ActiveOutdoorsCampingAlpkit Pipedream 400 ultralight down 3-season sleeping bag: a warm and comfortable cocoon for backpackersAn impressively packable but super snug sleeping bag for adventures on the wild side for at least nine months of the yearWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.The Alpkit Pipedream 400 with the Alpkit Whisper camping mat and Alpkit Soloist tent(Image credit: Pat Kinsella)T3 VerdictLightweight 3-season sleeping bags are the little black dresses of the backpacking world. Everyone needs one. And this one is great. The Pipedream 400 is extremely lightweight and compressible for a 3-season sleeping bag that genuinely keeps you warm for nine months of the year (in sub alpine conditions). It’s well designed, has all the features most people are looking for in a sleeping bag intended for backpacking and bikepacking adventures, and the price point is very reasonable.Reasons to buy+Lightweight+Packs down small+Excellent weight to warmth ratio+Great price+100% RDS certified hydrophobic down+DWR treated outer+Choice of left or right zipReasons to avoid-The regular size is a little small-Down bags require more careful use and storage-Down content problematic for vegans and vegetarians-No women’s specific versionWhy you can trust T3Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you.Find out more about how we test.
ActiveOutdoorsCampingAlpkit Pipedream 400 ultralight down 3-season sleeping bag: a warm and comfortable cocoon for backpackersAn impressively packable but super snug sleeping bag for adventures on the wild side for at least nine months of the yearWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.The Alpkit Pipedream 400 with the Alpkit Whisper camping mat and Alpkit Soloist tent(Image credit: Pat Kinsella)T3 VerdictLightweight 3-season sleeping bags are the little black dresses of the backpacking world. Everyone needs one. And this one is great. The Pipedream 400 is extremely lightweight and compressible for a 3-season sleeping bag that genuinely keeps you warm for nine months of the year (in sub alpine conditions). It’s well designed, has all the features most people are looking for in a sleeping bag intended for backpacking and bikepacking adventures, and the price point is very reasonable.Reasons to buy+Lightweight+Packs down small+Excellent weight to warmth ratio+Great price+100% RDS certified hydrophobic down+DWR treated outer+Choice of left or right zipReasons to avoid-The regular size is a little small-Down bags require more careful use and storage-Down content problematic for vegans and vegetarians-No women’s specific versionWhy you can trust T3Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you.Find out more about how we test.
An impressively packable but super snug sleeping bag for adventures on the wild side for at least nine months of the year
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
The Alpkit Pipedream 400 with the Alpkit Whisper camping mat and Alpkit Soloist tent(Image credit: Pat Kinsella)T3 VerdictLightweight 3-season sleeping bags are the little black dresses of the backpacking world. Everyone needs one. And this one is great. The Pipedream 400 is extremely lightweight and compressible for a 3-season sleeping bag that genuinely keeps you warm for nine months of the year (in sub alpine conditions). It’s well designed, has all the features most people are looking for in a sleeping bag intended for backpacking and bikepacking adventures, and the price point is very reasonable.Reasons to buy+Lightweight+Packs down small+Excellent weight to warmth ratio+Great price+100% RDS certified hydrophobic down+DWR treated outer+Choice of left or right zipReasons to avoid-The regular size is a little small-Down bags require more careful use and storage-Down content problematic for vegans and vegetarians-No women’s specific version
The Alpkit Pipedream 400 with the Alpkit Whisper camping mat and Alpkit Soloist tent(Image credit: Pat Kinsella)
The Alpkit Pipedream 400 with the Alpkit Whisper camping mat and Alpkit Soloist tent
(Image credit: Pat Kinsella)
T3 VerdictLightweight 3-season sleeping bags are the little black dresses of the backpacking world. Everyone needs one. And this one is great. The Pipedream 400 is extremely lightweight and compressible for a 3-season sleeping bag that genuinely keeps you warm for nine months of the year (in sub alpine conditions). It’s well designed, has all the features most people are looking for in a sleeping bag intended for backpacking and bikepacking adventures, and the price point is very reasonable.Reasons to buy+Lightweight+Packs down small+Excellent weight to warmth ratio+Great price+100% RDS certified hydrophobic down+DWR treated outer+Choice of left or right zipReasons to avoid-The regular size is a little small-Down bags require more careful use and storage-Down content problematic for vegans and vegetarians-No women’s specific version
T3 VerdictLightweight 3-season sleeping bags are the little black dresses of the backpacking world. Everyone needs one. And this one is great. The Pipedream 400 is extremely lightweight and compressible for a 3-season sleeping bag that genuinely keeps you warm for nine months of the year (in sub alpine conditions). It’s well designed, has all the features most people are looking for in a sleeping bag intended for backpacking and bikepacking adventures, and the price point is very reasonable.
