Ray Mears Arctic Sleeping Bag - Canada Jay

  1 of 17

  By far the warmest sleeping bag I have ever used. This sleeping bag proved warm even in somewhat damp conditions. It is, understandably, rather bulky and not the lightest, although I was surprised by how light it is given it's size. The zip is actually quite substantial in comparison to those on other sleeping bags I have but initially appears a bit puny in comparison to the bulk of the bag itself and it works well. With the extra space afforded to me when travelling by canoe it will definately be on the kit list. Even travelling on foot I would tend to take it because I like the comfort but It probably isn't worth taking for short trips where packing light is a priority or when it is going to be consistently warm. I used the same sleeping mats and sleeping bag liner as I have done with my previous sleeping bag so the comparison is directly between sleeping bags.  

  Michael

  2 of 17

  The Canada Jay is an awesome 5 season sleeping bag. It's extremely comfortable and doesn't feel restrictive. The central zip is a superb feature, making a huge difference to getting dressed and preparing to leave the bag on cold mornings. It dries/airs out quickly and fits nicely into the stuff sack provided. It's very lightweight and wraps thoroughly around your body, superb when inside a bivvy. This will accompany me to every cold place that I visit, for as long as I have it. An absolutely essential component of my cold weather sleeping system.  

  Jonathan Peter Sowden

  3 of 17

  Bought this for husband to use in Norway in Jan/Feb, sleeping outdoors in temperatures down to -35. He said the chest strap and hood cords stop any wind/cold getting in, it is light enough to hook on his kit bag without weighing him down further and 'it’s the best thing I’ve ever bought him' so that seems to sum it up.  

  Kay Thornton

  4 of 17

  This is the second one of these I've bought from Woodlore. It has good features like the central zip and inside pocket, and is very warm. I have used it in very cold conditions (-30c) and am still typing. Be aware though - you'll probably fine it too warm for year round use. I don't go along with the whole 'if it's too hot open it up and use it like a duvet' thing, bits of me get cold or wet and clammy. Price wise, it is excellent value. It is nice and soft although it doesn't have the fluffy puffy feeling of a down bag - however, the upside is that it can get wet and the fibre inside doesn't turn into a wet lump of feathers. The zip on my old one catches on the material beside it, which is utterly tedious. Anyway, I've still come back for more so it's not such a big deal evidently. Yes, I do recommend and as usual Woodlore standard of service sets the bar for other companies to aspire to.  

  Paul Cobham

  5 of 17

  I Bought your Arctic Sleeping bag to go to Northern India in search of snow leopards. Whilst Camping the lowest temperatures went down to -16C, the bag was brilliant, I even had to strip off it got so hot. For Home stays the coldest temperatures were -23C, still brilliantly warm, no complaints at all. The only issue was the zip kept coming apart once it was closed. Every time I managed to pull the closing mechanism down below the opening, clearly not ideal in the kind of temperatures I have mentioned.  

  Julie Baker

  6 of 17

  Bag is great quality and although I cannot comment on how it would perform at serious sub zero temperatures, I can testify that it was seriously toasty on a boat when the temperature caused the water in the coffee machine to freeze solid. So much so that I needed to open it up too cool down. I have no doubt that this bag will keep you warm in seriously cold conditions. Just need to be a bit considerate when using the zip. Also I would say if you are over 6 feet tall it would be too short for effective use in extreme conditions and it is pretty bulky. Would recommend a Norrona Recon pack if you need to pack it. All said though this is clearly a great piece of kit and the price is great for the specification you get. Great service as always.  

  Stuart John Fear

  7 of 17

  It is actually a bit heavier than the goose down filled equivalent but once in position it is fabulous. I only managed minus 10 Celsius camping in Ladakh last winter and I felt too warm. It is obviously capable of withstanding much colder. It is such amazing value for money I was wondering 'what must be wrong with it?'. I was a little hesitant to buy it at first, but I haven't found anything wrong yet. Very robust construction, a real hidden gem.  

  Mike Watson

  8 of 17

  Overall a brilliant piece of kit, it contains quality materials it is also very light. However with a few issues. The biggest issue is the collar. It is not possible to fully pull it tight and there is a small space where all the heat escapes. I personally had to adjust/move the Velcro on the collar. Then there is the Velcro that rips the fabric. And the -35 comfort is not accurate. Possibly when fully clothed and out of the wind. That however differs form person to person. Otherwise a good sleeping bag.  

  Pavol Horvath

  9 of 17

  I'm happy we had a harsh winter - it was a stable -20 all winter here in Quebec. I experienced the -30 and the -40s for the first time in my life for multiple days. This bag is awesome; if it's too warm and you sweat, it wicks away all your condensation humidity from the sleeping bag, so it keeps you dry and warm. It is a very comfortable piece of kit, very light, and you can take advantage of the central zipper when other sleeping bags open only on one side. I love it. The only problem is around the velcro; it wears the fabric, so you've got to be careful not to have it grip on the sleeping bag fabric. Anyway, it did the job I expected it to in cold weather. In my opinion, in very cold weather, I would rather use a wool blanket instead of a bivvy, as it keeps you warm and dry since it's more breathable. Thanks Ray; I had a blast this winter.  

  Alexandre Goyette

  10 of 17

  Decided to sleep out last night to test my sleeping bag. Went between Beer & Branscombe along the seafront cliff top walk down in Devon. Used a bivi, sleep mat, sleeping bag & cotton liner. Made a nice cuppa on my esbit pocket stove, then heated some more water to use the water bottle as a hot water bottle. Checked my digital temp & outside went to -1 whilst I was a cosy 25 in my sleeping bag. Got a bit too warm so had to let some heat out. Overall I am very impressed with my purchases. Definitely better than my old sleeping bag that I got off eBay for £30 so you do get what you pay for.  

  Michael