It's that time of year when you think you might just, just, be able to afford one. Yes, it's the PHD sale https://www.phdesigns.co.uk/winter-sale-2019

Bearbonesnorm wrote: ↑Sat Nov 02, 2019 9:08 am

What does workmanlike mean in this context Stu?

It's quite heavy at over a kilo and appears to be robust rather than slimline. The materials aren't as light as some bags and the down isn't of the very highest quality BUT it's a warm bag and will serve well for many years ... workmanlike.

For me as a reasonably warm sleeper, it strikes me that -18 (!) is quite a lot for your average Welsh winter bivi?
At 2/3 thirds the weight and a smaller pack size would you agree that this is maybe a somewhat more suitable bag for UK winters? https://rockrun.com/products/mountain-h ... rook-0f-9c

I have Vango Venom 300 which I use most of the year but I remember the last few times I did a winter bivi with that bag I was a bit cold.

For me as a reasonably warm sleeper, it strikes me that -18 (!) is quite a lot for your average Welsh winter bivi?
At 2/3 thirds the weight and a smaller pack size would you agree that this is maybe a somewhat more suitable bag for UK winters? https://rockrun.com/products/mountain-h ... rook-0f-9c

Absolutely Neil. It probably will be too warm for most instances but there will be those times when you'll be very glad of it. Obviously, it also depends on how warm you run, fatigue levels, calorie intake, etc. I know for a fact that I'd be cold or at least cool in your Venom any time outside of high summer.

Bearbonesnorm wrote: ↑Mon Nov 04, 2019 12:59 pm Absolutely Neil. It probably will be too warm for most instances but there will be those times when you'll be very glad of it. Obviously, it also depends on how warm you run, fatigue levels, calorie intake, etc. I know for a fact that I'd be cold or at least cool in your Venom any time outside of high summer.

If I was looking for a -9ish bag in the £160ish range would you have any suggestions that might be better than the Rook? I'm generally more concerned about pack size than weight... if you can have one without the other that is.

ps. I might have gone a bit soft since the times I was using the Venom is all seasons.

Don't know what the price is this year Neil but I had a phantom flame last year 800fp - 9 comfort for just shy of 200

Garmin Edge 25 for £50 on Sportpursuit

middleagedmadness wrote: ↑Mon Nov 04, 2019 8:49 pm Don't know what the price is this year Neil but I had a phantom flame last year 800fp - 9 comfort for just shy of 200

This looks like a nice bag but is a bit more spendy this year at £250 ish.

Have you considered a quilt Neil? A 350 would do you I reckon.

https://www.outdoorline.sk/en/quilts/cumulus-quilt-350

340g jar of Peanut butter down to 85p in LidLs , best thing is, it is in a PLASTIC jar! No more picking out bits of broken glass before eating it now!!

After some new Winter gloves. After putting a tweet out someone recommended these. Currently an extra 15% off if you use the discount code.

https://www.cotswoldoutdoor.com/p/extre ... colour=124

https://www.dexshell.co.uk/sale

Am having a go at some gloves, for backup.

Anyone know if those Dexshell gloves have a sewn-in liner? I can’t be doing with gloves that turn themselves inside out

I've gone with the merino gripper style ones and if they are like the sealskins I wrecked first time out (fecking gorse), the liner doesn't pull out....

Agreed re liners. Will find out when they turn up

Gravel frames for £150 on planet x

https://www.planetx.co.uk/deals

Also 80's retro winter MTB boots for £55.

https://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/SHGAETAR/ ... ling-boots

Reflective Carnac helmets for £25

https://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/ZXREFLECT ... ve-helmets

Dexshell gloves arrived. Got liner but it seems to be well attached and doesn't pull out. They've also turned out to be pretty substantial and warm so may well also fulfil somebody's "winter gloves" requirement.

The blurb on the packet says "100% waterproof, windproof and breathable". Heard all that before of course (lookin' at you, Shiteskins). Then adds "ideal for extreme weather over prolonged periods ensuring your hands stay dry and warm no matter what". My italics. If genuinely no matter what, that's a pretty damn good bargain for £18! Wonder if there's any more left?

R

Mine arrive tomorrow and will doubtless very quickly end up in extreme rain so will report back

Kinda - buy an 8g stove before Nov 20th and I'll throw in a tapered windshield and an additional 50ml fuel bottle - just add the obligatory Ti mug and prepare to enjoy Nescafe 3 in 1 like never before.
https://bearbonesbikepacking.co.uk/shop ... hs-stove-2

Alpkit sale.

Eg Gravitas jacket £160 > £135, Firn down jacket 40% off etc etc.

R2 bike have some reasonable deals on fatbike tyres, 45nrth van helgas for around £66 including delivery depending on the exchange rate

Bearbonesnorm wrote: ↑Tue Nov 05, 2019 9:01 pm Have you considered a quilt Neil? A 350 would do you I reckon.

https://www.outdoorline.sk/en/quilts/cumulus-quilt-350

Quilts have never been on my radar. Not for any real reason... I guess they are just outside my experience.

If I was getting up to spending £250 I think I would want something that would go lower than 2c as a comfort rating. I'm not sure I sleep quite as warm as I used to these days, based on how I sleep in the house. I mean I'm still walking around the place in shorts whilst she is under a blanket but I find myself wearing jammies for bed a lot more than I used to.

Bearbonesnorm wrote: ↑Wed Nov 13, 2019 2:40 pm Kinda - buy an 8g stove before Nov 20th and I'll throw in a tapered windshield and an additional 50ml fuel bottle - just add the obligatory Ti mug and prepare to enjoy Nescafe 3 in 1 like never before.
https://bearbonesbikepacking.co.uk/shop ... hs-stove-2

Purchased.
I'll pick it up from the Towers, I just don't know exactly when...

I don't know how good this seat pack is, but it's certainly cheap!

https://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/CCAVSP/al ... -seat-pack

ssnowman wrote: ↑Sun Nov 17, 2019 7:39 pm I don't know how good this seat pack is, but it's certainly cheap!

https://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/CCAVSP/al ... -seat-pack

Half decent, but I sold mine.... Small, and both buckles need to be opened to get inside which leaves nothing holding it onto the saddle. Would be ok for carrying change of clothes to work or something but no use for even a summer bag

not sure if this has appeared on here already but...

Revelate Designs Powerline Polartec Windpro Hoodie in red
XS ONLY!
€ 31.06

[Link removed]

actual revelate website states "sizing runs big. Size down if on the fence. Approx. size / height: XS 5'2" - 5'5".