T3 Verdict
Lightweight 3-season sleeping bags are the little black dresses of the backpacking world. Everyone needs one. And this one is great. The Pipedream 400 is extremely lightweight and compressible for a 3-season sleeping bag that genuinely keeps you warm for nine months of the year (in sub alpine conditions). It’s well designed, has all the features most people are looking for in a sleeping bag intended for backpacking and bikepacking adventures, and the price point is very reasonable.
Reasons to buy+Lightweight+Packs down small+Excellent weight to warmth ratio+Great price+100% RDS certified hydrophobic down+DWR treated outer+Choice of left or right zipReasons to avoid-The regular size is a little small-Down bags require more careful use and storage-Down content problematic for vegans and vegetarians-No women’s specific version
Reasons to buy+Lightweight+Packs down small+Excellent weight to warmth ratio+Great price+100% RDS certified hydrophobic down+DWR treated outer+Choice of left or right zip
Lightweight
Packs down small
Excellent weight to warmth ratio
Great price
100% RDS certified hydrophobic down
DWR treated outer
Choice of left or right zip
Reasons to avoid-The regular size is a little small-Down bags require more careful use and storage-Down content problematic for vegans and vegetarians-No women’s specific version
The regular size is a little small
Down bags require more careful use and storage
Down content problematic for vegans and vegetarians
No women’s specific version
Why you can trust T3Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you.Find out more about how we test.
Why you can trust T3Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you.Find out more about how we test.
Three-season sleeping bags for hikers and bikers need to tread a tricky line, staying lightweight and packable enough for you to be able to fit them in a backpack or pannier, and cart them along tracks and trails, while supplying sufficient warmth and comfort in the cold depth of a spring or autumn night. The Alpkit Pipedream 400 sleeping bag achieves all of the above with style, while staying affordable too.
After months of testing and many nights sleeping in the Pipedream 400, I think it’s definitely one of thebest sleeping bags aroundfor 3-season use, especially in thelightweight sleeping bagcategory. Read on for my full review of the Alpkit Pipedream 400 sleeping bag.
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Today’s best Alpkit Pipedream 400 Sleeping Bag dealsNo price informationCheck AmazonWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Today’s best Alpkit Pipedream 400 Sleeping Bag deals
No price informationCheck Amazon
No price informationCheck Amazon
No price informationCheck Amazon
No price informationCheck Amazon
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We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
The Alpkit Pipedream 400 with theAlpkit Whispercamping mat andAlpkit Soloisttent(Image credit: Pat Kinsella)
The Alpkit Pipedream 400 with theAlpkit Whispercamping mat andAlpkit Soloisttent
The Alpkit Pipedream 400 with theAlpkit Whispercamping mat andAlpkit Soloisttent
(Image credit: Pat Kinsella)
Alpkit Pipedream 400 3-season sleeping bag: design and features
Horizontal box-wall baffle construction of the bag keeps the down fill in place, so it won’t clump up and cause cold spots.
The Alpkit Pipedream 400 with the neck baffle up(Image credit: Pat Kinsella)
The Alpkit Pipedream 400 with the neck baffle up
The Alpkit Pipedream 400 with the neck baffle up
(Image credit: Pat Kinsella)
he Alpkit Pipedream 400 with the neck baffle down(Image credit: Pat Kinsella)
he Alpkit Pipedream 400 with the neck baffle down
he Alpkit Pipedream 400 with the neck baffle down
(Image credit: Pat Kinsella)
Alpkit Pipedream 400 3-season sleeping bag: materials and thermal performance
To keep you warm when the sun goes down and the mercury drops, the Alpkit Pipedream 400 sleeping bag is stuffed with 750 fill powerDownTekhydrophobic grey goose down. The
Waterfowl down is the best thermal insulating material on the planet, but its performance is negatively impacted when it gets wet, because it clumps up and looses its best lofting properties, but the hydrophobic treatment applied to DownTek means this bag can still operate in damp conditions.
Do, however, try and protect your sleeping bag from moisture as much as you possibly can, because it will not keep you as comfortable and warm when it’s wet as it will when it’s dry and all the down is lofting nicely.
(Image credit: Pat Kinsella)
(Image credit: Pat Kinsella)
The Alpkit Pipedream 400 with theAlpkit Whispercamping mat andAlpkit Soloisttent(Image credit: Pat Kinsella)
The Alpkit Pipedream 400 with theAlpkit Whispercamping mat andAlpkit Soloisttent
The Alpkit Pipedream 400 with theAlpkit Whispercamping mat andAlpkit Soloisttent
(Image credit: Pat Kinsella)
Alpkit Pipedream 400 3-season sleeping bag: comfort levels
I have now slept out in the Alpkit Pipedream 400 sleeping bag for multiple nights in all four seasons, and while it certainly performs best in spring and autumn, this is a bag that will genuinely keep you comfortable for nine months of the year in the UK, so long as it’s paired with the right equipment (in terms of a good backpacking tent and a quality camping mat to suit the season).
