Alpkit - Pipedream 400

I think the issue with temps may be due to the fact that they don’t put more down in the long length sleeping bags, combined with more people needing long in Alpkit bags than other brand (I do at 6’1”, but fit a standard Rab Ascent fine). In my PD400 the down isn’t very well distributed and has very little where you need it most, loads where it adds little value. To be fair I’ve never really pursued this with them as I’d used it a few times before I noticed. As you say loads of good reviews but I’d give a sleeping bag a good once over if you mail order it from them and all will be well, I think the issue is QC not absolute quality with them. Love my Ascent 500, there’s definitely more bulk with 650fp down than 800 but in a way it’s feels cosier inside and I’m using the same compression stuff sack, it’s just a bit fuller. Dead roomy inside. The fabric inside is a bit nicer on the skin than Alpkits but only at the level of splitting hairs. Decathlon do outstanding value down sleeping bags but the fit is very narrow at the feet and the down isn’t hydrophobic.

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.

That's my summer bag!! But I do hate the cold!

This! And oh my goodness does it pack down small!

I can recommend the Alpkit Pipedream 400. It’s a 3 season but I’ve found it plenty warm enough with a layer on in winter. Make sure you’ve got also got an appropriate sleeping mat. You’ll want an R rating of at least 5.

I am with you on this.. admittedly I think I sleep a bit cold, but I don't think I could manage that temperature with that bag. I mean I wouldn't die or anything, but I don't think I'd get a very good night's sleep.

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.

400g of 750 is ambitious for -4c comfort, I'd put that more as the limit. A lot of alpkit ratings are dubious

+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.

>pipedream 400 This one? [https://alpkit.com/products/pipedream-400](https://alpkit.com/products/pipedream-400) Comfort rating -4, so yeah that should be good enough IF you have an appropriate mat. You need a mat with an R value of 4 or greater, otherwise you'll lose a lot of heat to the ground and your great sleeping bag will not help.

I have a Alpkit Pipedream 400 which I'm happy with. It packs down to 19cm x 14cm. I think they sell for £275

I sleep in a 400 in the same weather as my wife in her 600. It's rare that I'll add extra layers compared to her. Even around the house we run more or less to gender norms of her being constantly cold and me being fine wearing a layer or two less than she has on.

I’ve got a pipe dream. Don’t remember which. VERY snug fit, not that warm and feels cheap. Replaced with a Rab I found in a sale.

Certainly not a racing snake anymore! 6’1” and big, not especially fat but broad. I found it was definitely snug.

I really like my Pipedream. If you’re a sturdier bloke you may find it too tight though. Saw a comment saying that they are made for people with the build of a “racing snake” once, and if you’re tall that is accurate.