All you need to know is Western Mountaineering. Warmest for weight ratio, zipper guards don't get stuck, different cut bags for bigger or smaller people. Eg. I have a 25 year old, 20 degree Westerm Mtn bag that is warmer that a brand new 20 degree bag from Marmot. Returned the Marmot bag and bought my second WM bag.
You should make this into a series! “Last ______ I would sell” of each gear category. Shows what you would prioritize and what checks the most boxes for gear that you’ve actually owned and tested
Thanks @Leesadventure, Appreciate the positive review and confident your MegaLite will be keeping you warm for many, many years to come. Happy Trails, Western Mountaineering
The WM 20 UL was my go-to bag for years. I now use a Zpacks 20 quilt, and I am very happy it. When the seasons change, and it gets colder its back to my WM bag. My WM bags are all about ten years old and in perfect condition. Never any issues with the zippers and I have never been cold, not even a little bit. Being made in the USA is important to me. Remember the saying, cry once.
Western Mountaineering Zippers are YKK COIL, no teeth to snag. Look closely at the zipper, it's a long coil, no teeth. I, too, love the overall design & quality of the American Made Western Mountaineering products. Mine is the short, Antelope 5º sleeping bag with their Gore-Tex Windstopper OUTER fabric Warm Regards from Reno, Nevada U.S.A.
Thanks @azclaimjumper, We pride ourselves on meticulous construction and now how frustrating zippers can be. Glad you noticed that! Happy Trails, Western Mountaineering
@@Western-Mountaineering I sure wish you offered CENTER zips instead of or in addition to side zips - YES, I realize CENTER zips are so-called "Old School". Warm Regards from Reno, Nevada
When you pay this kind of money for a sleeping bag, then I want centre zip and arm ports or sleeves of some kind like Sierra Designs Mobile Mummy, Mammut Protect Fiber (or Down) -18 or Carinthia Survival One ( it's a bunker of a sleeping bag to be fair😂 ). You say you want easy In and Out then I personally think centre zipper all the way. When it comes to the ability to put your arms out from a sleeping bag it's just absolutely game changing for me! Especially if you're in a bivvi!
Well, it's not the most expensive by any means. Look at malachowski super ultralight 400 or 600 that are both over 1.000 euros. Also look at pajak radical 4z which is comparable to this one and costs around 700. And don't even begin to talk about phdesigns...
Hey Backcountry Exposure! Thanks for the awesome review! We appreciate your insights and tenacious search for the best gear. Happy Trails, Western Mountaineering
I've bought a customized Cumulus Alaska 1300 bag 10 years ago (different inner fabric and additional top fill). The quality and the freedom to customize the bag to your liking / needs have no competition... and all this for a very reasonable price. Have other, lighter sleeping bags as well as a zenbivy double... there is not a singel one for every situation - it depends when where and with whom I'm going on a trip.
If you really want the complete custom experience in Europe you can go to PHD Designs - they have a configurator that allows you to tweak every element of the bag. They have delighted customers from ultralight desert racers to high altitude mountaineers - but like Western Mountaineering you pay a high price in return for the quality.
Thanks for a well reasoned review. My 8 year old WM Megalite (overstuffed by WM to 20 F.0 ) is my 3 season bag that WILL handle 0 F. if I wear a base layer, down pants and down sweater and a balaclava. Being the wider Megalite I'm not constricted when wearing the down garments. GO WESTERN MOUNTAINEERING!
I have three WM bags. Bought my first in 2001. Tried others including one from Marmot. I remember the Marmot being very comfortable, but it was too heavy for the same temp.
I went with Western Mountaineering as well but the Terralite model. Best bag I’ve ever owned and next to my other down bags it’s a noticeable step above in quality and materials
Hello, I know the Terralite is a 25’ bag. Have you had it colder? I like the semi rectangular bags, but they get limited on lower degree bags. I’ve been researching WM and can’t decide what I want.
