So with the M&B fast approaching and a number of impending Jaunts into the Wilderness planned for cold bits of 2012, UK and abroad.... Santa is required to deliver me a new sleeping bag!
I have Geeked out at length, and have worked myself into confusion:
Alpkit PD - Sold out no cigar!
Rab Neutrino 600 - Hmm I Like(d).... until
Rab Alpine 600 offering the Pertex Endurance outer...
Then a little bird directed me to the Crux torpedo 500.. hmm waterproof! (May be able to get for 250 sheets TBC).

Rab with Bivi, Crux potentially without, but then what about Forest floor.... Ahhhh!??
Any help or advice gratefully received! as I am in danger of being blinded by talk of comfort and extreme temps, Polish Vs Asian Down etc....
Merry Chrimbo!
Rob

Rab Neutrino 600 - Hmm I Like(d).... until

£245 here, so quite a saving over rrp. http://www.theoutdoorshop.com/showPart.asp?part=PN70108

I was watching that Frozen planet and it occurred to me that Penguin Down must be better than Goose down.

You don't see geese standing in the middle of Antarctica saying "Bring it on weather!, I'll take it" like Penguins do.

So I would say get one with Penguin down in it!



*Added bonus is that Penguin is a Welsh word that has permeated other languages can't be many of them

They had penguins on offer at the Coop the other week - I should have p-p-picked some up

Anyway............

Personally, I don't go with the concept of adding either a fully waterproof or water resistant layer to sleeping bags. I imagine they affect breathability to some extent, which in the presence of down is not such a good thing. I would be inclined to layer a sleeping system according to the prevailing conditions, in much the same way as you do for clothing.

I therefore use a standard bag with one of two different bivvy bags on their own, or bivvy + tarp or tarp only or a tent depending on where I'm going.

From your list the Rab Neutrino is probably the best bet.

What about a custom PHD one?

No point having a Bag that fits somebody 6"2 if your not that tall?

+1 on not having a waterproof outer, it never breathes as well so moisture from your body will accumulate inside marginally reducing the loft of the down plus the outer will be cooler than the temperature of the inside which also causes condensation. Having a breathable nylon outer the temperature equalises a bit more preventing it. Backpacking Light had an article both about layered sleep systems and an explanation on how condensation works (seems simple enough but it's not something I'd thought through before I read it), can't remember if they're free ones or not but worth a look.
I've only got 5 sleeping bags, there's others with a worse addiction than me with more, go easy, sleeping bag addiction goes hand in hand with weighing stuff...

Thanks folk, some good advice there I feel; I'm currently plucking a penguin I stole from Bristol zoo......

Considering all the points raised ive come to the conclusion that I'd be narrowing the functionality by going down the waterproof path... Clearly not as breathable and you wouldn't put it in a separate bivi, therefore it would get dirty and become less waterproof.. Cleaning and treating would become expensive and ultimately I wouldn't be arsed...
I agree your views Ian and will look at layering a neutrino or equivalent.. I'm going to go spend some hours in Cotswolds / snow and rock etc and climb in a few!
can't cope with PHD despite their awesomeness! I like to try before I buy and done like posting stuff back!

The Pipedreams are looking imminent. If you can hold out till they arrive they really are an incredible bag for the money.

I have a PD800 and rate it very hightly indeed, the quality seems on a par with the two PHD bags I have but about half the price.