Just seeking a bit of advice here - I'm after a lightwt 4 season sleeping bag, pretty much to survive the worst the UK can throw down. I'm pretty small (5'7.5") and feel the cold so am looking for a snug fit rather than a "roomy" bag.So far the following seem to be the best bet:PHD Minim 600Rab Alpine 600 - Alpine rather that Neutrino due to the Pertex lining?Appreciate any advice - or other options - thanksRich
Have you tried alpkit.com
“Life is not about waiting for the storms to pass ……… it’s about learning how to dance in the rain!”
Last month's TGO ( Dec 2011 - yes Jan 2012 has just arrived!!) had a back to back test of 15 four season down sleeping bags! The Alpkit Pipe Dream 800 got the TGO "Best Buy" award - possibly due to its value for money status at £180 / 1199g tested weight / -17*C rating.
Lightest on test was the PHD Hispar 500 - 948g tested weight / -15*C rating / BUT £419.
Both the above had a Weight / Loft ratio of 63.
'Warmest' on test was the Rab Andes 800 at -21*C rating / BUT 1615g tested weight / AND £410
With the highest Loft on test of 20cm, this bag had a Weight / Loft ratio of 81
Effectively, the lower the Weight / Loft ratio, then the thicker the bag for the weight that you are carrying; so a lower ratio is 'better' than a high one!
I was a bit of an oddball until I was abducted by aliens; but I'm perfectly OK now!
Well I think you've picked a couple of outstanding companies anyway. PHD bags are seriously good & as light for the warmth as they come. Alpkit provide outstanding value & amazing quality for the price. My bag's a PHD, my younger daughter's got an Alpkit down bag: both have proved themselves in cold conditions.
Andy Robinson
Runfurther committee member
Helsby Running Club
Rich, I'm guessing this is for the Spine? If so I wonder if down's a good idea because unless you have some serious dry-bags etc there's a good chance your sleeping bag might get wet and that's the kind of thing that could make the difference between finishing or notOriginally Posted by Rich1
Poacher turned game-keeper
Thanks all - the Alpkit bags look great - but are completely sold out! DT - correct! Agree re down and that's definitely a consideration - but am trying to balance that vs weightt/warmth. I'm only little so weight is really important, and I feel the cold! Do you have any good synthetic suggestions? Cheers
Sorry I don't have any synthetic suggestions. Good luck with the Spine. It sounds like a war of attrition to me and I wouldn't be surprised if very few if any starters reach the finish (assuming there are enough entries to run the event)
Poacher turned game-keeper
I haven't actually entered yet!! Still pondering and sitting on a very wide fence!!I believe it's definitely going ahead
Last edited by Rich1; 12-12-2011 at 11:54 AM.
if they have any in stock ....
Do you already have a thin bag? Have you looked at layering another one over or under?
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