Vango Nitestar sleeping bags

[LittleSkink]

I will get my personal bias out in the open first, I have used Vango bags for over 20 years and like them. This review is one perspective on what, to my view they are good quality and relatively cheap bags worth looking at. If ther eis one thing you really need when camping it is to be warm at night and to trust your sleeping bag

Currently, in Vango bags we have : one Nitestar Midi, two Nitestar 350s, one Nitestar 450SQ as well as an old Vango Marco Polo 450. We also have some Outwell square bags but these are not primarily used for camping

All the Vango bags here are mummy shaped synthetic fill, nylon outer with polycotton inner bags made in China. And all are readily available for modest prices

Starting with the 350, we have a 2009 model and a 2010 model. The newer model (and the one you will probably find) has a pillow flap built into the base with three velcro tabs to close. The Vango half moon pillow is £6 or £7 and really not worth the money (in my view) as it is quite thin - a sweater or fleece can be packed into the same space and be just as comfy. The bag shows good loft and will fluff up quickly when unpacked. The polycotton inner is very nice to climb into on a cold night and the zips cords work well - though as will the 450SQ they are a bit long and can get tangled

The 350 is rated as a 3 season and that is how it would work for me (male) though my wife would not find it warm enough in anything other than summer temperatures (ie above 10 deg at night). In truth I find this too warm for summer use and plan to get a lightweight 2 season that can also go canoe camping with me. Construction and materials are all fine though the stuff sac always feels a little flimsy when it is being packed away. The twin layered construction is supposed to be better in cool weather for avoiding cold spots (over bags like the cheaper Vango Wilderness for instance) - in truth I dont know how much difference it makes in UK 3 season camping

The 450SQ was bought for 3 season use by my wife who feels the cold. She hates normal mummy bags as they are too restricting and also finds normal all square bags too cold as they are draughty. This has worked admirably for her needs. In construction it is similar to the 350 but does not loft as well (and certainly not as well as the Vango Marco Polo 450 I use for winter camping). Having sais that it is clearly much warmer than the 350. If you dont usually like a 'proper' mummy bag this design is great

The 250 Midi is used by my eldest daughter (5yo) who, like her mum, feels the cold. I was concerned she would not be warm enough but it works fine and she loves the fact it is a proper grown up style bag. Construction is identical to the adult bags and should give a few years service. The loft is clearly a lot less than the 350 but it seems plenty. The zips seem a little stiff for small hands, and again the cords are quite long but all in all a good buy

Over the years I used many Vango bags (mid priced not the top end or cheapies) and (probably tempting fate now) never had a problem with a broken zip and poor workmanship. They do what they are supposed to and last well, even when stored packed more then they probably should be. The only reason I got rid of my first Vango 350 was it was luminous purple with a bright yellow inner (it was an 80's thing) and was looking quite grubby. Washing it sent it all lumpy and it was never the same again after that. And that is one reason I like to buy the twin layer construction bags, if it ever needs a wash that might help it work fine afterwards - if not then they are cheap enough to replace

[DaveS]

I bought a Coleman Extreme something or other that goes down to around -2 normal temp and its absolutely fantastic. In fact I need to sleep with it open during the summer, but I'm very glad of it in the autumn or spring.
Must look out the details.

[Luiiz]

Good detailed review- enjoyed and very useful- thank you!!

[Billyvusynder]

This pattern is really simple. Not fancy, but different material can be used. We made over 400 of these to hand out to the shelters after Katrina went through.
Best of luck!

[Donaldvutmoses]

I have always been told that babies aren't any different than adults. Of course we all have our personal thermostats...but in general, dress the baby as you are dressed for that weather....