I will share my own experiences with the Jura 2 Sleeping bag, over the last decade, to help you decide is the DD Hammocks Jura 2 sleeping bag is the right choice for your own hammock camping adventures.

Its not designed for extreme weather conditions, However I have used the DD Jura 2 all year round, here in the UK. In extreme cold conditions. However, I have had to make some allowances for using the DD Jura 2 in conditions it wasn't designed for.

DD Hammocks did a fantastic job designing the Jura 2 Sleeping Bag, in my opinion. If you've ever tried to get in and out of a right or left-hand zipped sleeping bag at 5 am on a frosty January morning to go to the toilet, you already know it's a task that becomes more challenging with age!

CENTER ZIP DESIGN

A center zip design on a sleeping bag would be my first choice when selecting any sleeping bag I intend to use with a hammock. A center zip sleeping bag simply opens up like a "butterfly" inside the hammock, allowing easy access without needing to stand with your feet in the mud. It also allows full use of your arms if you choose to get into the Jura 2 before getting inside your hammock. From experience... watching a grown man with 5 or 6 whiskies in him, trying to get into a hammock when he's already fully zipped up in his side-zipped sleeping bag, is a hilarious sight for sure, if not extremely impractical. Which leads me neatly on to the next unique feature of the DD Jura 2...

WATERPROOF FOOT BOX

At one point or another, every hammock camper's sleeping bag will come into contact with the ground. The waterproof foot box is quite a unique design feature. It has proven over time to not just protect the sleeping bag itself from mud, dirt, and wet ground but also to add years of use, thereby increasing the Jura 2 Sleeping Bag's value for money!

LARGE INTERNAL MESH POCKETS

Thoughtfully placed large mesh pockets in the chest area on both sides of the center zip offer a handy place to store your mobile phone, battery bank, or other devices. In colder climates, these large mesh pockets can be used to hold battery or USB-powered pocket warmers right above your core to increase your comfort in more extreme conditions. It's also not uncommon to keep a small "pee bottle" in extreme conditions—you'll have the option to house one if you need it.

DURABLE MATERIALS

After a decade (at the time of updating this review), my three DD Jura 2's are starting to look a little "tatty," as you would expect considering the amount of use they've seen over the years. I've also "loaned" them out to several friends, followers, and customers. As a result, they've seen the odd burn from a runaway ember from a campfire or two over the years. Despite all this, the quality of the stitching and the materials has been more than acceptable in my opinion, especially when considering the price point of the Jura 2 Sleeping Bag. I've had my money's worth out of each of them, and then some!

SIZE & COLOUR OPTIONS

DD Hammocks offers the Jura 2 Sleeping Bag in a regular size and an XL size that—even for someone of my build (6ft, weighing 14.5 stone)—is huge! So if you're of a bigger build, the XL size will be suitable for you. A few years back, a multicam pattern available in both sizes was also introduced to complement the original olive green colour of the Jura 2. The XL size, as you would expect, is quite big and bulky when packed up, which is something to consider if space is an issue for you. I would imagine if you're big enough to need a Jura 2 XL Sleeping Bag, you won't be doing 25-mile hikes on foot to feel the difference in pack-down size of the XL version.

When our first stock order arrived from DD Hammocks, I was already familiar with the highly praised DD Jura 2 Sleeping Bag. After extensive conversations with DD Hammocks about their products, I was eager to try it out.

Upon unpacking, the Jura 2 didn't look any larger or heavier than other 3-season sleeping bags. I unzipped it, left it to "puff out," and went for a cup of tea. It expanded quickly, and upon closer inspection, I was impressed with the value offered for its price.

The DD Jura 2 Sleeping Bag is a 3-season "mummy" style bag, rated down to -5 degrees. It features a convenient front zipper, making it easier to get in and out of when hammock camping. With two internal mesh pockets and a waterproof, heavy-duty footbox—a unique feature—it stands out. The external and internal stitching is robust and well-crafted, surpassing the quality of some more expensive sleeping bags I've seen.

By the time I wrote this review, I had tested nearly the entire DD Hammocks range with my DD Jura 2 Sleeping Bag. This included the DD Superlight Hammock, DD Frontline Hammock, DD Superlight Frontline Hammock, DD Frontline XL Hammock, DD Camping Hammock, and the DD Underblanket, as well as a few unbranded hammocks.

I also used it while ground-dwelling on numerous wild camping trips. I found that the performance of the DD Jura 2 Sleeping Bag remained consistent regardless of which camping hammock I used during my adventures.

Throughout the testing of the DD Jura 2 Sleeping Bag, I went camping four nights a week, almost every week, for over a year and a half at the time of writing this review. So, the Jura 2 has experienced every season and every weather condition the U.K. could throw at us.

In this time, I can honestly say that I have no complaints at all about the Jura 2's quality or design. I have found it to be durable, and despite never being washed, it is still in great condition. The zipper and any potential weak spots have remained secure, with years of life left in them before they might become a concern. The foot box has also held up just as well. Although it has crinkled slightly due to my unique method of packing my entire sleep system for quick setup and takedown, it has not caused me any concern to this day.

