Campfire Exploring Shopping for Camping Gear on the Cheap

Update July 2018: This little sleeping bag served me well on my trip to Zambia. It packed down small and was warm on the cool nights. Unzipped all the way and I was able to use it as a quilt on the warmer nights. When I packed this bag in my suitcase it did not take up much room at all. I replaced its original carry bag with a compression sack which made it even smaller in size.

So occasionally I get these ideas (Ok..it’s often I get these ideas) to see how I acquire a nice product but save some cash while doing so.

Take this for example. I’ve been thinking about getting a packable down sleeping bag that would work in cool weather (30-50F). The problem is I’m not so sure I’d like to spend $150 to $500 for something I’m going to only use a couple of times a year. So I started looking around online and found something that seemed a little too good to be true.

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It’s advertised as an Autumn Adult Outdoor Envelope Duck Down Sleeping bag. Ok, I’m intrigued. The brand is AndesMountain and it has free shipping from China. It was a 1/4 the cost of several I looked at and it says it has 12.3 ounces of white duck downfill. Hmmm, not sure how to gauge that part, but I’m still looking. Well, it did arrive all safe and sound and I am VERY impressed! Overall the weight is 1 pound 13 ounces and that’s when it’s packed down in its little stuff sack. It’s put together very well, has a nice feel to it, and looks like it would fluff up nicely. The zipper works great and the bag packs easily back into its stuff sack. If anything it will be a great top quilt or something to use during weather that’s not too cold or for just hanging around the campfire. The sleeping bag is a rectangle which I like and it also has a cord that allows the top to be cinched down around your head if needed. There are also two loops at the foot where it can be hung up to dry if needed. I’m very impressed and look forward to using my new bag on a trip I have planned in October. I’ll be bringing a separate bag…just in case the temps get too chilly!