@@jasonlommen4769 It’s worth noting that WM conservatively rates their bags for comfort, not limit. Not sure how cold you are wanting to take it, but they don’t mislead as far as what their bags advertise for temp rating. I’ve been hot in the bag down into the 30’s. Yet to take it into the 20’s but I wouldn’t be worried at all. Its very roomy if you ever felt the need to layer up inside of it. I’d say it’s a no brainer if you are in the market for a quilt. It will keep you warmer than just about any low temp quilt on the market and won’t feel restricted at all like a mummy bag.
I recently bought a custom LiteLine400 with 60g / 3oz overfill with toray airtastic inner . Now it’s on same warmth then the UltraLite while being lighter :) had this in Iceland 2 weeks ago and it performed phenomenally
Western Mountaineering 20* TerraLite! Extra wide semi-rectangular mummy bag that doubles as a quilt, but under 2lbs and stuffs into a 7-8 litter stuff sack. USA made and top quality, 850 plus down is usually over 900 actual fill power. Western Mountaineering is one of the best IF not the best sleeping bag manufacturer in the world..
I’m late to the party… My Triple Crown was done with WM bags. Their down is magical! The Ultralite Short was used for 85% of my miles, with the Antelope Gore Downproof for a wicked cold March 1998 on the AT, and the Megalite for the hot & sweaty days in the mid-Atlantic states. I have added a little down to the Ultralite which brings it to more of a 10-15F bag as I have aged 😮 to add some comfort in my Colorado border season hikes. My local retailer, Bent Gate Mountaineering, in Golden, Colorado, often includes WM in their seasonal sales, but the 10-15% discount is only available in store.
I have many sleeping bags and found the best value to be TheNorthFace. Do not get a waterproof bag unless you only plan on using it 1 or 2 days at a time. Waterproof bags used at below freezing temps get wet due to condensation of body moisture. WesternMoutaineering should be avoided unless one is very skinny.
Not yet. I’m in central Indiana. It’s been pretty hot and very humid. Even the 25 degree is way too warm as a blanket, lol. I have tested it in our home. Soft, still quite warm for a 25 and wow! So roomy and comfy. And light!!! So light weight and packable. I’m so, so impressed so far Devin.
My wife and I both use Feathered Friends 10f bags (and have for 4 years now without issue). Just ordered their kids bag for my son. I have 0 complaints with them, and they should be on this list.
WM has been making great bags for as long as I can remember. Love my S2S Spark and Flame but tend to use them more like a quilt because the zippers are an issue. They seem to just curve up too high and make unzipping a pea panic nightmare!!😂
@@BackcountryExposure I’d love to see the pillow one. I have been searching for the perfect one for me and I think I found it. The Hikenture pillow with a small foam rectangle (taken from a spare memory foam topper) on top of the plastic airbag. It’s pretty much a make shift Nemo Fillo at the same weight of 9 oz. I forgot you don’t prefer quilts. No biggy on that note! Thanks for the quick reply!
I bought Teton Leef-o and i was actually surprised how warm it is. Ive tested down to below 5 degree and still shed my thermals. Leef-o is also cheap and less than $200
Using the Spark 3 and 0 . But totally agree with your impression. However, I’m gonna stick 😅 to them for for its advantages comparing to my other gear . But that’s just me because I’m stubborn and can’t afford to buy an additional Zen bivy system ( in Germany ). Wouldn’t sell the Sparks to be able to buy anything else either as I’m using them very often for its ultra light weight
I need to start looking at summer bags... I may actually try my first Sumner backpacking adventure... so much easier to stay warm than cool down!! And the bugs 😂
I have three WM bags, the -7C Ultralite, the -12C Versalite and the -32C Puma. They're incredible bags. My Ultralite has over 500 nights of use, and it is like new. Why the -12C and -7C bags? "Aren't they nearly the same?" No, the -12C Versalite is a severely underrated bag, and I have used it to close to -20C.
