The view towards Styhead: Lingmell Beck valley.

Sadly its been a while since I have been hiking in the Lake District. Last week my absence from the Lakes ended when some friends, who were staying near Lake Windermere on holiday, invited me to join them in an ascent of Scafell Pike. With the weather forecast to be sunny for most of the week there were sure to be excellent views from the summit to make the hard slog up worthwhile.

The Approach to Scafell Pike

Our route started out from the car park at Wasdale Head. We intended to take the mountain scramble route via Mickledore, which winds its way up between the summits of Scafell and Scafell Pike. There is a short lead-in on flat ground, but almost immediately the footpath starts to climb upwards. The initial climb is quite gentle as the path winds around the bottom of Lingmell towards Lingmell Gill. At a height of 300m the path crosses over Lingmell Gill, before heading upwards towards the summit of Scafell Pike.

As we were heading up there were a number of people on the three peaks challenge heading back down. It was not long before we were more or less on our own, with only a handful of other walkers to be seen.

Scafell Pike Mountain Ascent

After crossing over Lingmell Gill the path climbs quite steeply upwards, with a vertical height gain of 250m over horizontal distance of about 1km. It is not steepest path in the Lakes, but…

The path is quite steep for quite a long way.

The ascent of Scafell Pike via this route is quite quick, taking only about 2 hours or so. Many mountains have a much longer approach and consequently take far longer to hike up.

Exhausted after our rapid climb we were rewarded with a great view. Looking back we could see Wast Water, Sellafield and way out into the Irish sea.

View from the bottom of the Mickledore Scramble.

Mikeldore Scramble

At a height of 550m the path forks, left for the walkers and right for the those wanting to scramble. We opted to scramble up via Mickledore. Prior to the scramble proper there is a 50m ascent up some scree, which gets steeper as you get higher. The scramble leads through a sheltered gulley, it has plenty of hand holds and is not overly steep. There is one part near the beginning where you need to lift your leg up quite high, but this can be avoided by keeping to the right. The Mickledore scramble is ideal for those who have not scrambled before or who are scared of heights. The buttress of Lord’s Rake on Scafell provides a stunning back drop and makes you feel that you are really up in the mountains.

We thoroughly enjoyed our scramble, and feeling pleased with ourselves had a reward of oatcakes laced with pepper. Delicious.

To the Summit of England

Scafell Pike is the highest mountain in England, with a height of 978 meters. From the top of the Mickledore scramble there is not much more height to be gained before reaching the summit. The ground around the summit is very rocky and not easy to walk on. Predictably at the summit there is trig point and big pile of stones.

Scafell Pike Summit: there are lots of rocks!

True to the forecast, the weather stayed dry and there were only a few high-up clouds. The views were excellent in all directions across the Lake District and beyond. The summits of Bowfell, the Langdales, Helvellyn and Blencatha could clearly been. So too could the summit of Great Gable, which is normally surrounded in clouds whenever I walk up it. It was also possible to see across the Solway Firth to the hills in Scotland.

Descent via Styhead

We left the summit and headed towards Ill Crag. At the col between Scafell Pike and Ill Crag we took a left turn down a relatively gentle scree slope to join up with the corridor route. The path appeared to come to a dead end at a rock face. Helpfully someone had drawn an arrow indicating that a short scramble leads you upwards and back onto the path.

Trekking towards Styhead head did become a little boring, we must confess. A game of I-Spy did not do much to improve matters. After “S” for Sheep and “T” for Tarn no more letters were offered. We plodded on down in silence, hoping that we would have time for a pint in the Wasdale Head Inn.

Wast Water and the Irish Sea beyond, as seen from Mickledore.

The path down from Styhead that runs parallel to Lingmell Beck was pleasant however. With the final 1km past Wasdale Head being nice and flat, helping our legs to wind down.

The route that we took was back to front in a way, as can be seen on the map below. Normally when hiking the route tends involve a long, time consuming climb up to the summit, with the promising rewards of great views and an enjoyable sandwich to keep you going. With the help of gravity the descent is usually fairly rapid.

Our steep route up Scafell Pike meant that we got to the summit fairly quickly. Apart from the small scree slope, our descent was not steep and relatively long, about 5km. So it took us longer to go down that to get up! In total the walk took about 5 hours.

