zips are a pain!😑
Are you going to be doing more Moto camping?
Yes, definitely. Got myself a 2018 Tuono Factory last week! What-a-bike!!!
@@BackpackingUK oh nice good luck getting your gear on the back of that 😂 hepco and Becker do some decent luggage solutions I struggled to find anything to go on my gen 2 but they do a c-bow system of panniers that look decent and a sport rack that replaces the rear seat.
Check out Wildlife Moto channel. One of his bikes is a Tuono and he fits a Ventura Evo luggage system to it. Have that on my Ducati...bag with camping stuff, including tent, goes on pillion seat and everything else goes in the Ventura! 😎
I just brought this for 220 lovely bag, can’t wait to use it.
Bargain!
@@BackpackingUK I also used TopCashback to get a further 12% off which is £26.00 it takes a month or so to get it. they often have codes for go outdoors