WM is top of the line. I have gone UL and now use a Zpacks quilt for most trips but when it turns cold It WM all the way. I have never been cold in a WM bag.
If there was a synthetic sleeping bag with the same possibility to compress, insulation and weight comparing to my Spark 3 I’d buy it. Honestly, even more than it’s flimsy materials and cling-foil like haptic on your skin it’s the smell of goose down that I like to get rid off. Couldn’t find a decent alternative yet.
I started putting together my backpacking gear in spring and really went crazy with the research so now I am still not done in late summer. I am deciding what bag to get and I got an idea that I'd love to get your opinion on. During the winter we have lots of layers to keep us warm during the day; usually somewhere between 3 and 6; and then when we go to bed we take them off to get into our super warm, heavy sleeping bag. Why not just wear your warm day clothing to bed and take like a 30 degree bag in the winter? I know they could be sweaty but if you manage your layers properly they shouldn't be that wet right? Plus you could use materials that are warm when wet like wool and some synthetics.
I love the western Mountaineering too its a great bag, the sea to summit spark i have too and i do like that one too minus the zip, sea to summit has come out with a new updated pro version this year with a 950 fill down i think its a litte lighter too but i hope the zips are better i have been curious about it the last month.
WM make the BEST sleeping bags in my opinion & most other people - WM sleeping bags are the gold standard by which all other brands are measured against. Warm Regards from Reno, Nevada
I have bought Western Mountaineering Ultralite, and the quality is top notch, BUT: I wonder about the rough stitching inside the bag, which clearly irritates if you put bare arms and legs in the bag. I really hope that this irritation diminishes significantly as the bag is used - Unpacking/unpacking, washing etc.?
Great job, as usual, thanks for the work. Most of my overnights are in warm/hot climates. 🥵 I'm a quilt kind of guy. However, when I'm under about 25F my Mountain Hardware Lamix z (old) does the trick. It's also synthetic which is good for wet trips. So, I'm a gear nut, but don't change often. Can someone please tell me where everyone gets the money to buy this expensive mess. I guess I should be glad I don't live in a snow/cold area. Look at all the extra stuff I'd have to buy. 🥶Thanks again, I enjoy watching. 👴
Sounds like you've got a system that works well for you. That's awesome. If I wasn't testing gear to review and share with you all, I'd likely have much less change as well. Creature of habit over here. :)
I just purchased 2 of these blankets because they are supposed to be good for side sleepers. I have not been able to find many user reviews on them. Can you tell me how to keep from getting drafts on while sleeping on my side? I tried snapping it all the way up and it feels quite snug from the hips up. Gaps open in between the snaps. I have not had the chance to take the blanket out on a trip yet. I’d love your input!
A few complaints on the zippers in this video. Even the best sleeping bag zippers get stuck at times. The Zen Bivy is a good zipperless alternative. Another good alternative is an extra wide (60"+) quilt with side elastics (eliminates drafts), such as those sold by UGQ. Better yet, use that quilt inside a hammock with an underquilt - My favorite set-up for all seasons, as long as I am backpacking where there are trees
Way back in the day, oh about 1971-75 when I was doing a lot of backpacking in Colorado, Holubar was the top of the line down mountaineering products. Wonder what happened to them? Holubar and Gerry were the $)&@!
My Height is: 68 inch (173 cm), and The size of my shoulders is 17 inch (44 cm). Would you say a mummy sleeping bag of (81"L x 21"W) is suitable for my body size? Thank you
I dint think its the same to vompare a cumulus that weights 700 grams with a wetern mountanerring that weights ñiterally 2x. I understand they are worth the same amount of money but they are serving two different purposes.
