Big Agnes Rapide SL Insulated Sleep Mat Review

 What a brilliant game changer!!!

Throughout the years we’ve tried so many different sleeping systems.  Getting older means comfort is paramount (for us anyway).

This year I was ready for change so my birthday gift was this corker and it didn’t disappoint.

It measures 3.5” / 9cm thick with 4.25” / 11cm larger outer chambers to keep you comfortably cradled in the middle of the mat.  No more sliding off!!! 

Dual layers of heat reflective film provide great insulation at a lower packed size and weight, so you stay comfortable as the temperatures drop.  At no point was I cold in the night.

Includes pad inflation sack, protective storage sack, replacement valve seal, and 3M repair patches though I didn’t use the inflation sack I used the Flextail pump which also got a 10/10 when you find the right size nozzle… only takes about 1 or 2 minutes to inflate - there’s no rush anyway is there.

This chunky monkey does not go down in the night which is also a super plus from us.

Very easy to deflate and pack away and store for your next camping trip.

What’s not to love ☺️

Vango Glacier 23L Cool Box Review

 

Just WOW… tested and does what it should with much more to give - the Vango Glacier 23L.

The Glacier 23L is an exceptional cooler designed with robust rotomolded construction and high-density PU insulation, ensuring it withstands the test of time while keeping your items perfectly chilled in any environment. 

We used it for 2 nights and it did the job with much more to give.  All our food was very chilled.

It has two cup holders and a built-in bottle opener, even a tape measure on the top… this cooler is perfect for all your adventures.

What is even better is that it doesn’t run on any mains and you don’t need cool blocks to make it work - it just does it!!!

For us, it’s a winner winner chicken dinner.  

We are back out again soon and will be using this again and we still have the @bigagnes_  to review and the @flextail_official pump.

This beauty was a birthday present to myself and it cost £106 from www.outcamping.co.uk 

To be fair the Big Agnes doesn’t need an air pump as it has its own air sack but I prefer the pump.

Watch this space for further updates… 

Weekend Away Kit Waffle…

 

We had a fabulous weekend away, luckily it didn’t rain which is always a bonus.

Tent - Eurohike Sondero 4.  Even though there’s us 2 and an elongated dog it’s enough room.  Four people would be a squash. Not leaked which is great, we did seal it ourselves with Fabsil, so far, so good.

Very easy to put up and put away, even fits into the bag which is a winner.  We used a DD tarp but that wasn’t great, just too small really so will go back to our old tarp next time.

My sleeping bag was the Vango Nitestar 450,  no problems at all with warmth but it’s a bulky bugger.  I didn’t zip it up it was that warm.  Mr NOG used an army military arctic sleeping bag; zip up in the middle - never cold in that either… it’s a bulky bugger too so wouldn’t recommend any of these for backpacking; unless you’re strong like bull!!!

Trekology pillows are ok, after copious use they do deflate a bit but not enough to have a disturbed sleep (might need to upgrade)

The Vango Atom stove is fab and a winner winner chicken dinner.  Used the Pathfinder skilled (stainless steel) it’s well used and still the goto pan, (in the photo with some bacon in). Billy can used for boiling water for brews.  Cutlery is army issue 3 in 1 with a tin opener, they do the job.

Tin cups are N.O.G. merch and doing well.

The Jackery is one of our best buys, no more EHU when camping which makes it cheaper and much more mobile.

A great book too, The Salt Path is recommended.  The dog enjoys a bimble and sleeps on our sleeping bags during the day.

We do love our setup and have not changed it for ages…

Look forward to the next camp ⛺️ 

Vango Atom Stove Review

Good Afternoon from us at N,O,G,  hope you've managed to get out and about in the glorious weather.

Kit review for the Vango Atom Stove…

We have used this many times now, it is efficient, easy to use and does what it needs to do (sticks chest out and rightly so). However… we have noticed that after copious use the 2 little screw on the stove do gradually come loose.  It doesn’t stop its usage but we were concerned if it would topple the billy can or pan when cooking.

Is it just us who have noticed this or has it happened to other Vango stove owners?

Tightened them up no problem and it was sturdy again.

Let us know if you've had this problem on our Instagram page.

 

Vango Sleeping bag and sleeping mat Kit Review

 

Honest reviews are what dreams are made of, so here we are... an honest review of a Vango Nitestar Alpha 450 sleeping bag and a Vango Trek Pro 3 Short self inflating mat.

