Sleeping systems - bags, pads, matts, liners

The PHD seem pretty pricey, no?

Haven't been able to find any on eBay.

I should've also said, I'd want to get some 'normal' use out of it, so a zip would be better!

mine was £60 on ebay. Weighs 300g and good down to 2 degrees. one will pop up for sale eventually!

I've got an unused Minim 200 that it appears I'll never use. Bought for TCR, unused.
"Minimalist design cuts weight, but not warmth. A lightweight spring sleeping bag."
430g
+6°C
Zip: No Zip
Length: Standard
Width: Standard

Honestly just spend the money on PhD. It'll last a lifetime and they're he best. You get what you pay for in life and you get the best.

They do come with zips.

Otherwise look for something with a high power down, 850+.

Andy Kirkpatrick wrote a good blog on what to look for in a sleeping bag.

http://www.phdesigns.co.uk/minim-400-down-sleeping-bag

200g lighter than alpkit and will be warmer at lower temps.

It may not go down to cold enough, albeit it is an interesting offer.

Thanks for the pointer. His writing is very insightful too.

Yeah lots of good ones he's a very humble and experienced guy.

So with tent and mat sorted. Thanks @skinny Now comes the hard up task of selecting a bag. I know I know...PHD and all, but I have a mate that works in Snow & Rock and can get me discount. I'm a bit stumped.
Should I just spruce out for the MAX amount of down? I'm trying to balance weight and warmth.
Is 650 fill a good enough all rounder? Seeking something for being supportive in the minus region.

650 is worthless.

800+

Bollocks...I knew you'd come in waving your 800 gun! Is it really that much of a jump from 650? I don't intend on doing alpine ascents, but possibly staying around high elevation.

Yes. It will be warmer for the same overall mass.
Read about it, Andy Kirkpatrick wrote a good explanation.

Brilliant. The guy is really insightful and goes makes you get itchy feet. So since then, I've been looking at the Rab neutrino 800

That's really heavy. What do you want it for?

Reliable bikepacking over rough terrain.

PhD sale http://www.phdesigns.co.uk/minim-350?osCsid=ecajm0b2cnribt8jpuibuapff0

Lightweight and warm.

Wait what.....even at rrp that's actually still better priced than what I was looking at and at 900 fill! Cheers man, button hit.

Recommendations for a nice and reasonably priced (<£150) sleeping bag okay for down to 5°C with a bivvy bag?

I got an alpkit pipe dream (250?) for my summer bag, compresses down well and is fine down to that temp, I got a synthetic liner for colder weather and it was super toasty.

Snugpack do some good summer bags too, my winter one is made by them is going strong at least 15 years on.

Speaking of Snugpak, has anyone got a Travelpak 1? Thoughts?

Yes, had one a few years. Good for hammocking in warmer weather. It's light (for synthetic) and small, simple. Worth the money.

The comfort level (7?) is accurate.

I need it for bikepacking this summer through southern europe and for backpacking in warm countries. I have their softie for UK weather things and I am quite pleased by the weight/size/warmth/cost ratio

The quality is what you'd expect from snugpak. Although obviously it is limited by being synthetic. I dont use mine much any more because I have a down bag, which weighs a little less..

Just bought one of these - Katabatic Gear Palisade. Stay tuned for the run down.

Three straight months sleeping in combo of PHD bags (5c and 15c) They've been fine with anything from high 20s at the beach to below freezing half way up Mt Taranaki without wearing more than light leggings and long sleeve tshirt. Double bagging takes a bit of getting used to (triple if you count the liner) but the flexibility is worth it, giving the whole lot comes in at under a kg. Summer bag and quilt would probably be a good combo too if you get the shape right.

I regret buying down from an ethical perspective, will be going for a similar but synthetic setup when they eventually wear out.

Speaking of PHD bags...I have a custom PHD Minim 600 down bag for sale. Its got the upgraded Drishell fabric in green, and a full length side zip. Standard length and width.
As you would expect, it's really warm! Rated down to -16 deg
It's only been used a few times so is still in spotless condition.
Comes with the stuff sac and net storage bag.
On the current website it would cost £465...I'm looking for half that at £230...bargain!
PM me if you're interested.