Zen bivy is so expensive. $388 for the Lite Bed. Glad you get a great night's sleep. I would be awake thinking about spending hundreds of dollars on a quilt "system". It's not that I'm cheap (well, not entirely...) but I can make a 30F sleeping bag for under $120. Couple videos on my channel. One feature that I build in to my DIY bags is a zipper on the top center. Makes the bag super versatile and easy to get in/out of. Also, doesn't force me to arrange the zipper (left or right) near the single tent door. thanks for emphasizing how important good sleep is on trail.
Love it! I've included it in my best/favorite of 2023, even though it's not released yet. It's warm, and the comfort is good. I prefer the comfort of the Zoom UL or Nemo Quasar, but the Tensor is still plenty comfy.
Love my Zenbivy light bed 25F, its awesome, have you tried the 10F is it still really good for sub zero temps? Guess it still comes down to appropriate rated sleeping pad
There are some serious “hidden gems” for backpackers in the hunting world. The Kuiu Peloton 97 fleece is an excellent mid layer. Stone Glacier has some great options too. I’ve not used any stone glacier gear, but what I’ve seen when at the Hunting Expo it looks real solid.
@@BackcountryExposure your hand signs they are a stupid thing to do God doesnt like that it is in the Bible and Masons use these type hand signs so you seem to be one
Sigh, calls this hiking category and chooses a mountaineering bag that you would NEVER take hiking as you have to be able to use it as a quilt for HOT days when EVERYONE goes backpacking and is in their beeping bad naked essentially as it is too damned hot... which means a full zip toe closing quilt such as the Flutter from Feathered Friends or EN E or... ... Can't make this shit up...
What?! Not quite sure what you’re talking about here. The WM UltraLite bag is not a mountaineering bag. You absolutely are using it for backpacking. Rated at 20° it’s a solid 3 season backpacking bag.
And any mummy style sleeping bag, your balls/brains fry in hot weather, further dehydrating your buns even with the zipper completely undone. Why most everyone has gone to quilts with full zip capability other than those inheriting old style sleeping bags from their fathers. Yes, I too have beeping bags mummy style and they... SUCK for anything other than cold weather for which they were designed. They are great for that up in alpine terrain camping on snow. the lighter, cheaper, and more versatile option is a quilt. Why mummy bags have down on the bottom is beyond stupid and utter waste of $$$ & weight. Put that weight/insulation in your ground mat beneath the sleeping bag not crushed under your weight doing no one any good. If you want 3 season on a quilt it is absurdly easy, pack a down or fleece etc jacket which you ALREADY are carrying anyways + down booties and viola 3 season capability. Oh I said Flutter on Feathered friends, I meant flicker I think is the name for full zippered quilt with foot box insulated. Also sell a detachable hood if you want a more ~3 season approach. Allows one to use same bag for HOT/mild temps and be comfortable. I have their winter wren. Only problem with it is that the zipper is not full length, if it was it would be perfect. But 20+ years ago, I did not know any better. Still MUCH superior to a normal mummy bag, but a full zippered quilt is better yet for versatility. @@BackcountryExposure
Honestly, I can’t remember using a bag tapered at the feet in years. Total rip off. Totally uncomfortable. They don’t belong on anyones list. If you use a bag that’s tapered like that you either don’t use it much or you’re basically a zombie passing as human. Not comfortable at all. It’s why so many people use quilts.
Do you only use your quilt as a blanket? Cause the majority of quilts have a tapered footbox, just like most sleeping bags. And if they were that bad, don't you think the industry would have abandoned the design many years ago?
Going back to my Boy Scout days in the 1940's the ONLY shaped sleeping bag I've ever slept in is MUMMY shaped. Yes I'm the one that "thumbs down" your reply.
Best zipper you have ever seen on a sleeping bag huh? Obviously you've never seen the zipper on a m1949 sleeping bag. Go find one check it out. I don't know why they can't all be like that .
Western Mountaineering for the win!
Amen!
