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.

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.

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!

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 would happily use it on a summer high camp with baselayers, it does have more insulation than you expect.

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.

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!