First real sleeping bag, hope it works out well! Going to Iceland for two weeks of backpacking / camping in late August, anyone have any recommendations for other gear? Going to be my first time doing a real camping trip.
vernorvingeIf you haven't one already, get a sleeping pad! Makes a world of difference. I've been to Iceland before (but during June), and I wish I'd had better rain gear. Additionally, I always travel with a small dry-sack for my small electronics and paper documents.
vernorvingeI would recommend "Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm" pad. Most of your loss will come from below because the sleeping bag doesn't really do anything on the side towards the ground. The pad will be what keeps the cold ground from ruining your night. It should be an excellent combo.
chuckpThanks (and to @cmarcus) for the suggestion – was already planning on it! Luckily I'm going with some friends who have more camping experience. They recommended the "Therma-Rest ProLite Plus"; it's slightly more insulating and cheaper, although the differences don't seem huge to me. Any thoughts on that?
vernorvingeI did a quick search and it shows the low in Reykjavik is around 45 so the ProLite Plus should work fine. If you are dipping in the 30s or below I would recommend going with the XTherm. The XTherm has a R5.7 value and the ProLite has a R3.4 value which is basically how well they insulate you and is only 1oz heavier than the normal ProLite. If you can afford it I would still go the XTherm route. I saw it for $160 online recently.
vernorvingeGood luck with the trip! I went with a planned outdoor tour and honestly do not recall the names of places we stopped (partially because I can't spell them half the time). We did a few short day hikes - one right up to a glacier (that was when I was glad I brought winter gear in June - it was snowing up there) and another near the gullfoss! Also went snorkeling in the mid-atlantic rift which was pretty great.