Rab - Ascent 500 Down Sleeping Bag

I have the same sleeping mat as you, and upgraded to that one after getting cold using a more basic, uninsulated Alpkit Numo. Which made a world of difference to me, so I know it’s not the mat! In terms of sleeping bag’s, you are right that ideally it’s best to have a range of fill weights to cover a range of temperatures. Personally I only have one, Rab Ascent 500. Definitely not ultralight! I am very happy with the brand - it’s extremely high quality, bought it 9 years ago and still in absolutely perfect condition. One thing I will say is that because it’s a full length zip, when it gets too hot (this has happened a lot) I can completely unzip it and use as more of a duvet than a sleeping bag. Which I believe isn’t an option with a lot of ultralight bags as they only have a 1/4 or 1/3 length zip. I keep looking at my sleeping bag as the next item to replace for something lighter to save a bit of weight and I’m certain I will stick with Rab, but will try and find one with a longer length zip, possibly from their Mythic range.

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.

I’ve used a Rab Ascent 500 for years now (with a few pro cleans chucked in) and find it fine for most U.K. use, plus it’s pretty light & compact to carry. I wouldn’t use it for proper mid winter stuff but was out in it last weekend and stayed warm.

S2S comfort plus mat with Rab 500 bag down to 2 the other night in one person tent and was toasty warm with just long sleeve merino top and merino boxers. Would be happy to use it down to zero no problem.

April through October is my 400-time. In the end it really depends on what your personal comfort limits are and at what temperatures you would switch to the winter bag. I imagine the Norwegian coast is a bit warmer during winter than the Swedish coast, due to being more maritime? Regarding Rab: I have used the Neutrino 400 now during six seasons (this is the seventh) and I am really happy. It probably has lost a bit of fluff but that is to be expected after that time. Washed it once because I didn't use a liner in the beginning, but otherwise used always a liner, always hung it out after a hike and stored it in the cotton bag. If you have the money, go for it! They seem to have added a Neutrino 500 to their range and that would be my choice today, between the 600 and the 400. Otherwise, they also have a 650-cuin product line (cheaper but heavier) which is probably just as good.