Pipedream 400

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!

That's funny. I'm also 35, based in London and also a relative beginner at wild camping (although been camping all my life) but have ammassed a small collection of decent gear without bankrupting myself or having to buy twice. I've now done a bunch of wild camps including dartmoor. Have done two winter wild camps elsewhere (first was -4C, second was a couple of days ago at -1 or -2C ish overnight). Despite limited experience, I have some suggestions which I will list below in case it helps, to each their own but take from it what you will. 1) Travel as light as humanly possible - it makes a HUGE difference. The first time was frankly a bit miserable as I tried to pack for every eventuality and it's just not necessary and I was in agony from carrying the weight, also most of my gear was super cheap and heavy (regular camping equipment). Question every single item you bring. 2) If possible, get a down sleeping bag whether new or second hand. I recently bought an alpkit pipedream 400 on sale which is less than half the size and weight of my old cheap synthetic sleeping bag and about 10 times warmer. With the rest of my system, I was almost too warm at -2C. 3) Don't underestimate how important a high R sleeping mat is in cold weather, it can mean the difference between toasty night or a cold miserable night. Personally, I'd recommend a single high R inflatable mat like an alpkit radiant (£87.99 but R7.2 and only 640g), or cheaper similar alternative. 4) You can pair a bivy bag with the sleeping bag for a good few degrees more warmth when going to bed, but be warned that you will feel colder in the morning as it will trap all the moisture from your body inside the sleeping bag / bivy combo. 5) I have a Lanshan 2. Around 1kg plus hiking poles that I carry anyway, plenty sturdy, affordable, spacious. Just pick your spot carefully - try not to pitch at the top of a hill in gale force winds without any kind of natural shelter. I also opted for the 4 season variant as it's a bit less drafty and warmer, I'd feel a bit exposed with so much mosquito mesh on the inner on the 3 season but that's me. Trekking pole tents can be sturdier than other options. Your pitch makes a huge difference to how exposed to the elements your tent, can feel 5 degrees warmer sheltered from the wind. 6) Trekking poles came in EXTREMELY handy on Dartmoor to feel out the path and avoid sinking into bog especially if going off the beaten track. I wouldn't go back without them. 7) I was dubious, but having recently bought and used a merino wool base layer (both top and bottoms), it made such a huge difference to my comfort that I was genuinely astounded and I didn't feel damp or cold after exertion. These can also essentially serve as a replacement for a sleeping bag liner providing a similar level of insulation for your body and protecting your sleeping bag from sweat and body oils. They also don't smell after being worn constantly for several days. I'd say forget the liner and do this. 8) Can't speak for bag as I have a comfortable but big 55l Berghaus rucksack that I found cheap, looking to get a lightweight option. 9) Bring minimal clothes, IMO just accept being grimy for a couple of days and only bring a change of clothes for absolutely necessary items (e.g. socks in case the ones you are wearing get wet). Merino layers and such make this much more acceptable as they don't smell. Test in advance what you can get away with in colder weather - both times now I brought multiple extra warm layers, didn't end up needing them and had to carry the weight for no reason. I absolutely swear by my Trespass down jacket - incredible warmth in a ridiculously small and light package, but if using down, always bring self adhesive patches as I have ripped holes on brambles, barbed wire, melted a hole brushing on a hot stove etc. 10) I swear by my super cheap little fire maple heat exchanger pot (kinda like a jetboil alternative) with an alcohol stove. Currently using a trangia but there are lighter alternatives. Also sometimes use this with a titanium firebox nano which a trangia perfectly slots into, or can also be fuelled by sticks fed in from the side. Also don't over or under pack food, bring calorie dense snacks and lightweight things that can be rehydrated. I'm a huge fan of making a batch of chilli con carne (or veg if you prefer) and rice then dehydrating it in the oven on low spread thin on a sheet of greaseproof paper, light weight hearty and delicious, just add hot water and let it soak / cook for a few mins. Carry just enough water and aim to stop or camp by a river, water purification tables are effective, tiny and super super lightweight.

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

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.