Doesn't appear to be a lot of difference in spec between the 3. Unfortunately, the Mountain Hardwear is out of stock at Ellis Brigham (and this is the same reason that Alpkit dopn't make the shortlist - what is it with Down sleeping bags? Is the down so rationed that stocks are always low?) so we're left with either of the Rab bags or the ME. I personally have a love of ME stuff but don't own much in the way of Rab gear so I'm open to taking the plunge.
Anyone own/used one or the other and can vouch for it - or have any alternative suggestions? I should clarify that I'm doing the Machame route in November so the bag is primarily needed for that trip, plus other similar treks or UK winter camps in future.
Check out PHD - they have a sale on at the moment and their Minim500 bags are selling for £208. This will have a similar comfort temp rating to the ME bag (-10'C) but will be nearly half the total weight!
Fork out another £20 and you'll get the same bag with a more weather resistant outer shell which might be a better choice for that part of the world in November.
Different bags are different shapes and sizes, and what looks the same on paper might be comfort vs. coffin in practice. Get in, zip it up and see if you can scratch itches in awkward spots without being a contortionist...
My bags are MEs and I like them a lot, but Roos uses a Rab in preference because the shape just fits her better, while I'm a little cosier in the ME. So give them a try. I'd trust either to make a good bag.
Check out PHD - they have a sale on at the moment and their Minim500 bags are selling for £208. This will have a similar comfort temp rating to the ME bag (-10'C) but will be nearly half the total weight!
Fork out another £20 and you'll get the same bag with a more weather resistant outer shell which might be a better choice for that part of the world in November.
The PHD sale only lasts until Oct 10...
J
yeah but what if he's over 6ft and with more than a 42" chest. And PHD do get a bit excited with thier temp ratings.
I can recommend Cumulus bags, perhaps the MT 500 or 650
The main advantage of going up a grade of down (which will cost you) is if you plan to carry the bag backpacking in future. If your Kili trip is portered and your future winter camp plans are car-based then there's no great merit in seeking higher spec kit. However, higher loft down is said to keep its loft for longer too and is used in the higher quality brands so by going up a grade you aren't just lightening the load. It's your money and your call.
If you are confused by the different ratings then - all else being similar (construction, zip, materials) you can get a basic rule of thumb calculation of the warmth of a down bag by multiplying the down fill weight by the down fill power. The numbers themselves don't have sensible units but the bigger the number you get the warmer the bag should be in practice.
For that reason amongst others I doubt that the PHD Minim 500 is as warm as the ME Titan 850. I own a Minim 300 drishell and it's a terrific bag but the minimalist design is not suitable for all people and all purposes and PHD aren't using the (very conservative) EU rating system.
Peter - I haven't had a test lie and don't really have the opportunity to, unless I start ordering bags and sending them back etc.
I'm 6ft and of a slim runners build (11½st) so I will hopefully fit any of the bags without too much of an issue. PHD sounds good but I won't be doing a lot (if any) of winter backpacking where the bulk and weight will be an issue.
I'm going to stick with my budget I think and order the ME Titan.
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what if he's over 6ft and with more than a 42" chest. And PHD do get a bit excited with thier temp ratings.
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