Turn up the central heating
What better way to commemorate the arrival of winter than with JRC’s Extreme 3D range of sleeping bags?
Frosts may be coming in with more of a trickle than a flood at the moment, but it’s best to be prepared for when everything is covered in white. Now whether you’re planning on seeing the whole winter out like Dave Lane did when we originally put these bags to the test back in 2008, or just doing the odd overnighter, these are the technical sleeping bags which have got your back (and front). 3- to 5-season rating, breathable and water resistant outer with a reversible and detachable inner layer on the TX model and both come with an integrated reversible pillow.
The unique 3D sidewall design makes for easy turning inside the bag with clothes on
The big questions
What’s the 3D shape all about?
The 3D sidewall design offers a number of advantages over standard shaped bags. It ensures extra space without excessive width and this not only means you can roll over much easier inside the bag, but it provides a sleeping womb that resembles your duvet at home. JRC first introduced this idea way back in 2008, so to find it on these bags after seven years is proof enough that it works.
So what’s the difference between the two models?
Aside from the reversible and detachable inner layer on the TX model, nothing. Both have a breathable, water-resistant super-soft outer shell. Both have an extra thick multi-layer hollow fibre filling for all year round use. And both have an integrated reversible pillow.
The TX model features a reversible and detachable inner layer
Huge internal and external baffles to stop heat loss and air penetrating the zips
What does this inner layer do exactly?
It allows you to regulate your core warmth depending on what Mother Nature has to throw at you. Hot, barmy summer sessions? Just zip it out and reduce the bag to a 3-season one. Sub-zero temperatures of January and February? Zip it back in and you’ve got a 5-season heavyweight. As we’ve already stated, it’s also reversible – on one side it’s super-soft fleece and on the other it’s a lovely non-grabbing, ultra soft polyester. There are also huge internal and external baffles to stop heat loss and air penetrating the zip and running down either side of these bags.
And what are those zips like? I can get out quickly, right?
Damn right you can. Firstly, you’ve got a heavy-duty, anti-snag internal zip baffle so doing it up is an easy job, not a shivering nightmare. Add in the double 10mm quick release zips and it means the bag is open the moment you apply any pressure. And better still, the elasticated hoods at the top and bottom with central fixing to the bedchair means it doesn’t end up on the floor after you’ve had that one-toner.
Crash zips ensure you can get out in super quick time
Both models come with an integrated reversible pillow
Can I make it even warmer?
Yes, but you probably won’t need to. However, if you’re hell-bent on venturing out in the most extreme of extreme conditions, JRC do the Stealth X-Lite Bedchair Cover (£49.99). On the outside it’s finished with a water-resistant, ultra-lightweight 300D brushed nylon and on the inner it’s a lovely warm and soft micro-fleece.
What’s the damage then?
For two bags that have all of those features, measure 210 x 94cm and 220 x 100cm for the TX model and come complete with their own stuff bag, you’d expect the price tag to read £200.00. Not so for these two bags – two lifesavers which have stood the test of time – they retail for £139.99 and £149.99. jrc-fishing.com
The elasticated hoods at the top and bottom with central fixing to bedchair means it doesn’t end up on the floor after you’ve had that one-toner
A tried and tested classic