Whilst I could lose a little weight at the moment I don't think I could be considered particularly large, but am I the only one to find Alpkit Pipedream a bit neat around the shoulders? I note the size is 5cm narrower than Alpine Dream. I felt quite claustrophobic when I tried my recent purchase - is this symptomatic of the mummy style of bag or does that couple of inches make so much difference? Unfortunately I have had to return the bag - pity as, otherwise, it was excellent value.

hmm im just considering buying one and im a bit of a porker, maybe i shouldnt buy one, im just trying to find the sizes for my current bag to see how it compares as i really could do with a new bag for the weekend going that i have just got back from a similar height and it was bloody freezing.

have the new pipedream 400s got a full length zip? as it says they do on their website

I had the 600, but I believe an earlier topic did mention a full zip on the 400.

ah right, i think ill chance it and buy one, if its no good i can always send it back..tonight has me worried that my current bag isnt up to it lol

It may just be me not used to a "mummy fit" Moggy - it seemed a top notch bag for the price and I probably could have got used to it. I was also conscious that I am planning some trips to colder climes and didn't think I would be comfortable if I needed a few more layers inside the bag.

no worries sand dancer, ill get one and if its no good ill send it back, i sleep pretty warm as it is but my current bag is rated to 15 degrees so always worry that if it turns cold ill get cold

I have the same problem with lightweight mummy bags - i have broad shoulders, so much so that i could barely zip up a Mountain Hardwear Phantom when i tried one. I've got a Snugpak softie chrysalis with a full length zip baffle which can be used to adjust the width, and very handy it is too.

It's tighter than a normal bag yes. This does make it warmer and a bit lighter however.
The hood is rubbish, but the rest of it is fantastic.

Ive ordered one and ill wait and see what its like when it comes, its nee good ill send it back and look for something else.

with the hood ptc...have the re designed it on the latest run..if so is it still crap?

cheers
Andy

It's still crap Andy, but I can live with it.

lol ...just intrested what makes it crap?

There's a bit bit of down under your head, but nothing at the sides, so when you pull it in it just tightens this big lump of down onto the top of your head,
I reckon it must look like you've got a black pertex beehive hairdo.
For winter camping I like the hood to offer a bit more protection, I find it leaves the face and neck a bit more exposed that I'm used to.
It could be a personal thing of course, so give it a try.
I've also changed the hood drawcords already, they were a faff although there may have been a bit missing from mine.
Overall though, I'm happy with it.

Thanks Pete, the info is much appreciated.

I don't find the hood that bad on my pipedream 400 but then it depends on what you like and want.

The Pipedream is designed like many lightweight down bags by Rab, ME and other makes, becasue down is an insulator it makes sense to have less air space and be closer to the body to make the bag much warmer. So its tight for a reason really, must admit I'm slightly overweight myself but I find my 400 fits fine and I was really impressed with it at -3 at 650m in the Lakes last week.

I know what Pete means about the hood, it is very simple and also small, don't expect a big luxurious thing around your head. I always carry warm headwear as part of my kit so if I started to get cold I'd wear that, but I didn't last week and it was chilly outside but I was snug.

Well i tried it last friday and saturday and think its fab.

it was freezing on friday and i was toasty warm.

I fit it it quite comfortably so my advice to anyone who is concerned about the fit is to get one to try...if its no good send it back.

Hi everyone, I'm after a down jacket and sleeping bag - i've done a bit of research and Alpkit seems to be great gear, particularly for the price. My main reason for investing in a jacket and bag is for a trekking trip to the Himalayas (Annapurna region) this October. Could anyone help me decide which Alpkit bag and Jacket would be best for this trip Alpine Dream or pipe dream. Filo, Filium or Fantom Jacket? Any advice woud be greatly appreciated. Many Thanks, John