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In reply to Post #27
I still highly rate the Techlite, it was just the zip gave me issues which I fixed. If it fell to bits I would buy another one.
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Everyone who used to rate the Techlite is just older now.
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| | | Belch | | Posts: 4219 |  | | MODERATOR | |
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In reply to Post #25
I agree - it is a 'weird' bag compared to others (and I've tried a few over the years from most if not all the main manufacturers in the past from Tails Up Goliaths to Trakker to Nash Sub Zero) Its main benefit as already mentioned is warmth to weight ratio - def a bag for overnighters / travelling light . . .
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When I’d get out of the Techlite early mornings seemed to take an age re heat the bag again. Why the top layer zip wasn’t a quick release thing I don’t know. But twinned with a thermal cover it really was like toast. Weird bag really
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I found the zip too small on my techlite and it constantly snagged the thin material its made off. I must be getting soft in my old age but i didnt find it warm at all. It was way too small as well as i sleep on my side with my knee out like in the recovery position and i couldnt zip it up as my knee was in the way. It wasnt very long either as the front head bit is lower than the rear which i also didnt like and i had the larger one. I sold it on after a handful of sessions and lost a fortune.
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In reply to Post #22
The zip eventually went wrong on mine. I could zip it up but then it would come undone behind the zip. Actually managed to fix it by squeezing the zipper back together with a pair of pliers.
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In reply to Post #21
So I did actually have an issue with the zip on mine after about 6 years. I took it to a local seamstress who managed to **** it up completely. I replaced with another Techlite which I guess is testament to how good the bag is apart from the zips!
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In reply to Post #1
I fish all year round and have been using the Fortis Snugpak for around 8 years, It's been a great bag and I'd buy another tomorrow. It's very thin compared to traditional bags which takes a bit of getting used to but means it folds up in the bed easily. Also has a 2nd top layer which can be removed for the warmer months. I've never had an issue with the zips on mine and only use a thermal cover when its minus temps overnight.
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In reply to Post #16
100% go with the ventec
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In reply to Post #15
I cut mine out, very simple to do and doesn't affect the bag once cut out.
The biggest disappointment is the fact the bag doesn't come over your head, literally finishes at your chin!! How does that keep your head/face warm 🤣🤣
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Snugpak Antarctica with expansion panel.
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In reply to Post #16
Im 6’4 and 16 stone and my xl ventec ripstop dwarfs me, its huge. I love how i can just pull it over my head and get right inside if it freezing. Its also alot more compact when rolled up than my original ventec as that thing was bloody huge. Its also warmer than the original but nowhere near as bulky.
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In reply to Post #15
Thanks for all commons.
Im edging towards the fox ventec I think .
How does the size compare to the others mentioned ?? 1m only 5.11 and 15 stone but don't like being restricted in a bag
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The baffle in the Gardner bag seriously lets it down.
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I bought the Gardener Compact Duvet last autumn and I have to say I've not been particularly impressed.
That internal baffle that runs across your back is bloody uncomfortable and makes absolutely no sense to me.
Twice now I've had the zips jam, making getting out traumatic as a fish charges off.
Considering it's weight and bulk I don't find it particularly warm either, nothing near my original Gardener Duvet or Nash Frostbite.
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In reply to Post #1
I dont rate my Gardner bag, definitely not a 5 season bag without the use of a thick bag cover and seeing the cost of them now would look elsewhere
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In reply to Post #1
Not cheap or carpy, also centre zip only - which I don't mind, but very versatile and warm.
Is the Snugpak special forces complete system sleeping bag with bivvy bag included
Lightweight and small pack down size.
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In reply to Post #7
I’ve had quite a few bags over the years, the snug pak elite 5 is a great bag and is far warmer than the tech lite, but my current winter bag is the snug pak special forces 2, packs down to nothing and mega toasty in the coldest of nights 
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In reply to Post #1
I’ve gone from a tech lite to a trakker MF HDR sleep system, which I think is pretty much the 365, and it’s miles better.
Obviously a weight difference but the trakker is better material, much better zips and generally a better bag. It’s actually so warm it’s probably too much even with the layers striped out for the summer. I don’t think I’ll ever need to add the bag cover to it.
I found the tech lite cold in proper winter and even found I carried a bag cover for marginal nights so it slightly defeated the weight saving aspect. I would say my tech lite was the original version, I think they did improve it with a mark 2 didn’t they??
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If you're not bothered about weight or transport size the Fox Ventec (none ripstop) is hard to beat, it has a reversible inner fleece or polyester. I'm still using my original Ventec but I'm considering buying the new Flatliner System which has the Ventec All Season.
I had a original Gardner Carp duvet many many years ago and I loved it, no experience of the present one though.
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| | | Belch | | Posts: 4219 | | | MODERATOR | |
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In reply to Post #1
I have both Gardner Compact (used for over 5yrs) and more recently (this spring) the Techlite Standard. On balance its a tough call between them - the Gardner is less restrictive / more breathable / warm but has an annoying baffle that can be uncomfortable if your tall / not hunkered down in the bag. The Techlite is waay less bulky / much lighter / no overhang on bedchair / compresses flat when stored permanently on bedchair / is equally warm but has poor zips and fabric that's nowhere near as hardwearing / stain proof. Both have smooth linings (which I much prefer over fleece), the Techlite arguably being really 'slippy' . . .
Haven't tested the Techlite in winter (and am probably not planning to anyway as I have better things to do than carping) but with a cover I'm sure it would be on level pegging with the Gardner . . .
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In reply to Post #4
The Techlite is less than half the weight of the Fox.
"Best bag" all depends on what your priorities are imo. I agree the Techlite isn't the warmest bag but it's miles ahead of anything in terms of heat/weight ratio. If weight aint an issue for the user then the world's your oyster.
I've never been cold in the Techlite but I do add a lightweight cover when we get into the real depths of winter.
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In reply to Post #1
I went for the Gardner carp duvet, has the middle section that can be removed in summer to be cooler. Did consider the Techlite but felt the Gardner balanced weight/cost better for me.
Used it for 18 months or so now and no issues. Do a work overnighter every week so used in all weathers. Have a SIM underneath, with thermals on and a hat been fine down to freezing.
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Never been cold in the Fortis Techlite bag and fish through winter no matter what the weather.
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In reply to Post #3
Never rated the techlite at all. Not very warm, zips are crap and not big enough for me. Only plus it has is its pack down size.
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In reply to Post #1
Fortis techlite👍
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In reply to Post #1
Had the gardner carp duvet and now got fox ripstop 5 season and the fix is in a different league. Materials much better and its a lot warmer as well. No good if you dont like fleece lining though. Ive had every top end bag going and the fox is top of the tree imo.
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Looking to buy a new year round sleeping bag.
Especially one that can cope with them very cold nights .
Currently use a trakker 365 but its getting old and tatty and tbh its a tad too small .
Iv been looking at the gardner carp duvet anyone use this bag ?
Anymore recommendations?
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