I take great delight in informing you that both Paul and Martyn successfully completed the Liverpool Triathlon, posting competitive times in the process. Most importantly the “lads” had a thoroughly enjoyable day and can not wait for next year’s event which take place on 27th June 2010. They both enjoyed the tremendous support they received along the route whilst participating around the iconic Albert Dock.

Man Flu!

Paul’s time for the Olympic distance of just over 2 hours and 33 minutes put him in the top 27% of competitors, whilst outside his target of 2 hours 30 minutes he did set a personal best in the swim. Having had time to reflect upon his performance he told CheapTents.com that he was pleased with his first triathlon of the year, although he cited strong winds in Liverpool and a serious dose of “MAN FLU” for not achieving his target time. (Yes! MAN FLU! how could he possibly leave his death bed to compete! It must have been a Lazarus like recovery!) Being serious, we, on the blogging team think he is a little hard on his self as the average time for an Olympic distance Triathlon is 2 hours and 54 minutes and Paul was actually only five or so minutes outside his personal best, which is a great effort for his first event of the year, and bodes well for the rest of his season.

A Great Experience

Martyn’s time of 1 hour 58 was irrelevant, having never competed before he had two main focuses, to finish and to enjoy himself. This he did and he told CheapTents.com he could not wait to take part in another Sprint Triathlon. Despite the day being overcast Martyn said that the swim in the docks was nice and the water was warm (Honestly that’s what he said even though his nose and lips were blue!). Martin joked to CheapTents.com that it seems whenever he gets on a bike he seems to always be cycling into a strong headwind, this was no different on Sunday and at times he thought he was cycling backwards! (Martyn, we hope this isn’t the case for your Manchester to Blackpool Charity Bike Ride on July 12th.) Martyn paced himself through out and believes this experience and with more training especially on running he can complete a Sprint Triathlon in 90 minutes in the near future.

Martyn asked to go on record to say;

“I would like thank all the people along the route who shouted encouragement at me it really drove me on and made the day so much more enjoyable. I would also like to say a big thank you to my fellow competitors who give me encouragement and advice throughout the race despite being in pain themselves. I can not wait for my next Triathlon.”

Congratulations

The CheapTents.com blogging team would like to say well done to Martyn and Paul and congratulations to all the people who took part in the Liverpool Triathlon, either as a spectator, organiser or competitor.

Well done to everyone who took part in the Liverpool Triathlon, You are all winners!

Source Flickr by Hiking Artist

On monday Paul was moving like he was the Tin Man. Now where did we put the WD40? He will be ready for the race though.

Source Flickr
by J Bischoff

Paul, CheapTents Tin Man

With less than a week to go the Liverpool Triathlon there were concerns within the CheapTents.com team on Monday, as to the well being of our veteran competitor and “Ace” (his own words) shop manager Paul. Loud creaking noises were to be heard on the shop floor which staff attributed to building fatigue. Unfortunately for Paul the creaking was only heard when he moved. He later admitted that he was feeling a little tender due to his training regime over the weekend of a big Chinese meal…….. oh yes, and some running, swimming and cycling. Although we are all sure that after a few days rest he will be back to normal, maybe we should oil his joints!

Paul is competing in the Olympic distance event and his wave will start between 8:30 and 9:00. This is his first triathlon of the year and he expects by the end of the season to have achieved a target time of around 2hrs 20m. Paul told CheapTents.com he is concentrating on Olympic Triathlons in order to build up endurance so as to compete in Iron Man events. Participation we are informed does rely on the good will of his wife who we are sure enjoys him being out training more than he does.

Martyn or is it Rocky?

Martyn on the other hand can not wait for the Triathlon his raw meat diet has worked and he has watched his collection of Rocky DVDs to motivate himself and get some final ideas. I Think maybe someone should tell him the idea is to beat his opponents to the line and not to a pulp!

Martyn’s Training in the last week has gone well and he is quietly confident he will achieve his target time. Having spoken to Martyn his enthusiasm for the event is obvious and he is looking forward to competing in the Sprint Triathlon which starts between 9:00 and 9:30.

Will Martyn's hands be raised in victory at the end of the Liverpool Triathlon?
Or will he just have been another contender?

