Hi, I was just wondering if anyone could recommend a decent down sleeping bag, preferably under £200, for multi-day backpacking in the Andes (4000m+) in July-Sept and Patagonia in Nov-Dec.
I run fairly hot and sleep warm but will need something warmer than the synthetic one I have at the moment.
Thanks in advance.
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 Check out the Alpkit range, you will be fairly limited with a 200 quid bonus looking for a warm down bag, but Alpkit stuff is very cheap for what you get, and really excelent stuff too. Thats what I would go for!
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 I have a Mountain equipment Helium 800. It is generally far too warm for this country unless the temp is below freezing. It packs small and is very light for it's warmth. I have used it in scotland and the lakes when the weather is well below freezing and often left the tent door open and not had to close the hood on the bag even when it is freezing. They are good value for money and you should be able to get one for around 200, maybe a tad more. It is cut wider than the new zero bags. The construction is excellent. Remember with a down bag it is advisable to try to air it whenevr possible. http://www.summits.co.uk/acatalog/info_869.html http://www.cave-crag.co.uk/ProductDetails/mcs/ProductID/2106/GroupID/11/CategoryID/28/v/
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 Alpkit or wait to see what comes up in the PHD sales (usually February)...
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i agree with smeg, just picked up the alkit pipedream rated to -7 for £120. im my opinion this is a £250 bag without the marketing and shop. 
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 You should be able to find a good bag for that budget at this time of year - I picked up a Rab Quantum 600 (-12 according to the lore) for £199 a few weeks ago from The Outdoor Shop. The other suggestions are good too - although the Alpkit range are relatively cheap, they are also a little heavier than some of the more expensive bags, but still a great deal; personally I do not think the hoods are that great on them though.
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I can Highly recommend any of the cumulus down bags, a bit like the comment above, made using the finest but without the brand name. For £200 you can get Cumulus Mysterious Traveller 750 that has a comfort rating of -16 or for £185 the 650 version with a comfort rating of -12. checkout this comparison on weights, ratings, packsizes & prices.
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How about these for your Andes and these for your Feeties? I'll get my coat... John
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I think Michael's find is the best suggestion so far. That's a great price for a Rab Ladakh 800 bag which retails at £245!
I have an older model of this (circa 2000) and it's never let me down. The only time I was anything like cold was in a wild bivvy at 5500m in Tibet and my trusty thermometer put the temperature at -19C!
Recent anecdote of great customer service from Rab as well. In November I sent away said bag to Franklins (as recommended) to be cleaned for the first time. It was returned in less than a fortnight, very clean and like new. EXCEPT that two of the baffles over the chest area seemed to contain no down at all!
I spoke to Franklins and they said the down may have shifted into the neighbouring baffles as they are not sealed at the end and that the down should return with normal use.
So I stuffed it in and out of the stuff sack a few times and spent two nights in it in bunk house with no change at all. I sent it back to Rab for investigation and they redistributed the down, topped it up to full weight and sent it back to me in perfect condition!
I am a Rab fan!
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Thanks for the replies.
I've gone for the cheap option: Alpkit Skyehigh 800 (Skyehigh 1000 is too heavy). It weighs about 1.2kg, which isn't bad and should be comfortable down to about -10. Although it's slightly heavier than the Pipedream 600, the outer material is a bit tougher/ water resistant and it's touch warmer too.
Btw, Alpkit do a hooded down jacket with 650+ fill for £65. Bargain.
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I've just checked out the Rab deals at Rockrun - The Ladakh is indeed a good find.
I may order this too and weigh both bags up and return the one I don't want. Oh, and the Skyehigh 800 is closer to 1.5kg.
Thanks.
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