The TGO Challenge
The TGO Challenge is a unique, annual, self-supported walk in the Highlands of Scotland, starting on the west coast between Ardrishaig and Torridon and finishing on the east coast between Arbroath and Fraserburgh. The route undertaken is planned and carried out entirely by the participants and the accommodation varies from tents & bothys to Youth Hostels or even B&Bs. Some challengers will select low-level routes and may not encounter snow, while others cross Munros and Corbetts and may experience the remnants of full winter Scottish mountain conditions.
Down Sleeping Bag Selection
If you plan to camp or use mountain bothys as part of your TGO crossing, the two PHD sleeping bags most suited are the Minim 400 and the Hispar 400. The Minim 400 excels at saving weight and bulk in your pack, while the Hispar 400 ensures extra warmth if the temperature dips. Both bags are considered lightweight.
The basic figures for the standard models:
| S-bag | TOT (Min Temp) | Weight | Packed size Hght x Diam (cm) |
Price £ |
||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C | F | gm | oz | |||
| Minim 400 | -5 | 23 | 670 | 24 | 28 x 17 | 240 |
| Hispar 400 | -9 | 16 | 770 | 27 | 34 x 20 | 368 |
Additional points:
- TEMPERATURE RATING: Put simply these are the temperatures at which you should be able to get a night's sleep in normal circumstances. For fuller details about the TOT rating see this Technical Briefing.
- LINERS: A liner will add to the insulation if you choose the Minimus or the Ultra, but want more warmth. As always it is a trade-off between the extra weight & bulk and the warmth you gain (maybe 2C). Silk liners at 140gm probably give the best value.
- CLOTHING: Thermals (if you are taking them) and/or other clothing obviously help to keep you warm. If choosing the Minimus or the Ultra bag, an Ultra Down Vest at 150gm is an optional addition for minimal weight.
- FABRIC OPTIONS: The Minim 400 comes as standard with M1 outer fabric. MX and Drishell are the other optional outers. MX is our lightest fabric and reduces the total weight by about 25gm. Drishell is highly wind / water resistant and adds about 25gm to the total weight.
- ZIPS: The Hispar 400 has a short entry zip, necessary to be able to get in the mummy hood design. Zips on the Minim 400 are an option, but most competitors don't ask for one. A short zip with draft tube adds about 55gm (2oz): a full zip & tube adds about 120gm (4oz). Zips also add to the packed size.
- PACKED SIZE: PHD stuff sacs tend to be on the loose side. All these bags can be compressed further in your sac.
Figures for Fabric/Down options:
| S-bag | Materials | TOT (Min Temp) | Weight | Packed size Hght x Diam (cm) |
Price (£) |
||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C | F | gm | oz | ||||
| Minim 400 | MX outer | -5 | 23 | 645 | 23 | 28 x 17 | 250 |
| Minim 400 | Drishell Outer | -5 | 23 | 695 | 25 | 28 x 17 | 264 |
Down Clothing selection
The use of down clothing as a layering system while in your sleeping bag and for wearing around camp is a good option for ultimate weight saving and provision of warmth. The ultra range of clothing was designed specifically with this need in mind. The Ultra vest weighs only 150grms, lighter than most T shirts, yet it will give real warmth up to approximately -5c. The Ultra Pullover is, for the same reasons, another good option. At 230grms it's about half the weight and bulk of a conventional fleece jacket and 100% windproof as well. The Minimus Jacket, Minimus Vest and Minimus Pullover are also suitable. Along with these, think about adding the new Minimus trousers and Minimus socks which add considerably to the performance of your sleeping bag.
The TGO Challenge starts on 14th May 2010.
http://www.tgochallenge.pwp.blueyonder.co.ukPhoto: keepwaddling1