All you need to know is Western Mountaineering. Warmest for weight ratio, zipper guards don't get stuck, different cut bags for bigger or smaller people. Eg. I have a 25 year old, 20 degree Westerm Mtn bag that is warmer that a brand new 20 degree bag from Marmot. Returned the Marmot bag and bought my second WM bag.
Which models to you have?
Mine is the short, Antelope (5ºF) rated with GWS outer fabric & a WM SILK liner.
You should make this into a series! “Last ______ I would sell” of each gear category.
Shows what you would prioritize and what checks the most boxes for gear that you’ve actually owned and tested
Thought about it. Thanks!
I have the western mountaineering megalite. It is by far the most exceptional and expensive sleeping bag I've ever owned. But I love it. 😊
Thanks @Leesadventure,
Appreciate the positive review and confident your MegaLite will be keeping you warm for many, many years to come.
Happy Trails, Western Mountaineering
I have three Western mountaineering bags
On my oldest bag I’m working on my fourth decade in it. Still has plenty of loft and keeps me warm.
Which models to you have?
Mine is the short, Antelope (5ºF) rated with GWS outer fabric & a WM SILK liner.
The WM 20 UL was my go-to bag for years. I now use a Zpacks 20 quilt, and I am very happy it. When the seasons change, and it gets colder its back to my WM bag. My WM bags are all about ten years old and in perfect condition. Never any issues with the zippers and I have never been cold, not even a little bit. Being made in the USA is important to me. Remember the saying, cry once.
i’m a beginner camper,, if you don’t mind me asking.. what is the difference between a sleeping bag and a “20 quilt”?
Western Mountaineering bags are fantastic. Worth the $$.
Thanks @hoozurmama883!
Happy Trails,
Western Mountaineering
Western Mountaineering Zippers are YKK COIL, no teeth to snag. Look closely at the zipper, it's a long coil, no teeth.
I, too, love the overall design & quality of the American Made Western Mountaineering products.
Mine is the short, Antelope 5º sleeping bag with their Gore-Tex Windstopper OUTER fabric
Warm Regards from Reno, Nevada U.S.A.
Thanks @azclaimjumper,
We pride ourselves on meticulous construction and now how frustrating zippers can be. Glad you noticed that!
Happy Trails,
Western Mountaineering
@@Western-Mountaineering I sure wish you offered CENTER zips instead of or in addition to side zips - YES, I realize CENTER zips are so-called "Old School".
Warm Regards from Reno, Nevada
My Western Mountaineering Versalite is worth every penny, such quality, and every detail is covered. Cheers
Thanks @MeetMeOutside!
Appreciate the feedback-
Happy Trails, Western Mountaineering
@@Western-Mountaineering Your welcome, and my pleasure ! I wish you continued success. Peace ✌️
@@Western-Mountaineering Didn’t realize you have a channel ! Just subbed ! Anything I can do to help promote your great products, just let me know !
WM Terralite 25 one of my favs. Just got the Lynx -10 GWS for winter. Can't wait to use it! Great video ✌️
When you pay this kind of money for a sleeping bag, then I want centre zip and arm ports or sleeves of some kind like Sierra Designs Mobile Mummy, Mammut Protect Fiber (or Down) -18 or Carinthia Survival One ( it's a bunker of a sleeping bag to be fair😂 ).
You say you want easy In and Out then I personally think centre zipper all the way. When it comes to the ability to put your arms out from a sleeping bag it's just absolutely game changing for me! Especially if you're in a bivvi!
I so agree with Western Mountaineering!
But, 😂, Alpinlite works best for me. I also use it like a quilt with a foot box. Best quality ever!
Spoiler: It's the consensus best reviewed (and most expensive) sleeping bag on the market. Shocking.
Whoda thunk it
Well, it's not the most expensive by any means. Look at malachowski super ultralight 400 or 600 that are both over 1.000 euros. Also look at pajak radical 4z which is comparable to this one and costs around 700. And don't even begin to talk about phdesigns...
Hey Backcountry Exposure!
