[Closed] ALPKIT Pipedream 400 down sleeping bag, and owners on here?❓

I've an XL 200. @6ft 3 (it's still snug)

It's a fine bag for what it is and what it costs. It's built to a price and if you have any better bags it shows. If you know no better then it's a great bag.

Its also on the optimistic side with their ratings compared to my other bags. But in the south that's probably not an issue.

My go to bag is a blue kazoo. It is heavier and bulkier but I know I'll have a good night. I take the 200 when I want to be extra light and I know I'll be at low levels.

I have the bag (albeit an older one) and it’s great. I’m 6ff and fitting is fine. The pertex on the outer is very thin so it feels like it might tear but no issues so far. Packs up very nicely into the perfect sized bundle for your handlebars. In fact I can fit in a down jacket too. That way I’ve either got the jacket for an extra later if temperature really drops or I’ve got a comfy pillow 😉

Thanks for info guys.

@ibnchris Do you have the regular size bag or the long one mate?

I have one, Im a few inches off 6 foot, but it should fit you. Warmth wise thats very personal, depends how fat you are. But I find a dry base layer worn will make all the difference, then usually later in the night I end up taking it off. Inside a 3 man tent it was warm down to -4 degrees. In a bivi bag I think it depends on you and humidity etc.

Bloody good value however. Mine packs up into my camelbak.

Bought the 600 around 6 or 7 years ago and used it probably 40 nights. It's great, though I defo need to beef it up in winter with a liner and underclothes. A 400 would be too cold for me in winter, and I might struggle a bit in autumn too (I'm usually wild camping in the Lakes, at 400-700m above sea level). I think my 600 only weighs in at 900g, if I remember rightly. Was a great value bag when I bought it, and proving plenty tough enough.

Do a search on the Bearbones forums (the search actually does work!) as questions like this come up fairly frequently. About 190 posts with "pipedream" in them.

If you are a cold sleeper look at the "comfort" rating, if you are a warm sleeper then look at the "limit". A bit more practical than the "average woman" and "average man" that EN13537 refers to.

I've got a pipe dream - I think its a 400 - lost the order details, was a few years ago.

It packs small, pretty light, have used it infrequently, I'd say that the comfort rating is a bit optimistic -- certainly used it last year - admittedly I think I just rolled it out and didn't get jiggy with agitating it - found it quite cold (though also admittedly I was quite cold too - was a big day across Holland and I was knackered and hungry).

But I think that's been covered above -- its a good bag for the price and as taster of what is possible if that makes sense.

I have the XL version which has been well used. I concur that the ratings may be a bit generous. I have been very cold at -5 despite wearing quite a lot of clothing in mine. Admittedly that was using a summer mat. Used it reasonably happily down to freezing with a decent mat though. Its worth noting that when I bought mine the XL used the same amount of down but spread out over a larger bag so will not be as warm. I assume its still the same. I'm a tall skinny type and think its probably too wide for me and thus a bit cooler. The simple hood without neck baffle isn't great in use either for me. Zip is relatively easy to catch on mine too which led to a small tear. I also have a summer cumulus lite line bag and would probably fork out the small bit extra for the comparable bag if buying again.

Which are most important to you: price; weight; bulk; temp rating? They all depend on one another so: less weight and bulk for the same rating means more money, etc.

One option might be Cumulus bags (sold as Criterion in the UK for some reason), their 350 https://backcountry.scot/product/criterion-down-sleeping-bags-quantum-350/ model is rated to -6C and weighs 695g but costs £290. My wife has the Cumulus 350 quilt* and has been fine at -6C in that so I think the rating is about right. Here's their full line up - http://sleepingbags-cumulus.eu/uk/categories/sleeping-bags/down-sleeping-bags You can get Cumulus bags from various EU retailers, I've used https://www.outdoorline.sk/en/sleeping-bags .

If money's no object then there's PHD - ducks and runs for cover!

*We have a full range of bags and quilts from 400g summer bags all the way up to 1.8kg bags like the Alpkit ArcticDream rated to -30C

Thanks for info guys!

There are some on Amazon that look good too. For around 100£ or so.

What do you think of this for instance?

Anyoo Mummy Goose Down Sleeping Bag Ultralight Portable 3 Season for Backpacking Hiking Camping Indoor & Outdoor Use for Adult https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B074CS26J8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_zM7LDbM4B9K96
In 800 gram and 1200 gram. Both a bit heavier and a bit bigger (packed) than the Pipedream. Lot cheaper though.

I'll only be camping in the south of the UK worth a good quality bivvy bag and mat too.

I bought the PD400 and ended up sending it back. Didn't like the neck baffle (just a flap of material rather than drawstring) and the skinny zip baffle. Bought a Mountain Equipment Helium which was slightly cheaper but seems much better made, and has served me well so far. 6'2 and went XL which I'm happy with, but think you'd be fine with regular.

I have the 2009 PD 400. Normal size at 6ft. I sleep cold and agree with posts above saying it's slightly optimistic. Otherwise great. I use a silk liner to cut down on washing and make it a tiny bit warmer.

ME Helium 400 is £175 at Gaynor Sports

review of both bags here https://www.wiredforadventure.com/best-down-sleeping-bags-2017/

I’ve got the regular I think...