Alpkit Pipedream 400 (2012)

Alpkit is well-known for producing great kit at great prices, sold via its online store. The Pipedream 400 is an extremely popular down bag, thanks to its price and weight. It’s not quite as warm as some other bags here though and it does not get some of the extra bonus features, such as a more water-resistant shell. But it has all the essentials and it’s a well-proven product. It’s supplied with a compression stuffsack that allows it to be easily compressed. In use the full-length side zip works well, thanks to an anti-snag strip and a draught-excluding baffle inside. There is a wide shoulder baffle to help lock in warm air. The hood is neat and the drawcords work well, making it easy to adjust to a good fit. A little more fill in the hood and zip baffle would be nice, but the Alpkit Pipedream 400’s low weight and price are a real bonus, if you can tolerate it being not quite so warm as higher-priced and heavier bags.

Outer fabric ripstop nylon

Inner fabric ripstop nylon

Insulation 95/5 750+ fill power goose down

Compression packed size 22x17cm

Weight 875g

Lower comfort temp. rating -3 deg C

Website www.alpkit.com

Verdict

The Alpkit Pipedream 400 is the best lightweight budget sleeping bag in our buyer’s guide.

Review by Graham Thompson

First published in Trail magazine Spring 2012