Gear

Just had an email from ALPKIT. The Pipedream 400 down bag is back in

stock. Its rated down to -3, weighs about 750g and costs £130 delivered.

The packsize is small in the stuffbag and you also get a large cotton

storage bag to keep it lofted in. Its also shipped in a compression stuffsack

from the factory abroad so you actually get 3 storage bags! I got mine

several months ago and although i haven't used it to its lower temp

limit yet, it works for me as the full length zip helps vent it in milder

weather. PHD's  minim 300 (at sale price) and CUMULUS  ultralight

350 bag were my other options at the time.

thanks bringmesunshine

I emailed AlpKit about the Pipedream and they said they're a slim fit but I might squeeze into one. They're worth a punt I suppose but not sure I fancy being wedged into it. It's really a balance between a more fitted bag keeping your warmer, or a looser bag giving you a better nights sleep.

Did you look at the Cumulus in detail?
I've read conflicting reviews some say they're fab others not so.

Hi Justin. I've pretty much only heard good things online about Cumulus bags. Their

website goes into some detail about down quality and construction of bags. I think in

comparison with Alpkit the weight, packsize, warmth and price seems similar but you

may benefit from the extra length/ width of their bags. They quote the Ultralight 350 as

217/75cm whereas the Pipedream 400 is 210/70cm. I'm about 5ft 10" and of a slightly

sturdier (ahem!) frame than you and my pipedream fits pretty snugly both ways. If

you're 6ft 1" then an extra 7cm (ooer!) from the Cumulus range might suit you. If you

start looking into longer bags like phd and add zips the £150 soon goes out the

window.

Hope this helps!

cheers..
I'll have a good look at a Cumulus bag. The PD400 doesn't come in lardy-boy sizes or a long but its worth a try
I suppose that there must be some other bags in the sales that I can search the web for... i'll report back if i find anything

I very nearly bought a Cumulus bag but ended wih a PHD one.

I'd heard good things about them, but was put off in the end by the differential fill which I thought wouldn't suit my sleeping style, and the sneaky tactic of using US fill power ratings.

 I spent hours searching before I finally got the PD400. I think the ME Xero bags come in XL sizes if you can find a bargain online otherwise they're pricey when compared to phd's quality. Good luck if you take a punt with the Alpkit bag!

snowlion wrote (see)

its more than a kilo but im well impressed by my snugpak softie 6, best warmth to weight ratio of any synthetic bag ive come across

If you're still considering a synthetic I would suggest looking at the Snugpak Premier 1. I used one as my summer bag. Really soft and light, packs down well, I think I could take it to -2 with a base layer/fleece and I sleep cold (I seem to fit the EU standard)

the PD400 is a great all round bag and I've been in it in the depths of winter and its been warm enough for me

also rate the PHD bags but expensive in terms of £ per degree Celcius unless in the sale

bags?  pshaw.  sleep in your underpants and thank god there's a god.

PD400 does me all year round.  I use it open in summer as a big quilt, and add some extra layers or a liner when it gets very cold in January or camping high up. 

As for synthetic, have you seen the Mountain Hardware Ultralamina 32?

The UltraLamina looks good but as with most US bags I'd need a long version.
Why do they make standard bags that only fit up to 6ft? Very Annoying....

But even PHD bags are a bit small. Ultralight bags are up to 6ft and digging deeper on their site 42/44" chest is the limit too. Harumph

The quest continues...

Justin Murphy wrote (see)

The UltraLamina looks good but as with most US bags I'd need a long version.
Why do they make standard bags that only fit up to 6ft? Very Annoying....

I think the UK male average height is 5' 8" or 5' 10" so I guess they think a 'Standard' bag that goes up to 6' is being generous.

Taunton lesiure have some more rab alpine summit 300's back in stock and are £89.99. I got one earlier this year after but haven't tested it out yet.  I'm 6ft and 14 + stone and it's snug on me but not too tight.  

http://www.tauntonleisure.com/products/rab-summit-300---spring-offer-/4810/