I'm just considering a new winter bag and AlpKit seems the obvious choice, now I know that Pipedreams are the dogs dangly bits but has anyone got a SkyeHigh 800? They're that few quid cheaper than the pd's and obviously that little bit heavier ... what do you think? SkyeHigh 800 good enough for Welsh winters or should I stop being tight and buy a pd 800?

Stop being tight and buy the PD800. The quality is brilliant, regardless of the fantastic value. I slept in mine in the snow over the weekend and I had to take my base layers off I was too warm. Will pack into an 8L drybag.

It aired for a day hanging up in the spare room, it's loft is incredible it would almost stand up by itself! I really really like it :D

See my geeky comparrison to my Minim600 here-

http://bearbonesbikepacking.co.uk/phpBB ... ?f=7&t=256

I have a PD800 and it is warm. I used one at M&B this year lying on top of a tarp laid on the ground. Mark and Ken were cold and I was plenty warm enough.

They are bulky though,mine was in a 13l(?) dry bag into a OMM pack and there was little room left. Too big for barbags and seat-packs.

Blackhound, which drybag do you use?

I find it fits in an 8L standard Exped without fuss and plenty of spare for 3 rolls. They seem to be slippier inside than Alpkits and an easier shape to stuff. By pushing the sleeping bag constantly down the sides, rather than on top it packs tightly width-ways without running out of room length-ways.

Anthony - think it was a Lomo one I have been using this winter. Might try an Exped one next time I see one for sale.