Alpkit - Pipedream 400

A 20 (F) degree bag is generally considered the best all round temperature. The Alpkit pipedream 400 has a 20 rating, weighs just 860g and is a great price. I noticed a lightly used one on eBay earlier too. Hard to beat.

I've got the same bag as you and also use a Mountain Equipment Helium Quilt (https://www.tauntonleisure.com/sleep-equipment-accessories/sleeping-bags/mountain-equipment-helium-quilt__14482) when it's warmer. I've also used both together to add warmth.

Alpkit Pipedream 400 (or 600 for a solid 4 season). And they are on sale right now!

I've never had a problem with my Pipedream 400. Great bag: packs small, great price and does exactly what it says it does.

Temp rating seems about right, though unless you are on laboratory conditions it's hard to tell! (Temperatures inside tents tend to vary with wind, number of people in there, sleeping mat quality etc etc). I've certainly used it sub zero many times, without a liner, and just in a base layer. Quality is good. I've had mine for about 8 years and there's no sign of down loss or movement.

I just took this for scale, those are a 500ml and a 1 lite bottle beside it: https://preview.redd.it/io1n3o7zfbcg1.jpeg?width=4080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=25264a8578954f21eca85cf140025651c76a01a4 I don't know if this particular bag will be available where you are, it is an Alpkit pipedream 400. There will be a ton of manufacturers which will sell bags at least as good as this if not better. But yeah if you want packability then a down bag is the way to go.

Yeh they seem to be good. I've got the 800 and it's fantastic, been on multiple below zero camps with it and been toasty warm. Obviously heavier than my alpkit pipedream 400 but that thing is nowhere near as warm as it's made out to be, can really tell the difference in quality. Think the pipedream 400 is a comfort level of -4 if I remember rightly but I've been cold in it at zero

+1 for the pipedream 400

Another recommendation for the Pipedream 400. Good warm bag. Not 4 seasons. Have paired with a silk liner, merino thermals and socks, down jacket and slept sub zero at sea-ish level. Toasty

Be aware if you are looking at the ‘sleep limit’ temperature. Usually comfort limit is a couple of degrees higher. As mentioned, you can unzip to make a warm bag cooler, but I find it’s more costly and less effective to make a cold bag warmer. Obviously you can chuck on more clothes, but specific items such as liners and down socks add up. Investing in a warmer bag earlier would mitigate these potential later purchases, and you’ll get more out of it; warmer in the winter, unzipped in the summer. Someone already mentioned investing a bit more in the pipe dream 400 - I tried this out and found it very warm and very light/packable. I only returned it as I got the wrong size (I’m 5’11” and needed the bigger size) and there were none available at the time. Often they do have sales on, so you can get a good alpkit bag at a good price.

Save up a little longer - the investment is worth it. You'll replace a cheap bag after a year or two. My alpkit bag has lasted me 10 so far

Been using a Pipedream 400 for years. My only pet peeve is the material is absolutely freezing when you get in them, but you warm up in 10 seconds.

I have the Pipedream 400 and I have mixed feelings. It is fine, though it doesn’t loft that well and I take the temperature rating with a pinch of salt. For the price (on sale) it is worth the money, but it won’t perform as well as more expensive bags. Also if you have a broad shoulders or large chest you may find it a bit restrictive. I have a 46” chest and find it less comfortable than my other bags. Edit: just to be clear I think it is a good bag for the money. I don’t want to discourage you from buying it. And the 600 will presumably have a less pronounced lofting ‘issue’. I would also check out other online stores for sales of other Brands. I managed to pick up a Rab Neutrino 400 for 40% off from a small online store. Second hand bags are also an under looked option. People buy camping equipment and often never use it. With a bit of hunting and luck you can find bag that are nearly new or even never used.