Thanks for the awesome review! We appreciate your insights and tenacious search for the best gear.
Happy Trails,
Western Mountaineering
Thanks for making amazing products!
I've bought a customized Cumulus Alaska 1300 bag 10 years ago (different inner fabric and additional top fill). The quality and the freedom to customize the bag to your liking / needs have no competition... and all this for a very reasonable price. Have other, lighter sleeping bags as well as a zenbivy double... there is not a singel one for every situation - it depends when where and with whom I'm going on a trip.
If you really want the complete custom experience in Europe you can go to PHD Designs - they have a configurator that allows you to tweak every element of the bag. They have delighted customers from ultralight desert racers to high altitude mountaineers - but like Western Mountaineering you pay a high price in return for the quality.
Thanks for a well reasoned review. My 8 year old WM Megalite (overstuffed by WM to 20 F.0 ) is my 3 season bag that WILL handle 0 F. if I wear a base layer, down pants and down sweater and a balaclava. Being the wider Megalite I'm not constricted when wearing the down garments. GO WESTERN MOUNTAINEERING!
I have three WM bags. Bought my first in 2001. Tried others including one from Marmot. I remember the Marmot being very comfortable, but it was too heavy for the same temp.
I'm more of a budget camper. I've been looking into a good summer bag. But I struggle to spend the money on the high end bags. Outstanding review.
I went with Western Mountaineering as well but the Terralite model. Best bag I’ve ever owned and next to my other down bags it’s a noticeable step above in quality and materials
Hello, I know the Terralite is a 25’ bag. Have you had it colder? I like the semi rectangular bags, but they get limited on lower degree bags. I’ve been researching WM and can’t decide what I want.
@@jasonlommen4769the alpinlite is a little warmer and is quite roomy. It’s basically the roomier version of the ultralite
@@jasonlommen4769 It’s worth noting that WM conservatively rates their bags for comfort, not limit. Not sure how cold you are wanting to take it, but they don’t mislead as far as what their bags advertise for temp rating.
I’ve been hot in the bag down into the 30’s. Yet to take it into the 20’s but I wouldn’t be worried at all. Its very roomy if you ever felt the need to layer up inside of it.
I’d say it’s a no brainer if you are in the market for a quilt. It will keep you warmer than just about any low temp quilt on the market and won’t feel restricted at all like a mummy bag.
@@David-lt9jw
Thank you for the tip. Much appreciated! I’ll check it out.
@@WolfPackM98c
Thank you for the reply! Appreciate the tips!
I recently bought a custom LiteLine400 with 60g / 3oz overfill with toray airtastic inner . Now it’s on same warmth then the UltraLite while being lighter :) had this in Iceland 2 weeks ago and it performed phenomenally
I’ve got a couple of WM bags. You should try to get hold of the WM bag expander. It adds another 4 inches to the interior circumference.
I went with the zenbivy core bed, and have absolutely lov it. It was great compromise between comfort and price for me.
That's awesome! The Core Bed is a solid option.
Western Mountaineering 20* TerraLite! Extra wide semi-rectangular mummy bag that doubles as a quilt, but under 2lbs and stuffs into a 7-8 litter stuff sack. USA made and top quality, 850 plus down is usually over 900 actual fill power. Western Mountaineering is one of the best IF not the best sleeping bag manufacturer in the world..
I’m late to the party… My Triple Crown was done with WM bags. Their down is magical! The Ultralite Short was used for 85% of my miles, with the Antelope Gore Downproof for a wicked cold March 1998 on the AT, and the Megalite for the hot & sweaty days in the mid-Atlantic states. I have added a little down to the Ultralite which brings it to more of a 10-15F bag as I have aged 😮 to add some comfort in my Colorado border season hikes.
My local retailer, Bent Gate Mountaineering, in Golden, Colorado, often includes WM in their seasonal sales, but the 10-15% discount is only available in store.
