Hi,
Space saver sale at alpkit
I've just ordered another pair of rythem bib shorts which I can highly recommend. £35 delivered is a bargain! I've been using them for 2 years. Great but of kit.
love alpkit.
i put in a pre order for a soloist the other day. Summer adventures here we come....
At lunch time all 3 cyclists in the office were tempted by a soloist
Pipe dream 200. Is that enough down to be worth it. Is it a bag for a very short summer season? I use to sleep warm now I'm more in the middle of the range
Ordered a Pipedream 400. Many thanks for the PSA.
Cool, just ordered an O'Hiro, been meaning to get one for a while...
Do I want a Pipedream 400? Am I actually going to use it?
Do I want a Pipedream 400? Am I actually going to use it?
Same here, I keep looking at it! 🙂
I was looking at their bib shorts, about to hit buy, and then the reviews of semi-transparency* put me off...
Shame, as I bloody love alpkit stuff.
*Intentional
Thanks OP, bar bag ordered!
Do I want a Pipedream 400? Am I actually going to use it?
Same here, I keep looking at it! 🙂
Well I seem to have bought it, along with a stove, a cooking pot, some bowls, a water filter an air pump dry bag and some merino boxers. The soloist is tempting but I think I've settled on a TrekkerTent Stealth 1.
I was looking at their bib shorts, about to hit buy, and then the reviews of semi-transparency* put me off…
Shame, as I bloody love alpkit stuff
@submarined. I do wear mine with mtb shorts so please don't shoot me if you do buy a pair and then get arrested!
Re Pipedream 400, Same here but ordered it anyways along with a stove, ti pot!
I ordered a tent, bag, mat and pillow yesterday. I did not know the sale was on until I went on the site as I was going to place an order anyway. Well pleased with the saving. I went with the pipedream 200 bag. Hopefully this will be warm enough as I will only use it during the summer months.
Picked up some nice 3/4 bib shorts, thanks for this PSA.
What are the small 3L Gnaro bar bags like?
Those 3/4 bibs are more like 5/8, they barely cover the knee and I'm not particularly tall or long in the leg.
What are the small 3L Gnaro bar bags like?
I have one of the older green bags, its pretty good and I have used it many times. The only thing I would say bad about it, was that the straps would always work loose after a while.
So much so that I cut off the straps and replaced them with my own Velcro straps, but like I said mine is one of the older green bags, so they might be different now.
I was looking at their bib shorts, about to hit buy, and then the reviews of semi-transparency* put me off…
I've a pair, good and comfortable. No more transparent than any other black lycra bibs I wear.
Just bought the little 10l running pack they have. Can't complain at the price.
The Morphosis Jacket is 20 quid off at £80 or so and is a cracking moderately cool, partly light grid-lined windproof-ish top. Works very like Rab VR but at about half the price.
I thought the shorts were a bit see through, but I think it's actually that they've got a slight coppery sheen to them when stretched in certain light. I tested it by putting some bright blue fabric underneath them, and they still had the odd tinge.
I've just been and checked again. Didn't even put them on, just stretched the fabric in the sunlight and they look like there's tanned skin underneath.
I use the Gnaro as my handlebar bag for ITTs. I had the issue with the straps working loose, solved it by simply threading the strap back through the buckle.
Nice one OP. Gilet and Morphosis ordered for the missus, and some see through bid shorts for me 🙂
(only worn under baggies, sorry ladies).
Relented and bought a Griffon midweight fleece @ £35
I love what Alpkit do, but when I can see the exact same product in the "sale" costing 26% more than when I bought it 2 years ago (to the day) I start to think that they're following the Planet-X sales model
Relented and bought a Griffon midweight fleece @ £35
Really cracking value, I live in my Griffon "Sport Cardigan"
I love what Alpkit do, but when I can see the exact same product in the “sale” costing 26% more than when I bought it 2 years ago (to the day) I start to think that they’re following the Planet-X sales model
A lot of their catalogue will be made in China and paid for in Dollars (no different to many other "manufacturers"), so subject to the vagaries of exchange rates. I suspect the online sales are subsidising the shops to some extent as well. That said there seemed to be a jump in the price of down across the board a couple of years ago, didn't matter where you looked - UK, EU or USA - the prices jumped 20% or so.
Yup, i agree. Kinda used to see them as some kind of company that had this value/design add ethos (i used to work in procurement) but now see them as the same chinese made (no offence) brand added value price scalper as planet dead/off one...
Yup, i agree. Kinda used to see them as some kind of company that had this value/design add ethos (i used to work in procurement) but now see them as the same chinese made (no offence) brand added value price scalper as planet dead/off one…
eh?
any particular reasons for that feeling? I assume there are many given the strength of your attitude.
How does the sizing compare to DHB for the bib shorts?
I think Alpkit have to be careful. They're trying to toe the line between being a 'value' brand (where some weird fit or bad stitching is occasionally OK if the price is right) and being a full on aspirational brand with in-house designs at higher prices. I love nearly all the (many) Alpkit/Sonder things I've bought but a few years ago, they were super cheap. Now I feel like they're only slightly cheaper than Rab / ME / TNF / [other big brand]. It's just a dangerous middle-ground - neither here nor there. If they can consistently produce great stuff at 75% the price of those others then that's fine but if either the quality dips or the pricepoint creeps up they could be in trouble.
