After weeks of to-ing and fro-ing I’ve caved in and ordered myself a new sleeping bag. The Minim Ultra has had so many good reviews that I’ve bitten the bullet. I’m a fairly cold sleeper so it will be interesting to see how I get on with it and what sort of operating window it will have in the variable British Summer (and I use the term loosely).
Down sleeping bags are not cheap and spending this sort of money without actually seeing the product (and then waiting 30 days to have it made) is always a gamble. The gamble paid off when I purchased a Minim 300 in the PHD sale last year, and I can’t rate that bag highly enough. My plan now is to use the Minim Ultra during the summer, then see about buying a Combi bag if I decide to continue my camping into the winter this year (and I might, as trips might fit in better with work).
More to follow – watch this space.
I’ve just received my new drishell minim 300… very nice, if a little trim on the fit. I went for the long option (I’m 6’2″) and I’m glad I did.
How’s your Ultra? I’d like one of these as well but how substantial is the insulation? I crave a lighter, smaller pack – but I have a terror of being cold which dates back to a £11.99 Argos ‘moonbag’ I bought twenty-odd years ago!
Hi Dr Spork, welcome to the blog! As I suspected posts and updates aren’t exactly flowing at the moment, but I hope you stick around. Congrats on your Minim 300 purchase. I’ve had mine for a couple of years now and absolutely love it. The 300 was my first down bag as well and, at half the weight (and packed size) of my old Ajungilak summer bag, has been a revelation. It’s interesting that you mention fit – when researching the PHD bags there seemed to be a consensus that they had a slimmer fit, however when my 300 arrived I actually thought there was a huge amount of space. I’m 5’10″ and have a fairly slim build, so maybe I’m just skinnier than the average PHD user, but I find both the 300 and Ultra pretty roomy.
I appreciate your comment on the usability of the Ultra, and definitely share your concerns about being cold. The bag has just arrived so I’ve not had a chance to test it yet. I did try to sleep on the sofa in it last week (apparently confirming my partner’s suspicion that I’m nuts!) but it was way too warm. Not exactly a scientific test, but it did ease my concern that I may have wasted nearly £200. Check out PTC*’s reviews as he’s had one for a while now. I asked him how he got on with it and he said
I really hope it works out as the packed size is ridiculously small. I’ll report back when I’ve had some hill time with it and let you know how I get on. I’ve got my little ADC thermometer that I usually take with me so I’ll make sure I note the overnight temperature too.
Hi Andy, how you getting on with the Ultra?
I was in Snowdonia earlier this week and i thought the minim 300 was just warm enough, and that was with temperatures at around 5 degrees c.
I find the minim a little bit restrictive round the upper torso, legs and feet a fine, although I am getting used to it now. My other bag is a Marmot Helium which is super roomy!
Hi Andy
Any update on the Ultra? what temperatures have you used it in? Also – I was wondering if you’ve had it on the scales to check the weight. I was surprised to find that my Minim 300 weighs 716g.
Hi Dr Spork,
Sorry for the delay; I’ve been away for the last few weeks and haven’t had an internet connection.
To be honest, I’ve been too scared to try the Ultra on the hill! I completely agree with your thoughts on the 300 – I’m more than happy using it in most conditions I’ve come across, so I am a little worried by the warmth offered by a thinner bag.
I’ve got a trip to North Carneddau planned for the beginning of July and I’ll be taking the Ultra with me, weather permitting, so will let you know how I get on. (I might take the 300 with me just in case as the Ultra packs down to nothing.)
As I mentioned before, I actually find the PHD bags rather roomy so comfort isn’t an issue. I did find the lack of a shoulder baffle a bit annoying to start with, but just learned to close up the hood before sleep time.
As for weights, my Minim 300 is 770g (inc stuff sack) and the Ultra weighs in at 358g (inc stuff sack). The 300 is the standard length, drishell outer and has a full zip. I went for the zip to maximise the operating window of the bag, but it does seem to add a huge amount of weight. For comparison, my partner’s Alpkit Pipe Dream 400 weighs 760g and is rated to -3.
Sorry I’ve not been more helpful with this. Searching for information on sleeping bags seems to be a really frustrating process, so I’ll definitely keep you updated when I have some more info.