Sleeping bags

[seeker]

We need new sleeping bags and we want to go for ones that pack down as small as possible. Any reccomendations? We need two singles, and preferably a double or singles that zip together. Also, does anybody know whether Thermarest sleeping mats are worth the double the cost of Millets own brand they cost? Thanks!

Hmm, well I dont know the bransd thermarest itself but yes a good bag is worth every peenny it costs- from someone who has done the Dartmoor in October thing (brrr).

Vango bags gennerally get a good rep? Outdoor megeatore has a few

Alpkit.com have some VERY small packing light weight down filled bags. We have their "pipedream" bags which each weigh sabout 750g and pack down to not much bigger than a pint glass. Comes in R and L handed so you can zip 2 together if you buy one of each. However they are 100 quid each, you get what you pay for. For cycle touring I'm prepared to pay for a warm light bag that takes up very little space in my pannier.

Thermarest are comfy. Worth the extra money? not sure. does the millets own brand mat self inflate to the same thickness, is it the same size, does it weigh the same? I have theramrest ( few years old) DH has an Alpkit "slim aric" which is just a shade smaller,comsiderably thiner and lighter but was cheaper.