As an avid wild camper, I can confidently say that I've never had an overly cold night using the DD Jura 2, even during the harshest winter months. But here's the thing—preparation is key. Throughout my testing, I always wore appropriate clothing for the weather. I also relied on the DD Hammocks Underblanket and my trusty DD Superlight Tarp to shield myself from the biting wind. Natural cover played a crucial role in my camp spot selection, further enhancing my comfort.

These elements are essential to consider when deciding if the DD Jura 2 is the right fit for you as a year-round sleeping bag.

What surprised me most was the Jura 2's performance in warmer months. I initially feared it might be too warm, but simply unzipping it provided perfect ventilation. Moreover, by flipping it on its back, it transforms into a DD Hammock Quilt, showcasing its incredible versatility. This adaptability makes the DD Jura 2 a year-round sleeping bag that's indispensable when paired with other essential camping gear.

If you're specifically looking for an "extreme" cold weather sleeping bag, this might not be the best choice for you. However, we do have a large selection of "extreme" cold weather sleeping bags that you might find suitable.

If you intend on hammock camping year-round in the UK, then yes, the Jura 2 is a great choice. However, when used with a hammock, it does get a little frosty in the colder months. This isn't due to any flaw with the Jura 2 Sleeping Bag, but rather the physics of hammock camping. You naturally compress the insulation under you while lying in a hammock. It's not long before the cold air flowing underneath starts to drop your core temperature. This issue is true for more expensive "cold weather" sleeping bags as well. An underblanket addresses this issue directly.

Illustrated above was a side-by-side comparison with a DD Jura 2 Sleeping Bag in each hammock, one with an underblanket, and one without. The test took place in early January over a two-night stay, with temperatures consistently between -4 degrees during the night to +3 degrees during the day. Two people swapped hammocks each evening. The results of this test weren't surprising to me. Hammock camping in sub-zero temperatures isn't for the faint of heart on a good day. However, it can be a very enjoyable experience if you're well-prepared. Without an underblanket in these temperatures, you can expect your underside to start getting cold within the first hour. By the second hour, your feet will be cold, as your body compensates for the cold. Three to five hours in, you'll likely not be having a good time without an underblanket!

The DD Jura 2 sleeping bag offers great value for the price, but be aware of its limitations. If you plan to regularly camp in sub-zero temperatures, I recommend carrying means of generating heat, such as a single wall steel water bottle filled with boiling water and wrapped in a shemagh or a t-shirt, or hand warmers. Using a sleeping bag liner in conjunction with these items can also be helpful.

Using an underblanket, such as the DD Underblanket, is an essential addition to your hammock camping setup for cold weather conditions. In sub-zero conditions, I recommend taking advantage of any available natural cover, ensuring you have set up your underblanket correctly, and improvising some way of generating heat within your sleep system. Sub-zero temperatures can be dangerous if you are unprepared.

Over the last decade, we have sold thousands of DD Jura 2 Sleeping Bags. Many of our customers are active members of the Wylie's Outdoor World Facebook Group. If you'd like a second opinion from fellow hammock campers who have also purchased the DD Jura 2 Sleeping Bag, we warmly invite you to join our community. You’ll find our members friendly, helpful, and always ready to share their experiences and tips.

Diana Maudslay Cross

Regular Customer & Facebook Group Member

"As a short person, this is sadly too long for me. My feet didn’t reach the foot section! I gave it to my husband, and bought the long version for our son. The quality is great, really warm, and the front zip is a great feature."

John Mitchell

Outdoor Enthusiast & Facebook Group Member

"I've been using the DD Jura 2 Sleeping Bag for over a year now, and it has become my go-to for all my hammock camping trips. The center zip design is incredibly convenient, especially for those cold early mornings. The quality and durability are top-notch, and it keeps me warm even in colder weather. Highly recommend to anyone looking for a reliable sleeping bag for year-round use!"

Samantha Brooks

Hammock Camper & Facebook Group Member

"The DD Jura 2 Sleeping Bag has been a game-changer for my camping trips. I was initially hesitant about hammock camping in colder weather, but Drew's advice from the Facebook group gave me the confidence to try it out. His tips on pairing the Jura 2 with an underblanket really made a difference. The bag is warm, comfortable, and the front zip is super convenient. I can't recommend it enough!"

Mick Gateley

Facebook Group Admin & Regular Customer

"Over the years, I have bought countless things from Drew. I am also the Wylie's Outdoor World Facebook Group Admin and have done several videos on the Jura 2. The DD Jura 2 Sleeping Bag is a top-notch product that I highly recommend. It's reliable, durable, and has never let me down on my camping trips."

The DD Hammocks Jura 2 Sleeping Bag offers excellent value for money and is ideal for hammock campers planning to use it for most of the year.

In my opinion, the DD Jura 2 is one of the best options in its price range for hammock camping. It’s durable and highly capable within its intended range of use. With some forward planning and the complementary items mentioned earlier in this blog, it can handle more extreme weather conditions by enhancing its insulation properties.

If you prefer to use one sleeping bag year-round, are looking for a fairly priced option that will last for years, and need something that’s not too warm in the summer and adequate for most UK weather conditions, then the DD Hammocks Jura 2 Sleeping Bag is perfect for you!

However, if you are a "die-hard" extreme cold weather hammock camper looking for a sleeping bag specifically for the coldest months of the year, I recommend choosing a 4-season, center-zip, mummy design sleeping bag.