Source Flickr by Damon Green

Wait, there’s more!

Once the Liverpool Triathlon has been completed there is no rest for Martyn as he will literally jump back onto his bike to participate in the Manchester to Blackpool and back bike ride (July 12th). He will be hoping to raise money for his favourite local charities and I am sure he can depend on the support of the CheapTents.com blogging team, you the readers and the customers in our retail outlet, just so long as he doesn’t ask any of us to peddle!

Please continue to look for forth coming posts in the next few weeks about CheapTents.com’s particpation in the Liverpool Triathlon and Manchester to Blackpool bike ride.

The new Snowdon Summit Cafe under contruction, on a miserable day. Source: Flickr by Haversack.

the highest slum in Wales

to some its demolition in 2006 must have come as a relief.

Reincarnation of the Summit Cafe

The cafe and visitor centre, called “Hafod Eryri”, has been reincarnated at a cost of £8.4 million. The new design has come from Ray Hole Architects, who specialise in buildings for the leisure and recreation industry. First Minister of Wales, Mr Rhodri Morgan, who opened the new visitors centre on Snowdon today proclaimed that it

“does justice to that proud and very ancient mountain.”

Being the highest mountain in Wales and having access by train, the summit of Snowdon is popular destination for tourists, walkers and climbers. Over half a million people go to the top of Snowdon every year.

The steam train that goes up to the summit of Snowdon. Source: Flickr by The Ancient Brit.

Mountains Are Dangerous Places!

The weather conditions at the summit of Snowdon can become treacherous indeed, with 150 mph winds and temperatures as low as minus 20 degrees centigrade. The average rainfall is 5 m. Snow and ice conditions during the winter make ice axes and crampons essential: it is not uncommon for ill equipped walkers to fall to their death.

Squadron leader Spike Wright, the officer commanding Sea Flight 22 Squadron, is responsible for rescuing people who get into difficulty in and around Snowdonia. He told the BBC that

those hoping to visit the mountain and new centre should be prepared for the mountain’s dangers.

What do You Think of the Cafe and Visitor Centre?

The story of the rebuilding of the Snowdon Summit Cafe can be found on the Snowdon Summit Blog. There are also photographs during demolition, rebuilding and of the completed visitor centre.

Is the new design fitting for the ancient mountain or does it still look like slum? It reminds me of an airport terminal. What do you think? Click on the “comments” link below and let us know!

Not everyone is a fan of the new design. Professional Mountaineering Instructor and Climbing Coach, Mark Reeves thinks the new design is an eyesore and that

even award winning architects are shit at designing summit cafe/stations on the Snowdon.

Who needs a cafe up Snowdon when you can cook your own food? Source: Flickr by AlphaTangoBravo Adam...

Who needs a cafe at the top of a mountain anyway? All you need is some coffee, water and food and a camping stove and you can cook your own meal and brew! Click these links for advice on camping stoves and a round up of MSR stoves! Don’t forget to take some matches or a lighter!

The Triathlete, the ability to swim, run and cycle. An example of the human machine in peak condition.Source Flickr by charcoalartist

Triathlon?

For those of you, who are new to triathlon, it’s a series of three different disciplines joined together to make a race, they are swimming, cycling and running. More experienced tri-athletes will tell you that the transition, (when one goes from swimming to cycling and then cycling to running) which involves equipment changes is a discipline in itself. So how come its not called a Quad-athlon then? But I digress.

Sledging and no snow!

Back to the CheapTents.com “athletes” where the banter in our shop has risen to a level that would make an Australian Cricketer proud, training has been intense during lunch and after work with open water swimming, cycling and running. Strict diets are being observed to ensure the peak of physical perfection (ok I admit I am stretching my journalistic integrity with that last comment).

CheapTents.Com Competitors

Paul a veteran of many races and triathlons is competing in the Olympic distance race with a swim of 1.5kms, bike ride of 40kms and a run of 10kms, he is aiming for a time of around 2hrs 25 although he didn’t specify if that was per section or for the full course!

