It’s getting to that time of year, certainly in the UK, where thoughts are gently turning to autumn/winter camping. Obviously, key components of any autumn/winter kit are the shelter and sleep system, and a decent winter sleeping bag for the cold months is a must.
When it comes to sleeping bags, one brand that everyone should know about is Carinthia. Carinthia make very well regarded sleeping bags. Made in Europe to very high standards, Carinthia sleeping bags feature G-loft, which gives them a superb warmth to weight ratio whilst remaining highly breathable. On top of that, they are excellent value for money. Today we are comparing the specs of two of their best known synthetic-filled sleeping bags by doing a Carinthia Defence 4 vs 6 spec comparison.
Carinthia Defence 4 vs 6 – spec comparison
Carinthia Defence 4 sleeping bag
Price:
CHECK PRICE AND AVAILABILITY – AMAZON.CO.UK
Note: It’s worth checking the availability and price on Amazon.co.uk. However, we have not seen Carinthia sleeping bags for sale on Amazon.com. Other online stores that seem to stock the Carinthia sleeping bags include Varusteleka, Alpinstore, GearFreak, AddNature and Bikester. Most of these stores seem to ship worldwide too.
Seasons:
3
Temperature rating:
-8.8C Comfort
-15C Limit
-35C Extreme
Weight:
1.85kg Medium
2.0kg Large
Dimensions:
215cm x 85cm x 57xm Medium
230cm x 87cm x 60cm Large
These are really roomy sleeping bags.
Materials:
Insulation: G-LOFT®, 100% Polyester
Outer fabric: 100% Polyamide
Inner lining: 100% Polyamide
Pack size:
25cm x 30cm Medium
25cm x 32cm Large
Manufactured in:
Europe
Colour:
Olive, Multicam
Zipper location:
Central zipper
Outer layer:
Outer layer is water repellent, wind resistant and really robust.
Shape:
Mummy
Price:
CHECK PRICE AND AVAILABILITY – AMAZON.CO.UK
Carinthia Defence 6 sleeping bag
Price:
CHECK PRICE AND AVAILABILITY – AMAZON.CO.UK
Again, it’s worth checking the availability and price on Amazon.co.uk. However, we have not seen Carinthia sleeping bags for sale on Amazon.com. Other online stores that seem to stock the Carinthia sleeping bags include Varusteleka, Alpinstore, GearFreak, AddNature and Bikester. Most of these stores seem to ship worldwide too.
Seasons:
4
Temperature rating:
Comfort rating for the Defence 6 isn’t provided for some reason but it is perhaps around -12C. Check with Carinthia before you buy if you want the accurate figure.
-18C Limit
-40C Extreme
Weight:
2.6kg
Dimensions:
230cm x 87cm x 60cm. This is really roomy for a 4 season bag.
Materials:
Insulation: G-LOFT®, 100% Polyester
Outer fabric: 100% Polyamide
Inner lining: 100% Polyamide
Pack size:
25cm x 45cm
Manufactured in:
Europe
Colour:
Olive
Zipper location:
Central zipper
Outer layer:
Outer layer is water repellent, wind resistant and really robust.
Shape:
Mummy
Price:
CHECK PRICE AND AVAILABILITY – AMAZON.CO.UK
Carinthia Defence 4 vs 6 – Key differences
- The Defence 6 is warmer than the Defence 4.
- The Defence 6 is made with a 3-layer construction with loose outer shell to trap even more warm air. The Carinthia 4 utilises a 2-layer construction.
- The Defence 6 has a neck baffle and a heat reflection insert to reflect and trap in that warm air.
- The Defence 6 is quite a bit heavier with a bigger pack size but is not actually massively warmer than the Defence 4, in terms of it’s rating.
- The Defence 6 costs more than the Defence 4.
So that’s our Carinthia Defence 4 vs 6 spec comparison. Both are great sleeping bags – well made, roomy, warm and robust – much loved by those who already have one of them. Carinthia have been perfecting their products for many years – these guys know how to make good kit.
The small face hole may take a little getting used to, but the benefit is that there is little space for warm air to escape from the sleeping bag.
The Defence sleeping bags are designed for military use and are therefore heavy-duty and robust.
These sleeping bags are not the lightest, so they are probably not going to appeal to backpackers or mountain top wild-campers. However, if you want a bomb-proof sleeping bag that will perform whether you’re sleeping on the bare ground or in a bivy, lavvu, tent or tarp etc then the Carinthia Defence 4 and the Carinthia Defence 6 are two sleeping you just have to consider.
Finally, if you’re thinking of purchasing a hot-tent for your winter camping check out our OneTigris Smokey Hut vs Iron Wall article.
