Alpkit Pipedream 400?

Dylan

10/04/2012 at 19:52

Is this suitable for uk mountain camping from spring through to autumn, or would the 600 be better. It says alpkit comfort of -3 on their website, although I'm not sure what that exactly means.

Does anyone have one?

Jon Doran

10/04/2012 at 20:11

Comfort means what it says, it's the level at which a normal person would sleep comfortably. Limit of comfort - which is the Apkit figure - is again pretty much what it sounds like, the coldest level an average sort of person can sleep comfortably. Extreme rating is just about staying alive in a cold and shivery marginal sort of way, but Alpkit doesn't quote that one,

It kind of depends on your to be honest. The Pipedream 400 is about right for me for three-season use, maybe with an extra top and hat if things get cold, but people sleep at different temperatures, some feel the cold more, if that makes any sense. I'd say yes, it should be fine unless you're someone who sleeps on the cold side.

OutdoorsMagic Editor | jon@outdoorsmagic.com

bear bones

10/04/2012 at 21:07

Lovely bags but for me a PD 600 is more suited to 3 season use. As Jon says above though, everyone's different.

Beth

10/04/2012 at 21:17

I have a PD400 and find it's warm enough down to near freezing. Depends not only on how you sleep but your preperations beforehand. Hang about in the cold for a while and hope the bag warms you up. Or have a hot drink, short stroll about, and then dive in can make a big difference.

Imperial Dave

10/04/2012 at 21:20

I've taken mine down to -9 (dry) with a good mat and its been ok but it is definitely down to the individual, the prevailing conditions etc

Stephen

10/04/2012 at 21:29

I suffer from itsfeckingfreezing and found the Pd400 good down to +5 by itself and much further below with appropiate clothing.

ed h

10/04/2012 at 22:01

Down to about 0 for me.

I don't muck about these days when camping - prefer to be warm - so my three-season bag goes down (sic) to -9

Stephen

10/04/2012 at 22:15

ed h wrote (see)

Down to about 0 for me.
I don't muck about these days when camping - prefer to be warm - so my three-season bag goes down (sic) to -9

Still using a WM Ultralite Ed?

Hutchie

10/04/2012 at 22:30

I have a PD800 and am very impressed with it. Struggled to decide between it and the PD600 but i am happy with my choice. Used it down to about -4 and been very comfy but i was surprised at how much of a big girls blouse i turned out to be. I've only felt too warm in it once so i undid the zip, stuck my feet in the toe box and used it as a quilt.

ed h

10/04/2012 at 23:05

That's the one Stephen; most commodious.

Imperial Dave

10/04/2012 at 23:19

but i find that damp conditions really drop the rating of a sleeping bag especially a down one

Mole

10/04/2012 at 23:57

what Dave says

When new, I had my PD400 down to -8C once and -10C another time (in tent with outdoor clothing -montane extreme+ baselayer and 'winter weight' trousers + fibre pile bootees) Just about ok - not toasting though.

It is fine for me for a mildly frosty night in a 2 skin tent (3 season?), but now (nearly 4 years later) I'll take my -10 rated bag if I think it is going to go below -1 - getting soft with middle age!? (probably need to get the PD cleaned as it isn't as lofty as it was)

Imperial Dave

11/04/2012 at 00:01

what Mole said

he's definitely getting soft with age

my PD400 still lofts really well, still a super bag

Imperial Dave

11/04/2012 at 00:03

Edited: 11/04/2012 at 00:04

Mole

11/04/2012 at 08:16

thanks Dave

Imperial Dave

11/04/2012 at 09:00

me too though, on the age and comfort temperature thing though

Stephen

11/04/2012 at 09:35

ed h wrote (see)

That's the one Stephen; most commodious.

Yes WM do make quiet neat gear

.Matt.

11/04/2012 at 13:57

I've used my PD400 down to around -5C and was toasty warm, although I do tend to try to ensure I help myself out in cold weather by having a hot drink beforehand etc. I could easily have taken it to lower temperatures as I was just wearing a base layer at the time. As everyone else has said it mostly depends on how warm you tend to sleep anyway.

Nick the ex Mod

11/04/2012 at 16:36

Brought my old phd 400 from alpkit for 30 quid.

Been used down to -10. so yes it great for all season use in the uk. (although not too roomy inside, so if your a fat bastard forget it.)

Mine doesn't loft so well these days cos i left it packed into a stuff sack for well over a year.

Dylan

11/04/2012 at 20:46

Thanks all, think I'll go with the 400.

Shopping

Most popular

Competitions

Promotions