Wiggys sleeping bags the ultimate bags
About the size problem, try laying inside before buying it would be a good idea.😄happy camping day
you’re literally my comfort person i love you kislux !
I have many sleeping bags and found the best value to be TheNorthFace.
Do not get a waterproof bag unless you only plan on using it 1 or 2 days at a time. Waterproof bags used at below freezing temps get wet due to condensation of body moisture. WesternMoutaineering should be avoided unless one is very skinny.
Thanks to you and Dan and Eric I finally bought the zenbivy 25 degree and wide light bed with full sheet.
Have you had a chance to get out with it yet? Happy with it?
Not yet. I’m in central Indiana. It’s been pretty hot and very humid. Even the 25 degree is way too warm as a blanket, lol.
I have tested it in our home. Soft, still quite warm for a 25 and wow! So roomy and comfy. And light!!! So light weight and packable. I’m so, so impressed so far Devin.
WM are the best! FF are next! Rab, Fjallraven, and S2S are next!
My wife and I both use Feathered Friends 10f bags (and have for 4 years now without issue). Just ordered their kids bag for my son. I have 0 complaints with them, and they should be on this list.
I actually just got a Swallow 20° to start testing.
WM has been making great bags for as long as I can remember. Love my S2S Spark and Flame but tend to use them more like a quilt because the zippers are an issue. They seem to just curve up too high and make unzipping a pea panic nightmare!!😂
Can you do one of these for Quilts or Pillows? I love the comparison videos! Keep up the great work!
Pillows I could do. Quilts, probably not. I ditched using quilts a while back and don’t have any more in my arsenal.
@@BackcountryExposure I’d love to see the pillow one. I have been searching for the perfect one for me and I think I found it. The Hikenture pillow with a small foam rectangle (taken from a spare memory foam topper) on top of the plastic airbag. It’s pretty much a make shift Nemo Fillo at the same weight of 9 oz.
I forgot you don’t prefer quilts. No biggy on that note! Thanks for the quick reply!
Very informative video, thank you! I have the same Cumulus bag and I absolutely love it.
I bought Teton Leef-o and i was actually surprised how warm it is. Ive tested down to below 5 degree and still shed my thermals.
Leef-o is also cheap and less than $200
Using the Spark 3 and 0 . But totally agree with your impression. However, I’m gonna stick 😅 to them for for its advantages comparing to my other gear . But that’s just me because I’m stubborn and can’t afford to buy an additional Zen bivy system ( in Germany ). Wouldn’t sell the Sparks to be able to buy anything else either as I’m using them very often for its ultra light weight
I need to start looking at summer bags... I may actually try my first Sumner backpacking adventure... so much easier to stay warm than cool down!! And the bugs 😂
My favorite too. Great all-purpose bag.
I have a Feathered Friends Raven. I'll never get rid of that bag.
I have a Bishop Pass. I’d agree that it’s difficult to maneuver in. I can’t easily zip it up past my shoulders. It’s warm as hell, tho.
Yeah if you've got broad shoulders then it's gonna be tight!
I have three WM bags, the -7C Ultralite, the -12C Versalite and the -32C Puma. They're incredible bags. My Ultralite has over 500 nights of use, and it is like new. Why the -12C and -7C bags? "Aren't they nearly the same?" No, the -12C Versalite is a severely underrated bag, and I have used it to close to -20C.
WM is top of the line. I have gone UL and now use a Zpacks quilt for most trips but when it turns cold It WM all the way. I have never been cold in a WM bag.
WM now has an even colder rated sleeping bag than your Puma, it's the Bison.
If there was a synthetic sleeping bag with the same possibility to compress, insulation and weight comparing to my Spark 3 I’d buy it. Honestly, even more than it’s flimsy materials and cling-foil like haptic on your skin it’s the smell of goose down that I like to get rid off. Couldn’t find a decent alternative yet.
How low have you taken the spark? Haven’t taken mine near 0C yet. Worried as there’s not much down there.