With a comfort rating of 4.2°C and Alpkit’s self-set limit rating of -6°C (the EN 13537 European standard rating for the Pipedream 400 is actually -10.8°C) it can also keep you fairly warm in non-severe winter conditions. But remember, the Pipedream 400 only claims to be a lightweight 3-season sleeping bag, so from late autumn through to early spring you will need to pair it with a sleeping mat with a high R-value, and some thermals might also be required.
Alpkit Pipedream 400 fully compressed(Image credit: Pat Kinsella)
Alpkit Pipedream 400 fully compressed
Alpkit Pipedream 400 fully compressed
(Image credit: Pat Kinsella)
Alpkit Pipedream 400 3-season sleeping bag: packability
I knew the Pipedream 400 was lightweight (865g), which is why I chose it for this mission, but the fastpacking adventure was also an excellent test of the bag in terms of its packability. To keep weight down I was using a large day pack, and space was at a premium, but despite its impressive 750 fill power the Pipedream 400 squishes down to an amazing compressed size of 19 x 14cm, so I could fit it in my pack along with the tent, mat, camping stove, food, clothes and waterproofs.
The stuff sack actually has a double compression system, with two toggles. This means is has a packed size of 18 x 25cm (Regular) / 21 x 28cm (Long), but when you apply the second level of compression you can get it down to 19 x 14cm (Regular) / 21 x 15cm (Long).
Alpkit Pipedream 400 stuff sack with double compression system(Image credit: Pat Kinsella)
Alpkit Pipedream 400 stuff sack with double compression system
Alpkit Pipedream 400 stuff sack with double compression system
(Image credit: Pat Kinsella)
Alpkit Pipedream 400 3-season sleeping bag: sizing
On test, I found the regular length Pipedream 400 to be a bit on the short side, but I am 186cm tall, so I should really have gone for the long version. There is a quite a jump between the two lengths, however, and I wouldn’t want too much dead air at the end of the bag. Also, other users who are shorter than me have reported they felt the regular was a little small – it feels like there is room for a small version and that the regular could be made a little longer. I’d definitely size up if you’re over 6ft / 185cm. It’s worth noting that there is no women’s specific version of this bag, which would be a welcome addition to the range.
Alpkit Pipedream 400 in its lofting bag(Image credit: Pat Kinsella)
Alpkit Pipedream 400 in its lofting bag
Alpkit Pipedream 400 in its lofting bag
(Image credit: Pat Kinsella)
Alpkit Pipedream 400 3-season sleeping bag: inclusions and care
To keep a down sleeping in good working order, it’s important to look after it properly. This means storing it in a dry place, and not keeping it for long periods with the down all crushed up. As well as a stuff sack for use when you’re on the trail and need the bag to be small and easily packable, the Alpkit Pipedream 400 sleeping bag comes with a large cotton ‘lofting’ bag – be sure to pack it away in this when you’re not on the trail, and only compress it to its fullest extent when you really have to.
(Image credit: Pat Kinsella)
(Image credit: Pat Kinsella)
Alpkit Pipedream 400 3-season sleeping bag: ethical considerations
Alpkit operate a strictcode of ethicsin their production line, and take measures to ensure their impact on the environmental is as minimal as possible.
(Image credit: Pat Kinsella)
(Image credit: Pat Kinsella)
Alpkit Pipedream 400 3-season sleeping bag: Some alternatives to consider
For a even lighter bag, theAlpkit Pipedream 200tips the scales at just 545g and stuffs away into a very small package, but it is only really suitable for summer camping adventures. If you have a bigger budget and want a little more fill power, theRab Neutrino 400boasts 800FP European Goose Down and weighs just 775g. If you don’t like using animal products, or prefer the properties of synthetic fill (which can handle wet conditions better), the very affordableRobens Icefall Pro 300is worth a look for warmer conditions, and theSierra Designs Nightcap 20will keep you comfortable in slightly colder conditions.
(Image credit: Pat Kinsella)
(Image credit: Pat Kinsella)
Alpkit Pipedream 400 3-season sleeping bag: overall verdict
A 3-season sleeping bag that truly keeps you warm overnight for nine months of the year, which doesn’t weigh much and packs down into a properly portable parcel, is one of the most important pieces of equipment in any backpacker’s and bikepacker’s gear cupboard, and the Alpkit Pipedream 400 is a really reliable product that ticks all of the above boxes. Not only that, it is priced very reasonably (for a quality down bag), comes with a stuff sack and a loft bag, and Alpkit’s after sale policies are excellent. I genuinely love this bag – I just wish the regular was a tiny bit longer (or that Alpkit would bring in a short version, and a women-specific version).
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