Whatever, I just bought the Woodsmoke I've been after for years, and a Morphosis which was recommended recently on here.
How does the sizing compare to DHB for the bib shorts?
No idea, but I have two pairs of 'L' DHB bib shorts which are vastly different size-wise.
They’re trying to toe the line between being a ‘value’ brand (where some weird fit or bad stitching is occasionally OK if the price is right) and being a full on aspirational brand with in-house designs at higher prices.
I agree. I just received a pair of Jeanius trousers. same size as a pair I bought in autumn and really like, but the fit of the new ones is totally different on the waistband- these fall down! It seems the QC isn't quite where it should be, with stitching and pockets in different places.
Overall though, I still like their stuff.
eh?
any particular reasons for that feeling? I assume there are many given the strength of your attitude.
Almost all of their cookware (for example) is catalogue stuff, which they get branded for a few pence more per item. You can buy the same thing elsewhere for less.
The custom bags built in the UK are awesome, and worth the money.
Ach, just realised the Jeanius jeans aren't the same as the old epic ones, I'd have had a couple of pairs if they were- some of the best clothes I've ever owned 🙁
Their Dozer is a cracking comfy 'sleep in/next to the car' comfy, grabbed another one for rhe missus, good PSA thanks.
Suspect that good value camping/outdoorsy kit is going to get rinsed this year when the weather improves so better to be organised.
Almost all of their cookware (for example) is catalogue stuff, which they get branded for a few pence more per item. You can buy the same thing elsewhere for less.
But it does come with alpkits customer service and 365 day returns and usually 3 year warranty. I feel that's worth paying more for.
There is also the alpkit foundation and their sustainability principles statement they follow.
There are far worse companies out there to buy from.
Personally I feel some things have gone up in price, I'm not convinced physical shops is the way forward, it's probably why the prices have gone up but I'll keep buying from them as they haven't let me down yet!
My bib shorts and gloves arrived today. Really nice kit. Can't wait to try them out.
Bought another woodsmoke as my first is great for riding & I might as well get the other colour & a morphosis.
Advice please: my TNF Thermoball has been great but lost its loft I think and not as warm as it once was ~6 years ago.
I have read that this is a characteristic of synthetic insulation...is this still the case? If so, the Filoment looks a good option (and if not, the choice seems bewildering!
@cynic-al - certainly for the established synthetics, of course it's too early to tell for the latest offerings. It's basically down (sic) to the fibres becoming more brittle over time along with general manhandling - stuffed into bags, sat on, etc. - which causes the fibres to break into ever smaller pieces. It's the tangle of fibres that traps the air that does the actual insulating so as this breaks down you lose more and more insulation.
As ever, it's about compromises: for active wear I'd go synthetic and accept that it has limited life so would buy the features that I want at as low a price to maintain quality. Simply no point in buying top of the range as it won't last any longer. For static stuff (i.e. camping) I go for down and get the best I can afford because I know that fifteen/twenty years from now it will still be good. Against that, down needs a little more care in use - avoid soaking; protect from body oils/sweat, that sort of thing.
My Balance jacket has just arrived. Looks just the thing - not quite a "dog walking" jacket, but for off-bike activities. It feels robust, solid shell. Time will tell I guess.
My Balance jacket has just arrived. Looks just the thing – not quite a “dog walking” jacket, but for off-bike activities. It feels robust, solid shell. Time will tell I guess.
And why not for on bike duties ?
I have been looking at buying one, but some of the comments I got back on here suggested that it may not be worth the 150 quid ...
Thoughts?
jimdubleyou
Full MemberAlmost all of their cookware (for example) is catalogue stuff, which they get branded for a few pence more per item. You can buy the same thing elsewhere for less.
I'd say that's fair but also they are pretty selective about what they sell so I'd trust it more than your average cheap rebrander where they'll stick the logo on anything. Also they back it better than most with customer service and warranty so just be sure you're really comparing like with like.
And why not for on bike duties
Because I have a bike-specific jacket for that which is covered in mud and fits better
Just bought a Morphosis, looks excellent. Wasn't sure about the sizing, I was close to the M/L boundary and although I'm nearly always M, the L is a better fit.
I have a lot of Alpkit stuff and it's all good value and nearly all good. I had some Ti channel tentpegs where they'd tried to be clever and make a notch half way down to hold the guy if the peg didn't go all the way in, but that made a weak point and they bent or broke - fully refunded after 18 months, no hassle at all. But their lightweight drybags are too light, and quickly lose their waterproofness.
Tested my alpkit gloves at the weekend. A perfect fit, so good, hardly felt like I had them on. No idea how they will last but, as above, they have a fantastic warranty.
*bump* / word from the wise please...
I had been eyeing up some ~500gm down jackets on Ultimatepursuit, there are some Fjerns (their in-house brand?) @ £100 (RRP ~£200 allegedly) and other random brands I've never heard of, I expect the Alpkit Filoment £99 from £139) would be a better or "safe bet" quality/designed jacket? I CBA ordering a few then sending most back if I can avoid...
