Have you looked at [url=http://www.duluthpack.com]In their camping section look for bed rools.I just learned of them but they have been around since 1882.Companies that are still around that long must be reputable.They even sell Gransfors axes..
BOATMAN

what about this...

http://www.geocities.com/ecotat/ecotatLWSBMP.htm

It looks promising.

Thanks for the suggestions guys, but most of them involve US kit which is expensive or imposible to get over here. You've given me loads of ideas though <img src="images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />.

I like the idea: does any one know of a supplier in the US? <img src="images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

Pete.. there is a UK based sleeping bag manufacturer which makes high quality bags which weigh half a kilo and crush down to the size of a baseball. ..
To get the idea, look at this Australian equivalent [ scroll down to the Palm 1 and Palm 3 bags ] to get an idea of how small you can pack the high technology bags.

http://www.extremeequipment.com.au/sleeping1.html

The UK equivalent is on issue to the British Army. I guess you need to consider expected climatic conditions and whether you are a 'hot' or 'cold' sleeper.
My experience is that you can easily add more thermal wear and take a 'lighter' bag, if size and weight is a problem...
Hope this is helpful.. I cannot remember the UK manufacturer's name, but they have advertised in outdoors magazines here in Australia, so should be easily found in UK outlets...
PeterR

I think you must be taking about the snugpak softie 3. I have been searching for a new sleeping bag for a while and have read loads of reviews. Snugpak often gets bad reviews and most people universally say that the temperature rating is way out. Anyway, today I purchased a new sleeping bag. mountain equipment sleepwalker 1. Goes down to -5 degrees c.
Thanks for the reply anyway. However that is not what i'm looking for. This thread is about the persuit of a versatille bedroll, not a sleeping bag.
Cheers

All sites below sell in the UK


dropzone poncho-liner

SOF poncho-liner

quilts and bag liners

silvermans poncho-liner and basha

poncho-liner

Thanks for the links. I was aware that UK companies sold the liner (didn't know that many did <img src="images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />) but most of them are around £30. I have looked at and considered the travelproof quilt and poncho, indeed I have ordered from them before (well i've ordered one of their products from a different site). it was the jungle basha. My sister has the quilt and is currently living in india and using it all the time.
Thanks again. Sorry this is post is such a mess.

I have been working on this and have come up with something. OK, it's not what I originally planned, but it's something to start off with that I can add to. What I have come up with is:
A fleece sleeping bag liner that I bought for £16 locally.
A wool blanket that folds up pretty small and is versatille.
A reflective blanket. I think its called a sportsman's blanket in the US. The only other one I've seen in the UK was in the local shop as I got the fleece liner and cost £20. I didn't buy that one, but I saw this one today for £5 so I snaped it up. It is a ripstop aluminised sheet on one side and blue tarp on the other. It has a strong edge around the outside and big grommets at the corners. This could be used as a tarp, groundsheet or as a sort of bivi bag. Maybe in the future I'll cut a hole in the middle to use it like a poncho as originally stated.
In the bedroll there is also a piece of closed cell sleeping pad about 1/2 normal length to go under my torso. All this fits into a OD nylon stuffsack which, useing the drawcord and an additional piece of cord, is tied into a hudson bay pack so it can be strung across my shoulders like a traditional bedroll.
I haven't yet used this outdoors. When I do, i'll give feedback

I still welcome anymore ideas.

Chris,
I just found this from you in a relitively old post:
"I like the Aussie "Swagman" carry; a bedroll ( sleeping bag) slung under one shoulder, waterbag opposite with a light backpack, and my pockets full of essentials."
This is the sort of set up I've been dreaming of. What do think of my kit? Next I need to get a US 2 quart water bottle for over-the-shoulder carry.
Any suggestions?