Northern Ireland Outdoors Forum - Hiking, camping and more

General => Gear Questions, Information, Reviews and Competitions => Topic started by: surfnscenic on May 22, 2011

Title: Bothy Bags
Post by: surfnscenic on May 22, 2011
On foot of these being mentioned by Landy Liam in the thread of Oisin & Grace "In Heavy Rain" what are these like to use?  I've thought about getting one for when having a break for lunch and it's raining and of course for emergencies.

Any thoughts or experiences?
Title: Re: Bothy Bags
Post by: LandyLiam on May 22, 2011
They are also very handy as an emergency shelter in case of an incident, I do have a tarp that doubles as a poncho and triples as a small 2 man bothy but have yet to try it out in anger, I've twice used the large bothy with a group for lunch and they are a very sociable place to eat.
Title: Re: Bothy Bags
Post by: cerbera147 on May 22, 2011
No experience but love the idea of it ;D

Is this an accurate picture of use? Is condensation a big problem?

(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3076/2635999858_a98f4c53df.jpg)
Title: Re: Bothy Bags
Post by: Matthew on May 22, 2011
They are a handy piece of kit and invaluable as a quick shelter or in an emergency. Any time I have used them has been with a large number of people 15+ and the condensation was wild. It does heat up quickly so if people are cold it is a great way of getting heat into them.

Lifting a section while inside helps remove the humidity.

Matthew 
Title: Re: Bothy Bags
Post by: ChuckMcB on May 22, 2011
I picked up a cheapy TrekMates BothyBag (http://bothybags.com/) from TKMaxx last year, excellent to get out of the wind, don't bother with orange survival sacks any more, just bring one bag between two people.

Some of the more expensive ones have a vents to let some of the moisture out, as well as guy lines, and peg holes so you can peg the thing down from the inside..
Title: Re: Bothy Bags
Post by: LandyLiam on May 22, 2011
this is us inside the 8 man one, didn't notice any significant condensation but we were all soaked through beforehand anyway, i reckon you would have to wear a waterproof coat inside or it would run down your back

(http://i1222.photobucket.com/albums/dd496/landyliam/2011/P1040198Small.jpg)
Title: Re: Bothy Bags
Post by: Matthew on May 22, 2011
i reckon you would have to wear a waterproof coat inside or it would run down your back



As minging as this sounds, it is very true.
Title: Re: Bothy Bags
Post by: surfnscenic on May 22, 2011
I fancy getting a two person one for breaks when it's inclement and as a back up if/when it ever goes t*** up.
Title: Re: Bothy Bags
Post by: DryBag on May 26, 2011
saw some in TK Maxx last week.
Title: Re: Bothy Bags
Post by: Kayakgirl on May 26, 2011
I have an eight man one and have used it several times in both paddling and walking and would throughly recommend it as part of your hillwalking kit.
I bought mine cheap on Fleabay, think I paid around thirty quid for it.
Title: Re: Bothy Bags
Post by: RedLeader on May 26, 2011
Why do I always have to be the one to ask  ::) What weight for a small one?
Title: Re: Bothy Bags
Post by: Kayakgirl on May 26, 2011
Around four to five stone, but don't think it would be an issue..
Title: Re: Bothy Bags
Post by: whoRya on May 26, 2011
Was kinda wondering that Red Leader.  More from the point of view of the 8 person one.  I'm sure everyone else appreciates Shamara bringing it with her.  Not very divisible though.
Title: Re: Bothy Bags
Post by: surfnscenic on June 09, 2011
Was nosing about in TK Maxx, Lisburn today and found a 2-3 person emergency shelter for £16.99 reduced from £44.99 so just had to buy.  Also found a sleeping bag liner for £9.99 so that too had to come as well.

Strangely the shelves were actually tidy and all the outdoor kit was neatly hung up and easy to see.  other items include:-gaiters, walking poles, dry bags, stuff sacks, first aid kits,head torches.

Well worth a visit as you never know what just mightbe for sale.

Happy shopping.