While it will mostly be worn to the pub etc it should get used "properly" eg camping/bikepacking etc at some point.
Fjern stuff is pretty good. It's SP in-house brand so not much real world impartial reviews out there
AlpKit is good and also backed up by excellent customer service and they have real shops you can walk into to talk to somebody. And phone numbers that you can talk to someone on.
I have 2 Fjern hooded fleeces and a gilet and really like them.
I grabbed a PD400 (the 200 just doesn't make sense - it's only like 190g lighter, has much less down, no baffle, and is stitch through rather than box wall) and a few other bits.
Has anyone tried the hooped bivy for solo bikepacking? At about 900g, you can get a 3f Lanshan chinese ultralight 1p tent for 700g + poles/pole.
@cynic-al - no experience of the SP/Fjern kit but my wife has a Filoment jacket and it would be fine for the usage you describe.
@continuity - I'd be more inclined to go for the Soloist tent - not much heavier but much more versatile. Getting in and out of a bivy bag when it's chucking it down without getting everything inside wet is an exercise in frustration. There's also this - https://www.weirdosonbikes.com/product/ultralight-one-man-tent/
Had some Alpkit sales success! I'd almost given up on their upper body garments after trying and returning one shirt and three jackets that were all too big in the middle but a bit snug across the back and shoulders - however I just got a Fantom down jacket and it fits! Can't see myself using it until the far side of summer but that's why it was discounted. Feels really nice.
And I just got two pairs of their techy jeans - Jeanius in a large/long (need a belt but a great fit otherwise) and Sequence in a medium/long (perfect fit without a belt - miracle!) Very happy.
I think their clothing comes from several different manufacturers each of whom have their own size charts! Look at the tops on this page - https://alpkit.com/collections/mens-midlayers , it may be how they are photographed but pretty well every top has a different profile with any "waisting" at different points.
My Griffon mid-weight fleece arrived this AM, slightly big around the stomach and just snug around the shoulders.
@cynic-al - I'm quite confused to be honest! I'm 5'10.5" tall, 33.5" leg, 6'2" arm span. About a year ago I was a bit over 13.5 stone, but since the gym's been shut and I've been denied my regular meetings with a barbell I've probably lost about a stone, maybe a bit more. I'm now probably pretty middling compared to generic MTBers, bigger compared to roadies and XC riders and slim compared to the general populace in the 30/40ish age bracket.
Alpkit stuff often being big on the lower torso but tight on the back/shoulders confuses me because I thought stereotypical rock climbers were even more inverted triangle shape than I am, and surely they're a key part of their market?
"My Griffon mid-weight fleece arrived this AM, slightly big around the stomach and just snug around the shoulders."
I've had one of these for a while now and really like it - I'd say it's more of a lightweight microfleece though, similar to a heavy base layer. It's so stretchy that mine is a medium and fits snugly all over.
Cheers, that was my point, I would expect Alpkit "proper" outdoors stuff to be for slim physiques (I'm 6'0", 12 stone) and I hate stuff that doesn't fit well.
@continuity I have the hooped bivvy, tried it once and didn’t really get on with it. Found it a bit claustrophobic and I couldn’t sleep on my side without compressing my sleeping bag. If you’re of average size and sleep on your back, you might like it. Mine will be going in the classifieds at some point.
Next question, I don’t really get on with mummy bags. Anybody tried the Cloud Nine bag? https://alpkit.com/products/cloud-nine
Might treat myself 🙂
Have you tried quilts? I started using them about four or five years ago and now find traditional bags way too restrictive.
Biggest problem might be getting hold of one on the sunlit uplands.
Have you tried quilts?
Pretty much use my bag as quilt in the summer, so I think it might be time to get something specific.
In alpkit range, I was looking at the Cloud Cover quilt, but it looks a bit lightweight, so that's what drew me to the Cloud Nine as it can be opened out if needed.
@whitestone - what quilts have you used / recommend?
The Cloud Cover quilt is okay down to say 8/9C
Below that it's too draughty for me. We've got them for the camper van.
If you've got a good mat they'll be okay in mild conditions
I've a Cumulus 150 and my wife's a 350. The 150 is fine for summer though I got it for multi-day rides/races. The 250 is probably the sweet spot for UK late spring through to autumn. They changed their design last year so they are now a bit wider which will suit any side sleepers. For me their temp ratings are pretty accurate. The 150 weighs 360g and the 350 around 570g
I know people who use Enlightened Equipment quilts - they used to be a bit light on the filling as they expected people to be wearing light down jackets and trousers! Their temp ratings are now a bit more realistic. There's also An Tucas and GramExpert but I've no experience of either.
The big problem is that EE are US based and the others are European so you'll get stung getting them here.
Doh! I bought a couple of Vango Cobra 400s for £169 each a month back as the Pipedreams were still full price 😔
Think the cobras will be good tho.
But I did receive my sale bibs and 3/4 bibshorts last week and they're great....swings and roundabouts!!
