Suit Sleeping Bags

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The important thing is that items like this are only warm as long as they're allowed to stay puffed up with air, which generally means being the topmost layer. If you squash it under an outer layer which isn't large enough, or is heavy enough to flatten the insulation, or something like a lifejacket, then you knock out most of the warmth. That's why foam roll-mats are needed under sleeping bags, because you crush the insulation there by lying on it.

On winter night watches on Stavros, I used to get togged up in layers of fleeces and thermals until I couldn't possibly believe I'd ever be cold - and then also bring up a down jacket packed into a small bag. Reliably, somewhere between two and three hours in, I'd be starting to get a bit chilly and the down jacket would come out. I'd put it on over my harness to stop it being squashed; in the event of any sudden need to go aloft I'd be taking the jacket off anyway to avoid overheating from the activity. Fortunately cold nights coincide with clear skies, so I never had to figure out what to do about waterproofs.

Pete
 
prv said:
The important thing is that items like this are only warm as long as they're allowed to stay puffed up with air, which generally means being the topmost layer. If you squash it under an outer layer which isn't large enough, or is heavy enough to flatten the insulation, or something like a lifejacket, then you knock out most of the warmth. That's why foam roll-mats are needed under sleeping bags, because you crush the insulation there by lying on it.

On winter night watches on Stavros, I used to get togged up in layers of fleeces and thermals until I couldn't possibly believe I'd ever be cold - and then also bring up a down jacket packed into a small bag. Reliably, somewhere between two and three hours in, I'd be starting to get a bit chilly and the down jacket would come out. I'd put it on over my harness to stop it being squashed; in the event of any sudden need to go aloft I'd be taking the jacket off anyway to avoid overheating from the activity. Fortunately cold nights coincide with clear skies, so I never had to figure out what to do about waterproofs.

Pete
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Hi Pete, the warmest I've stayed on the night watch lately, has been to put my duck/down filled Tommy Hilfiger jacket (Oxfam-£12 some 10 yrs ago) over pyjamas, but under my very breathable Musto HPX.

The HPX I find is so breathable that the wind seems to go straight though unless precautions are taken!
However, bliss was found at just above zero crossing Biscay in the early hours. The problem with duck/down is moisture of course, but so far so good.
If I can get the Hilfiger jacket inside my oilees as a snug fit, I was hoping I may be able to do the same in an all-in-one.

I have tried a divers dry suit mid-layer which is exceptionally warm(nay, HOT!) but it is made from unbreathable materials and I was soon in a sweaty lather.

S.

p.s.
Slight drift - GLOVES. Fishermans http://www.newforestclothing.co.uk/...gle_shopping&gclid=CMqlrKv1z8sCFdgaGwodTrUHIg
are fantastic and have outshone all those expensive gloves that cruising sailors see advertised and I reckon I've tried most.


S.
 
Last edited:
Scotty_Tradewind said:
Hi Pete, the warmest I've stayed on the night watch lately, has been to put my duck/down filled Tommy Hilfiger jacket (Oxfam-£12 some 10 yrs ago) over pyjamas, but under my very breathable Musto HPX.

The HPX I find is so breathable that the wind seems to go straight though unless precautions are taken!
However, bliss was found at just above zero crossing Biscay in the early hours. The problem with duck/down is moisture of course, but so far so good.
If I can get the Hilfiger jacket inside my oilees as a snug fit, I was hoping I may be able to do the same in an all-in-one.

I have tried a divers dry suit mid-layer which is exceptionally warm(nay, HOT!) but it is made from unbreathable materials and I was soon in a sweaty lather.

S.

p.s.
Slight drift - GLOVES. Fishermans http://www.newforestclothing.co.uk/...gle_shopping&gclid=CMqlrKv1z8sCFdgaGwodTrUHIg
are fantastic and have outshone all those expensive gloves that cruising sailors see advertised and I reckon I've tried most.


S.
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You wear pajama's on watch?

How quaint.
 
Thermals, street clothes, a LIDL insulated boiler suit and waterproofs to keep the wind out.
Seal skinz socks and wellies along with skinz gloves under oversize mittens.

Slightly less than £90 and versatile
 
I was given one of those sleeping bag suits last year. My idea was to use it only if my usual sleeping bag/duvet had become wet, through a leaky deck head, spilled wine or whatever. I did try it on at home and looked completely ridiculous; another reason that I only sail alone!
 
I bought some suit bags for my daughters and they loved them
Brilliant on board as you have total freedom of movement, but to big and chunky to wear all the time above decks
I would suggest a 1 piece survival suit, which is what I wear on night watches, very snug but also built in buoyancy
 
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