I have had a Vango venom 300 for 7 years and need a warmer bag for winter treks. Compared with some down bags they are so reasonable and I wonder why. Am I missing something obvious.
They're fairly basic*, and the down is above average (600fp), but not the finest.
I don't think they're actually that cheap at rrp: Venom 150 is £85, 300 is £118.
I have a couple of the older style Venom 150s (I eventually bought 6 of the things at £20 each, and sold two on to friends, and two on UKC). I shall be using one this weekend...
* I note that the design has been revised since mine, but I don't recall seeing any revelatory changes when I've seen them since.
'Basic' sounds pejorative, but it's not intended as such; they lack bells and whistles design features, but do have what is needed, and the fabric used in mine is nice.
I notice that I bought mine in 2003... it's had a lot of use since then, as I take it when visiting friends & family to save them having to wash bedding, or when staying in bunkhouses/YHA etc.
Don't suppose I should compare but you can pay nearly three times as much for other down bags, which need a lot of bells and whistles to make up for the extra cost. I am quite happy with my bag just need a four season bag, though I have been in frost and a snow showers with the one I have.
for me the difference is weight, My cumulus down bag is around than half the weight and pack size of my old ME bag for the same warmth. That comes down to better materials, more complicated design (baffles etc) higher quality down. I expect it to last 10+ years and may well be the last one I buy so < £20pa is good value IMO.
I did a Silver DofE shadow 2 years ago with a pack weight of 18kg all in (inc 3 days food) the last walk I did in colder, higher conditions at easter my pack was 11Kg with the same amount of food.
I am not interested in super-lightweight backpacking but I will make improvements where I can.
> Don't suppose I should compare but you can pay nearly three times as much for other down bags,
You can, but, generally you're paying for better quality down (up to 900fp in the likes of PHD and top-end Cumulus) and better/lighter shell materials, and thus paying for the greater warmth:weight, rather than bells and whistles.
Alpkit bags are a similar quality to the Vango Venom, and very good value. Actually, the designs are probably superior. SkyeHigh uses 650fp 90/10 down, Pipedream 750fp 95/5, so they're using better quality down.
i used a vango bag for years, and went to replace it a couple of years ago and bought vango again, but was disappointed. not half as good i felt, quality or warmth, was classed as 3-4 season and i used it for 3 autumn months, hated it and replaced it.
but certainly that was the last time i chose items based on company name alone, now i compare and find reveiws and ask on here.
Before posting and parting with cash I was looking seriously,and still am, at the PHD Minim 400. It is a similar weight to my present bag just warmer I think. the Alpkit stuff does look good.