Martyn a strong open water swimmer and climber who has never competed in a Triathlon has entered the shorter sprint event of a 750m swim, 20km bike ride and 5km run. He was just originally aiming to finish, however, when told of Paul’s predictions as to his potential performance, the competitive spirit of Martyn kicked in, his training has increased he is eating raw meat three times a day and raring to go. If you see anyone swimming in the Albert Dock before the 21st it may be Martyn practising, so give him a wave!

Misplaced Confidence?

At this moment Paul is quietly confident that come 22nd of June he will have the CheapTents.com bragging rites by achieving his target time, although Martyn’s odds are shortening all the time and there is a growing belief he will post his target time of around 1hr 45mins especially as he has talked about putting his money where his mouth is, unlike Paul!

The Route

The Triathlon is based around the Liverpool’s world famous waterfront and Albert Dock area, with swimming in the Queen’s and Wapping Docks. The running circuit encompasses Canning Dock, Salthouse dock and the photogenic Liver Building will provide a stunning backdrop. The cycling course is based on circuits of Parliament Street and Great Howard Street, so spectators should get excellent views of all events and please make sure you cheer the competitors around as many will be running for charity. If you want to watch the Triathlon, racing starts at 8am.

For a full route click here or for further information click for the official website.

Finally

Keeping checking the CheapTents.com blog for updates as to how our two intrepid tri-athletes are doing, and why not drop into our shop 240 Manchester Road, Warrington to make sure they are not munching any illicit chocolate bars or to have a chat about training.

N.B. From time to time on many of these webcams you may only see a grey screen, don’t worry this isn’t usually a technical fault, just the mist closing in!

Welsh Webcams

Snowdon seen from the web cam on top of Eldir Fach

http://www.fhc.co.uk/cams.htm

Moel Eilio from Elidir Fach
http://www.fhc.co.uk/cams.htm

Here you can see the village of Betws-y-Coed with the mountains of Snowdonia in the backdrop.
http://www.bryn-bella.co.uk/snowdoniawebcam.html

Scottish Webcams

The Ben Nevis Webcam is located at Tomacharich, Fort William. The camera viewing angle changes every 5 minutes, rotating allowing you to get a good allround view of Ben Nevis.
http://visit-fortwilliam.co.uk/webcam/

A great view of Buachaille Etive Mor from the kings house hotel.
http://www.kingy.com/

View from Leac A Ghradain in Torridon.
http://www.visittorridon.co.uk/

Cairngorm web cam

A stunning view of Cairngorm, perfect for checking up on the weather.
http://www.cairngormmountain.co.uk/

English Webcams

Scarfell Pike Cam
A great view of Englands highest mountain.
http://www.214fells.com/webcam.html

Eskdale green

The view is of Randle How , the Miterdale Valley and Whinrigg and Scafell can be seen in the background on a clear day. http://www.eskdaleweb.co.uk/eskdalewebcam.html

Ullswater
On this camera as well as being able to check out the weather you can watch the steam boats depart as they go for a tour round the lake.

http://www.glenriddingcybercafe.co.uk/ispy.jpg

Peak District webcam
With a view of Stanage,  Millstone Edge, Over Owler Tor, and Mother Cap Rock
http://www.outside.co.uk/knowledge/webcam.html

Monsal Dale
http://www.cressbrook.co.uk/webcam/images.php
This Peak District Webcam shows the view down Monsal Dale, near Cressbrook and not far from Bakewell. The view is looking down the Dale towards Monsal Head. The valley is that of the River Wye.

Murton Pike near Appleby in Cumbria
http://murton-weather.co.uk/webcam.jpg

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Ouch Charlie!! At least your body isn't sunburnt thanks to your UV protective clothing!
Source: Flickr by A.M. Kuchling.

Read on for some helpful advice on the ratings used for sun protection clothing, and enjoy the sun this summer if you are camping, hiking, climbing or even just in the garden relaxing.

The days grow longer as we enter June; July and August fast approach. With baited breath the UK waits for the advent of the British Summer. Will it be hot, cold, dry or wet? Will we have biblical floods, hurricanes or snow? The Met Office has predicted a “Barbecue Summer” with temperatures above average and highs above 30°C (86°F) we wait to see if this prediction is taking the precipitation!!

