Looking at replacing a very tired (and consequently, so am I) Mountain Equipment synthetic that has lasted far longer than it should have.
I'd like something a bit smaller and lighter when packed, so considering down, even though I have some misgivings.
Alpkit Pipedream, Rab Ascent, ME Helium/Classic all seem to tick the right boxes. I have had down bags before, so aware of their limitations.
Has synthetic improved a lot over the past few years? If so, I'd definitely have one.
Recommend owt?
I'm looking at 3/4 season, the old one was rated down to -7, which wasn't quite enough on occasion, even with a (cheap) liner.
All suggestions very welcome.
Thanks in advance.
Thoughts on down..
For years, I used synthetic bags for bikepacking, figuring (a) I'd regret getting a down bag wet and (b) bikepacking often involves muddy/dirty legs and little opportunity to get clean so I'd like to avoid the cleaning hassle of down.
After a while I thought "what's the point in having some nice down bags and not using them?"
So, if you still want synthetic then have a look at the MH Lamina bags. Just choose the right temp rating. My Lamina 32 was fine on all but the coldest nights which is when I'd bring out the Lamina 0. That's a bit of a beast to carry though.
For down, I'm currently using a 15 year old MH Phantom 32 (so 0 rated) for my summer(ish) bag and an equally aged RAB 900 for winter. Having said that, I opt to use a Cumulus 250 quilt as soon as the nights are warm enough.
I can't believe there's much variance at any rating between the big players. Have a look at www.ultralightoutdoorgear.co.uk for some comparisons.
Also, consider two bags or bag and a quilt. My Phantom 32 and Cumulus 250 are about as warm as my RAB but, even together, pack smaller and easier. That solution also offers a lot of flexibility to cover the seasons.
ME Helium is a lot nicer than the alpkit alternative and the long version had a lot better fit
MH lamina also good, pack surprisingly small for non down
Nice one, will have a browse!
Ta.
I’ve been happy with my Rab Neutrino 200. It can be underrated for ‘summer’ in the Gorms mind (would’ve been caught out a couple times early and late in season if I hadn’t more clothes to put on). Came with a dry/stuff bag.
To get around the dirty legs etc., I use a liner. Has the benefit of adding a little >< bit more to thermal rating...
It’s mostly a matter of how deep are your pockets. Doubt there’s much chance of a bargain at the moment but you never know (discount on Rab rarely exceeds 20%...)
I have 2 robens bags, a 3 and 4 season. Lovely bags, warm as they say they are and relatively light, 3 season fits in my undersaddle bag. Silk liner means no stress about getting the bag manly either but I tend to wear trousers when bikepacking as its usually winter!
Not cheap but PHD Design bags are as good as anything on the market. They have the bonus if you are not average sized that they come in 4 lengths and 4 widths. You have the choice of no zip, half zip, full zip.
https://www.phdesigns.co.uk/minim-400-down-sleeping-bag
Edit Although that bag us rated -5 compared to your -7c bag I think it will be warm enough. I think their ratings are conservative.
I’ve been happy with my Rab Neutrino 200
Thats good to hear, i just bought one
Also, consider two bags or bag and a quilt. My Phantom 32 and Cumulus 250 are about as warm as my RAB but, even together, pack smaller and easier. That solution also offers a lot of flexibility to cover the seasons.
Good point. I've got a beast of a winter bag, which is definitely winter only. I bought a MH Lamina 45, which is definitely on the skimpy side. I'd been considering a warmer synthetic bag, but I went for an Alpkit down quilt to bump up the 45 instead. I'm loving the quilt. v ery adaptable with drawcords and poppers. And you can ditch the down/ evening jacket as well, because you can wrap it round your shoulders or over your knees. I've got a warm mat, so I'm sure I'll be using the quilt on its own as well.
Quick update:
I decided on a two bag solution (steady now....) and bought an Alpkit Cloudpeak 400 for car camping to check out the quality.
Superb, tbh.
Way too warm for this time of year, but great unzipped as a quilt and I'm sure it'll be a good winter bag for fixed base adventures - my word, it's big and bulky though.
Will be buying a Pipedream for bike touring having checked out the quality of this cheaper model.
The fit is very generous width wise, but I'm 5'6" and like to stretch out. Any taller I'd choose a long version.
Used the pipedream 400 quite a bit, it's very good. -9 one April evening during snow flurries, was still nice n warm. I have a skyehigh 600, so knew alpkit bags are good.
I'm definitely quilt curious though!.
Cumulus aka Criterion in uk have some good down sleeping bags.
I use the Traveller 500 but wish I still had a MH Lamina synthetic.
https://www.criterion-sleepingbags.co.uk/product/traveller-500-down-sleeping-bag/