Feedback on our Desert Race Two bag, which had the same basic design features:
"Thanks for reaching out! I was overall extremely happy with the bag. Warmth worked super well for me, was never really cold (really closing the hood tight provided tons of extra protection from wind and in the end warmth) Outer material held up very well, no tears no problems at all. Overall super comfortable."
— Jurgen Eckel (MdS competitor).
"I found the bag worked extremely well. The fit was brilliant no issues moving around in the bag, the foot zip helped add some additional ventilation on the really warm nights."
— Gaz Roberts (MdS competitor).
"I used it during the MdS and it ticked most of the boxes I expected. Lightweight, comfortable, hard wearing (no damage/tears all week). Overall I was very impressed. The bungee on the hood was very useful too, particularly on one night where we had a sand storm and, with the bungee fully pulled, it kept most of the sand out. Also I washed/ tumble dried (with the 'down balls') it after the race and it came out of the machine like new!"
Alex Winward
"The Desert Race Bag was perfect. There is nothing I would change. It was extremely light but warm and very easy to stuff into whatever space was available in my pack. My only mistake was leaving it too late to purchase a jacket from you as well!!"
— Rob Eustace (MdS competitor).
"I used it for the MDS this year. It was pretty warm early evening, but when the temperature got down in the early hours, they were perfect. A brilliant product that looked after me well in the Sahara."
Oliver Lodge (Marathon des Sables competitor).
"The bag was great. Weight and warmth were spot on. I think also I would in future opt for a half zip, as when it was hot it was a pain to have to shift halfway out of the bag."
— John Samuelson (MdS competitor).
"The bags worked great thanks! The weight to heat ratio was excellent. Others with [other brand] bags were really cold in comparison. Good durability. I'd highly recommend the bags to others!"
— Michelle Smith (MdS competitor).
"If anything, it was too warm! Others in my tent were complaining about the cold. Fabric held up well, despite dragging the foot box on the stony ground on occasion at nights when I shuffled down the tent. I had the elongated stuff sack which worked well - was very secure strapped to the bottom of my pack & I never worried about losing it. Excellent kit - well thought out & made."
— Andrew Bond (MdS competitor).
"I purchased the sleeping bag for my participation in the Trans America Bike Race. I had to carry everything required with me on the bike so optimum performance versus bulk and weight were my premium concern and hence the selection of your product. It performed perfectly in conjunction with a bivvy bag."
— Andrew Redmayne.
Testimonials from PHD Customers on the Marathon des Sables using PHD sleeping bags:
"A quick note to say how impressive my PHD bag was in the Sahara on this year's Marathon des Sables. Quite simply the best piece of kit I've ever bought. Temperature with wind got below 5 Celsius and the bag handled it so well that I slept in the buff every-night! Many, many thanks."
— Ben Buckle.
"I would, without a doubt, use the PHD bag again. Quite simply, I don't think there's a better bag on the market for warm weather stage racing."
— Bryon Powell -- member of 1st American team to place in top 3 of the Marathon des Sables.
"The bag was great for Marathon des Sables and I was 8th overall and the best finish ever by an American (or English speaker from what I hear). Anyhow, I loved the bag and will recommend it."
— Michael Wardian.
"Just to let you know that I finished the Marathon des Sables. As you know i bought your down sleeping bag, which was for sure the lightest in the whole race !!! and also during the nights i never feel cold !!! IT IS THE BEST PRODUCT I COULD EVER BOUGHT !!!! One more time ! THANKS THANKS THANKS.... YOU ARE THE BEST !!!"
— Miguel Vingardi.
"I have recently returned from successful completion of Marathon des Sables. Have to say I loved my PHD sleeping bag, great design, incredibly lightweight. I hate being cold and was worried about getting a good nights sleep in the desert - my PHD was like a comfort blanket, slept well at just the right temperature. Can thoroughly recommend."
— Michaela McCallum.
"Thanks again for . . . the sleeping bag and [the] help I received from your staff in picking the right bag. The PHD bag was both light and very warm - just the thing for a multi-day event with desert nights [the Marathon des Sables - ed]."
— Dr Ben Edwards, Senior lecturer, Research Institute for Sport, Liverpool John Moores University.
"I have been extremely impressed with this bag especially its lightness [it] was the envy of everyone [during the Marathon des Sables]. I can can highly recommend this sleeping bag, I wish I'd had one years ago."
— Mary Hawarth.
"Perfect on the colder nights of the Marathon des Sables without any base layer or liner ... it's a real plush bag and very comfortable."
— Ian Corless.
"Perfect for what I needed on the Marathon des Sables. Compact, lightweight and very comfortable."
— Leigh Michelmore.
"Super warm ... Fitted in my small pack perfectly and very light. I would definately recommend it to others."
— Mat Needham.
"Brilliant bag, really warm and light enough. Would definately take again"
— Dafydd Lewis.