Protection From Sunburn

If the summer is as predicted, to enjoy the warm weather without getting sunburnt or sunstroke we all know it’s important to stay hydrated, covered and use a sun lotion. What I’m sure many of us don’t know is that sun lotions may not fully protect us from the Sun’s Ultraviolet Rays. Ultraviolet light is divided in to UVA, UVB and UVC. The rating system Sun Protection Factor (SPF) used on many sun protection products such as creams, only tests the products ability to block out UVB rays which can directly cause cancer. UVA rays were thought to be relatively harmless and therefore there was no need for protection. However, recent evidence has suggested UVA rays damage DNA and indirectly cause cancer. Therefore when buying sun-block, sun cream etc make sure that as well as having an SPF rating it also protects against UVA. Thankfully we are safe from UVC as it can not penetrate the ozone layer…. (Er isn’t there still a hole in it?)

UV Protective Clothing

Clothing has always protected against the sun, as it is simply a barrier between the Sun’s rays and our skin, as health awareness has become more prominent, many manufacturers are now producing clothing that by design protects from UV rays. Manufacturers such as the North Face and Sprayway have gone further and are releasing clothing with what are called Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) ratings, that’s good news I hear you say and I quite agree, but what are UPF ratings?

Sprayway's Discovery Tec T - Offers UPF 50 protection.

The Science Bit

Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) is a rating used to classify the ability of clothing to block out the Ultraviolet rays (UVA & UVB) that potentially harm the skin. An item with a UPF rating of 50 means that only one fiftieth of the suns rays will pass through the item, approximately 98% of UVA and UVB rays will be blocked. Gambichler et al. (2001) suggested consumers should only purchase clothing with a minimum UPF rating of 30 to ensure protection against the sun. This is quite startling when you consider an average white woven cotton T shirt will have a UPF rating of around 5.

Burn Baby Burn, Not If You’re Wearing UV Protective Clothing!!

The previous paragraph is great but it doesn’t really give an idea as to how long the average person can stay in the sun. Unfortunately, sunburn is dependent on a number of factors, the strength of sun, the colour of the skin, the amount of UV reflection from the surrounding area etc.

As we all burn at different rates scientists use an average calculation that most fair skinned people will burn if unprotected, in 10 minutes. For example, If a person can stay in the sun for 10 minutes without protection before getting sunburnt by wearing UPF 30 clothing that person should be able to remain in the sun without getting sunburned for 300 minutes (10 minutes x UPF 30 = 300). In short, the higher the UPF number the more UV rays are blocked by your clothes and the longer it takes for your skin to burn. The previous calculation is a guide, we all have different tolerances to the sun, please do not test yours.

The graph below shows the value of using clothing with UPF protection over 30 as compared to normal clothing or being unprotected as the amount of time it takes to burn the skin that is covered is significantly increased.

A Graph Showing Approximate Burn Times With Different UPFs Based On An Average Burn Time Of 10 Minutes.

So Whats the Message?

What does this mean to you and I? Should we go out and purchase clothing with a UPF factor or clothing that uses SPF or even that just says they block UV rays? Simply speaking it’s a personal choice, Cancer Research UK predicts skin cancer will, by 2024 be the fourth most common cancer in the UK and advise people to wear sunglasses with UV protection, sun cream and cooling clothing. Therefore, the addition of some UPF 30+ items of clothing to the summer wardrobe may be a good idea as it reduces the amount of UV exposure and potential skin problems.

Cancer Risk

No responsible article about the dangers of the sun would be complete without stating that in England and Wales, approximately 2300 people die every year due to differing skin cancers, for more information please visit the following NHS links.

NHS information on skin cancers.
NHS information on caring for your skin in the sun.

Most of our families have been touched by Cancer, and statistics by Cancer Research UK show 1 in 3 of us will be ill with some form of Cancer in our life, its best not to increase the risk by acting foolhardy when in the sun.

The North Face Nigel UPF 30 shirt, ideal for out and about. Great shirt, but why's it called Nigel? Can anyone tell us?

Final Thoughts

The manufacturers must be applauded for continuing to push the boundaries of clothing design as seen by my colleague Ryan’s post on Bamboo and Cocona, UPF clothes continue this advancement not only do they protect, but are stylish, comfortable and value for money, costing no more than standard clothing.