The Vango S.I.M (self inflating mat) seems robust, good quality and instructions are easy to follow. It took a while to self inflate due to it being the first time used but it got there, needed a few breaths in but we were ok with that.  The safety lock on the mat is sturdy and it kept inflated which is the main object.  

It packed away very easily and the bag it came in was on the large side which is fine.  Slept soundly but the other half said he could do with extra padding (but I guess that is because the old bones need extra support haha) -  I have slept on these in the past with no problems. However, I do prefer a bit more comfort as a female side sleeper... we change we evolve, much like the camping equipment, I guess.

All in all, a decent quality S.I.M. packs away small, does what it says on the packet.  Purchasable from the usual haunts both online and shop wise.

The Vango Nitestar Alpha 450 (prototype)

The (prototype) Vango Nightstar Alph 450 is a 4 season sleeping bag - it is made up of Alpha insulation and I can confirm hat is a toasty number to sleep in.  from -9 to 15 degrees Celsius.  The night temp dropped to about 9 degrees when we were out and I was very warm for the duration.  Didn't have the zip fastened as I was warm with it open.  The total weight is 2300g so not the lightest but it is fine and dandy for car / van camping. 

The issue I had with it was that each time I  turned in the sleeping bag, its inner material clung to my clothes and followed me (If that makes sense)  not in a ghostly haunting way... maybe a sleeping bag liner would stop this happening.  Apart from that all was well and I'm looking forward to using it again.

Many thanks for reading our blogs... until the next one...

No Brand Sleeping Mat Review

 

Thought we’d try a non branded sleeping mat, took the risk and shiver my timers it wasn’t bad at all.

We used an inflating device (plugged into the car or Jackery) one of the nozzles that comes with it were perfect to inflate it.  The valve is one which doesn’t let all the air escape once the inflating device is removed ‘winner winner chicken dinner’.

First impression - sturdy, well made and I like the colour 🤭.  First nights sleep was great, it was a solid 10/10 for me being a side sleeper.  

When you get in or out the airbed didn’t immediately plunge to the ground.  This is because it has small pockets of air over a large area which is distributed very well.  No air leaks either.

Night two, held its own with no need to re inflate which tick my boxes.  Another great nights sleep with no discomfort on the aging hips and shoulders.

Easy to deflate with no faffing.  Rolled up well and was able to get it into its drawstring bag no trouble.

Would I recommend it, as a budget sleeping mat yes, think it was just short of £20 on Temu.

Would be handy to pop in a B.O.B. or in the boot of the car ‘just in case’.

Weight and size in the photo.

Have a great a day from us at N.O.G.

 

Glow Sticks / Raver Sticks Review

We have been using these for years when out camping.  We had some NATO ones but can’t seem to find those at the moment.

We find these work for about 2 nights, giving off a glow which means it is dark enough to sleep but you can still see what is what if needs be.

Also useful for power cuts, and maybe keeping some in the ‘bug out bag / car too.  

My children also loved them when we camped and they became a hit with other children too.  The cheaper ones (which are thinner and you can make necklaces / bracelets) are also great to occupy them and it’s all magical and hopefully memories made along the way.

If you are of a certain age you could have a reminisce of the 90s… raves, decent dance tunes and dancing the night away 🤭🥳🥳🥳

Vango Atom Stove Review

 

We had to buy a new stove on account of the last one nearly singeing our eyebrows off… not the best look.

Decided to get the Vango Atom from The Fell Store which is highly recommended for a friendly and fast service (web link below).

The Vango Atom is small and compact, comes in its own case.  We used the Coleman C500 cartridge, it is a standard screw-on gas cartridge type making it an ideal fuel source for camping stoves. The gas has a  Coleman's double safety seal resealable screw valve the C500 can be disconnected and reconnected to your appliance in complete safety without leaks which is reassuring.

Measurements are 40L x 40W x 60H.

It does what it should, boils water, no point in timing it as we are in no rush and it’ll take as long as it takes.

Cooked a steak with no problems and some bacon in the morning.  

Would N.O.G. recommend this Vango Atom?… absolutely.  Ticks all our boxes for camping, making a cuppa, cooking bacon, steak and hotdogs.

As always, never use a stove in your tent / caravan / home.  Outdoors is best and keep safe.

You can visit the Fell Store site by clicking HERE