Rapha have just introduced some new bike packing gear to their range, starting with a sleeping bag to be used in conjunction with their Explore range of down jackets. With an opening each end, the sleeping bag looks set to keep you warm and allow you to walk/waddle around in the wilderness at night...

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Rapha says the bag is designed specifically for long distance cyclists, it's lightweight and packable making it a good partner for some off and on road adventures. The bag forms part of what Rapha is calling their 'Sleep System', which is basically the use of their Explore down jacket and the sleeping bag at the same time. 

The sleeping bag is only insulated on the bottom three quarters leaving the top half of the body to be kept warm by the jacket, a feature that will save weight and allow the bag to pack down smaller than a regular fully insulated bag. 

The jacket is made with lightweight woven nylon and filled with ethically sourced down
before being treated with a water-resistant DWR coating for superb insulation and
protection. Heat is locked in with elasticated openings at the hood and cuffs as well as
an elasticated waistband which is adjusted via hidden cinches inside the front pockets.

Below the waist of the sleeping bag, an insulated construction combines lightweight woven nylon with a DWR coating to lock in valuable body heat and offer moisture protection. The thinner upper section is made solely from nylon and sits on top of the Down Jacket, forming a protective shell against insects and moisture.

There is a half-length zipper extending down the side of the bag, for easy adjustments when inside the bag and offset to prevent irritation around the chin. An elastic drawcord waist cinch at the waist ensures that the sleeping bag is tight against the down jacket to trap body heat.

The bag is also open-ended at the feet to allow that walking or waddling we mentioned earlier. There is a drawcord that can be used to close the bag if it's chilly or alternatively leave it open and sleep with your shoes on - if time is tight on a brevet the seconds saves by not fastening shoes could be all important. We think most people will use it to sit around a campfire without ruining the bottom of their new bag though!

Explore sleeping bag features:

• Weight: 270g/ 9.52oz (size S/M in the stuff sack)
• Ethically sourced down, 850 fill, 90/10 down
• DWR coating
• Half-length two-sided zippers and cinches in the waist and around the hood
• Lightweight nylon upper section and integrated fly sheet form a protective layer against insects and moisture
• Available in two sizes, S/M and M/L

Pricing

• Explore Down Jacket - £220
• Explore Sleeping Bag - £245

Find out more at www.rapha.cc

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