​​​​​​​

MESSAGE BOARD

THE CHALLENGE COMMUNITY, ON-LINE!

FRIENDLY ASSISTANCE AND ENCOURAGEMENT AVAILABLE FOR CHALLENGERS OLD AND NEW,

FROM FRIENDLY AND ENCOURAGING CHALLENGERS, NEW AND OLD

PLEASE USE YOUR OWN NAME WHEN POSTING. THANK YOU!

Download route sheets, admin forms, event documents here

Any queries? Email the coordinators  Sue, Ali & Mick at tgochallenge@gmail.com 

The TGO Challenge Message Board
Start a New Topic 
Author
Comment
Are PHD Sleeping bags worth the price

As the owner of a lovely PHD bag I was looking to see if we could sort Rosie out with a lighter one than she carries already. I was a bit shocked at the increase in the price for extras such as a zip


Re: Are PHD Sleeping bags worth the price

I was going to suggest an Alpkit Pipedream 600, but they are sold out until summer

Re: Are PHD Sleeping bags worth the price

Dear is cheap.

Way back in the last century when he was just starting out with PHD Peter Hutchinson made me a custom bag. Fourteen years later, after many outings - including my sister trying her level best to trash it south of Tierra del Fuego - the bag is as new and mint. No loss of loft. Still sweet. I also have a Minimus, which has kept me toasty through seven Challenges and many romps through the High Pyrenees, the Picos de Europa and Corsica, to name but a few.

PHD are simply the benchmark for all down product. Many Challengers use PHD - but they are also used by the vast majority of folk who go into far more extreme environments.

Although the initial outlay may seem dear, remember that you're buying a product that will last you a lifetime. Amortise your purchase over a minimum of 15 years, and you'll see that there's no contest! PHD are the only outfit who allow you to fully spec your product. They're British and they deserve our support.

And yes, they did feature me in their publicity thirteen years ago, so I have to declare an interest!

Re: Are PHD Sleeping bags worth the price

I think the post may be referring to the cost of the zip at £260,000!

Re: Are PHD Sleeping bags worth the price

Duh! *crawls back into bag and resolves to read posts before replying in haste*

Re: Are PHD Sleeping bags worth the price

Humphrey Weightman
Duh! *crawls back into bag and resolves to read posts before replying in haste*


You did make a very fine economic point though.
PHD. Is quality gear.
And a fine investment.

Re: Are PHD Sleeping bags worth the price

Well spotted grumps !

Re: Are PHD Sleeping bags worth the price

Yes. Absolutely!

Re: Are PHD Sleeping bags worth the price

A RAB Infinity 500 has more down, better baffling design to max out the loft and warmth, and Vs a Mimim 400 long with a zip will be around the same weight/size and cost, but the RAB is better in design and performance (like a 100g more down for the same weight more or less). So "NO" PHD are not worth the money.

Re: Are PHD Sleeping bags worth the price

Simples - buy a PHD sleeping bag without a zip.

FWIW I have as my year round mix-and-match sleeping set up:

PHD Minim 300 + PHD Ultra down pullover (or PHD Ultra vest - depending on how cold I expect it to get) + PHD down trousers + PHD down socks + Black Rock down hat (although I also have a PHD down hat which I bought in their latest sale. )

Guess who makes my Alpamayo smock?

Costs a lot - but it is top class gear that I have bought over time and which will last and last.

So, my answer to the question: YES - but, not with a zip.

Re: Are PHD Sleeping bags worth the price

I've had a minim 400 with zip for many years (i think it cost about £140 so that says something about how long). It's a great piece of kit.

I would say unless you count saving £26 and a bit of weight above comfort go for the zip as it is quite a warm bag and you may overheat. the zip opens both ways so you can open the bottom half for ventilation or even stick a leg out.

Obviously can't comment first hand on the relative value vs Rab. On paper the Rab should be a bit warmer and heavier and £50 more than the minim (with zip) unless you can get it in a sale or discount.

cheers

John

Re: Are PHD Sleeping bags worth the price

OK all. Thanks all for the replies, however it was meant to be a bit of lighthearted banter given the obvious(I hope) mistake made by PHD listing the zip as costing £260K - I should have known that all you gear heads out there would see it as a Challenge(ahem). It was not meant to be a stab at PHD either.

Personally I have a couple of bits of PHD gear and I like it. I also like their service and customisation. It may or may not be better than other bits out there. Use whatever floats your boat.

No doubt the merits and demerits of various equipment may be discussed further over various beverages in May. I look forward to dicsussing further if I can get my route in before the end of Feb