UPF rated clothing including base layers, non-technical tops, hats and trousers can be easily viewed on CheapTents.com, and being from the leading outdoor manufacturers you can be assured as to their quality.

Please Note

UPF clothing only protects the areas of the body the garment is designed to cover. Where skin is exposed make sure you still use sun cream that has UVA and UVB protection.

Reference

Gambichler,T. Bader, A. Avermaete, A. Altmeyer, P and Hoffmann, K.(2001). Sun-protective clothes: accuracy of laboratory testing, Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, Vol. 15, No. 4, pp 371-2.

World Champion Orienteer Graham Gristwood will be representing the UK. In an interview with CheapTents.com in March this year, he told us that

In 2009 there will be 3 major championships, starting off with the Nordic Championships in June, which are being held in Finland. That will be a really tough competition taking on the scandinavians on on their own patch.

Salo is located on the coast of south west Finland, about 110 km west of Helsinki. The terrain around Salo is well known for its good for orienteering, comprising of forest land with bare rock, moderate slopes and some marshes. There will be long distance and middle distance races as well as relays.

There will also be an urban area 12 -15 minute sprint in the centre of the town Salo.

The distances for each of the long, medium and relay races varies according groupings of M21, W21, M20 and W20. The longest of the races, i.e. the M21 long distance race is 15.2 km with a climb of 520 m, it has 29 controls and will take approximately 85 minutes to complete. The middle distance races have a distance of between 3 and 6 km, depending upon the group, whereas the range for each leg of the relay is from about 4 to 6 km with total climbs from 95 to 140 m. Further details can be found on the official Nordic Orienteering Championships website, www.noc2009.fi

The main orienteering events are scheduled to take place as follows:

Friday 05.06.2009
- Model event, Long and Middle distance and Relay
Saturday 06.06.2009
- Long distance (NOC 2009) and public event day 1
Sunday 07.06.2009
- Relay (NOC 2009) and public event day 2
Monday 08.06.2009
- Model events: Middle distance and Sprint
Tuesday 09.06.2009
- Middle distance (NOC2009 & WCup Event 1)
Wednesday 10.06.2009
- Sprint, Qualification and Final (NOC2009 & WCup, Event 2)

General information about this exciting outdoor sport can be found in our introduction to orienteering.

Great Gable near part of the route for the lakeland 100 - source flickr : alancleaver_2000

The Lakeland 100 route

The route starts in Coniston and heads South before completing a clockwise loop which takes in the Dunnerdale fells, Eskdale, Wasdale and Buttermere before arriving in Keswick. From here the route heads to Matterdale and continues over to Haweswater before returning via Kentmere, Ambleside and Elterwater to the finish at Coniston.

What the route planners had to say:

The relentless succession of hills, with a number of typical steep Lakeland ascents, add up to a total of 6800m of climb. Throw in the mix of rough downhills and exhilarating fast descents and you’ve got an event that will challenge both body and mind. The route will take you through many lakeland valleys where, if you’re used to being up on the soaring ridges, you’ll see the lakes and mountains from a completely different perspective. And, although the route never actually attains a true summit, (although it comes close when traversing Wether Hill) it does cross 12 passes and cols which provide some stunning panoramas.

It’s a stunning route with something for everyone: grassy paths, well benched tracks, boggy moorland trods, an old railway line, typical rugged lakeland footpaths and very occasional tarmac.

Lakeland 100 Ultra Marathon Route

So if you feel like spending close to 40 hours running 100 miles around the lakes then have a look at the lakeland 100 website at http://www.lakeland100.com. Alternatively if you fancy something easier why not have a look at the lakeland 50 which is a shortened version starting on the saturday.

For advice on training and equipment have a look at our mountain marathon kit list advice and mountain marathon training tips.  While ultra running is a slightly different kettle of fish most of the same advice applies

Before commencing the round up, congratulations are in order for Snugpak. A Queen’s Award for Enterprise in the International Trade category has been given to Snugpak! The sleeping bag manufacturer, who still manufacture in the UK, won the award for increasing their export business by 77% since 2006. They export to 28 different countries across the world, from Latvia to Australia and to the USA. Over 50% of Snugpak’s total production sold overseas.

We are thrilled to receive this award as recognition of our hard work and success at developing high quality, durable products that can withstand rigorous use in harsh and sometimes extreme conditions throughout the world.

Proclaimed Snugpak Sales Director Darren Burrell.

Snugpak: From Birds of Prey to Big Softies

CheapTents.com have been selling Snugpak sleeping bags on the internet since we first set up our online shop in 2001. Back in the early 1990’s, long before the internet became an everyday media, we were selling Snugpak sleeping bags in our Warrington shop, The Adventure Centre. Below is a scanned image from our 1993 printed catalogue. In the olden days Snugpak’s synthetic sleeping bags were named after birds of prey: Merlin, Hawk and Kestrel. We also stocked the Osprey and the Discovery.

Our 1993 Brochure - Snugpak Sleeping Bags

Snugpak Sleeping Bag Round Up

The current Snugpak Sleeping Bag range that we stock is called the Softie Chyrsalis range. The name “Softie” refers to the synthetic fill material used in these sleeping bags. Synthetic sleeping bags offer good performance at a reasonable price. “Chrysalis” is the name is the baffle system which is used to prevent heat escaping, keeping the inside of the sleeping bag warm.

Softie Synthetic Fill Material

The fill material that Snugpak use for many of its sleeping bags is called “Softie”. Softie is a superfine, high-thermal, polyester filling which uses superfine yarns bound with special resins to produce a luxurious down like feel.  Softie is made from “staple yarns”, which is where a continuous fibre is chopped up into staple lengths before spinning. Additionally, a more random effect is created by using curled, crimped and unaltered fibres. By incorporating a random element into the yarn the end product more closely resembles the structure of natural down.

Softie is easy to care for, washable and retains a lot of its thermal properties when wet.

Snugpak Softie Range

The different bags in the Softie Chrysalis range that we currently stock are called the Winter, Autumn, Kilo and Micro. All of these sleeping bags feature the Chrysalis Baffle System, are profiled and have an anatomically designed foot system. They also have variable length and unique rolling systems.

The warmest sleeping bag in the range is the Softie Chrysalis Winter, with a comfort temperature of -10°C. This should be warm enough for use during the Winter in most places in the UK. For the weight conscious backpacker it is on the heavy side at 1950 grams, but this is not a problem if you do not have to carry it very far. With a relatively low price tag, it offers good value for all year round camping. The compressed pack size is 26 x 24 cm.

The Softie Chrysalis Autumn is a three season sleeping bag. With a comfort temperature of -5°C it can be used for camping most of year when conditions are mild. The compressed pack size is 21 x 19 cm, about the same size as a football.

With a comfort temperature of +7 °C the Softie Chrysalis Micro is a summer only sleeping bag. Compared to the warmer Autumn and Winter bags, the Micro is much lighter at 1000 grams.

Snugpak Softie Chrysalis Kilo Sleeping Bag

The Softie Chrysalis Kilo bag features “Reflectatherm“, which is a metallised fabric fill material that is designed to reflect heat and retain warmth, providing at least 15% additional warmth. Reflectatherm is a highly breathable material which adds little to the weight or packsize.

The outer material of the Kilo Bag is Paratex Micro, which is a tough yet breathable ripstop material with a water repellent finish. The inner is Paratex Light, a fabric that is exceptionally breathable and able to wick moisture away.

With a weight of 1300 grams, it is unclear why it is called the Kilo bag!

We also stock the Navigator sleeping bag, which has a cotton lining and can be opened up into a quilt. It also has an outside pocket.

Snugpak Sleeping Bag Comparison Table

Image	Model	Temperature (°C)	Weight (g)	Packed Size (cm)
	Softie Chrysalis Winter Sleeping Bag	Comfort: -10 Low: -15	1950	26 x 24
	Softie Chrysalis Autumn Sleeping Bag	Comfort: -5 Low: -10	1400	21 x 19
	Navigator Sleeping Bag	Comfort: -2 Low: -7	1700	22 x 21
	Softie Chrysalis Kilo Sleeping Bag	Comfort: 2 Low: -3	1300	19 x 18
	Softie Chrysalis Micro Sleeping Bag	Comfort: +7 Low: +2	1000	16 x 16

What do you think?

Have you got a Snugpak Sleeping Bag? What do you think of it? Let us know using the “Comments” link below.