I started putting together my backpacking gear in spring and really went crazy with the research so now I am still not done in late summer. I am deciding what bag to get and I got an idea that I'd love to get your opinion on. During the winter we have lots of layers to keep us warm during the day; usually somewhere between 3 and 6; and then when we go to bed we take them off to get into our super warm, heavy sleeping bag. Why not just wear your warm day clothing to bed and take like a 30 degree bag in the winter? I know they could be sweaty but if you manage your layers properly they shouldn't be that wet right? Plus you could use materials that are warm when wet like wool and some synthetics.
Because I like to sleep naked 🤣
Wish more would make that differential cut. Thanks!
I love the western Mountaineering too its a great bag, the sea to summit spark i have too and i do like that one too minus the zip, sea to summit has come out with a new updated pro version this year with a 950 fill down i think its a litte lighter too but i hope the zips are better i have been curious about it the last month.
Hi my friend, would you mind sharing your thoughts on what would make the most comfortable sleeping gear for ultra sized US citizens, please?
Western Mountaineering makes the best bag IMO.
WM make the BEST sleeping bags in my opinion & most other people - WM sleeping bags are the gold standard by which all other brands are measured against.
Warm Regards from Reno, Nevada
@@azclaimjumper I got my wife a feathered friends and it didn’t stack up against my WM. Back at you also from Reno.
@@torreyintahoe Thanks for decloaking & telling me were in the same neck of the woods.
Zenbivi is beast and da best ever
Timpanogos! You must be here in Happy Valley. Howdy neighbor 👋 Happy Pioneer Day.
Howdy! ha ha! Yeah I am in Utah County. :)
I have bought Western Mountaineering Ultralite, and the quality is top notch, BUT: I wonder about the rough stitching inside the bag, which clearly irritates if you put bare arms and legs in the bag. I really hope that this irritation diminishes significantly as the bag is used - Unpacking/unpacking, washing etc.?
Honestly, that’s never been of a concern for me or I’ve never noticed it.
Love my WM Versalite!
I'm telling ya, you've gotta try out the big agnes anvil horn!
Great job, as usual, thanks for the work. Most of my overnights are in warm/hot climates. 🥵 I'm a quilt kind of guy. However, when I'm under about 25F my Mountain Hardware Lamix z (old) does the trick. It's also synthetic which is good for wet trips. So, I'm a gear nut, but don't change often. Can someone please tell me where everyone gets the money to buy this expensive mess. I guess I should be glad I don't live in a snow/cold area. Look at all the extra stuff I'd have to buy. 🥶Thanks again, I enjoy watching. 👴
Sounds like you've got a system that works well for you. That's awesome. If I wasn't testing gear to review and share with you all, I'd likely have much less change as well. Creature of habit over here. :)
I just purchased 2 of these blankets because they are supposed to be good for side sleepers. I have not been able to find many user reviews on them. Can you tell me how to keep from getting drafts on while sleeping on my side? I tried snapping it all the way up and it feels quite snug from the hips up. Gaps open in between the snaps. I have not had the chance to take the blanket out on a trip yet. I’d love your input!
I need a used synthetic quilt, got a site I can check for one, personally mummy bags are to confining for my legs. Thanks for posting.
Check out the Backpacking Flea Market on Facebook.
@@BackcountryExposure Thanks
Western mountaineering is expensive, but the quality is good and the lifespan is long
Thanks for the video and information. Have you tried the Kulu Sleeping bag? If not, give it a look, I think it's the top two on the market.
I agree!!
😁
A few complaints on the zippers in this video. Even the best sleeping bag zippers get stuck at times. The Zen Bivy is a good zipperless alternative. Another good alternative is an extra wide (60"+) quilt with side elastics (eliminates drafts), such as those sold by UGQ. Better yet, use that quilt inside a hammock with an underquilt - My favorite set-up for all seasons, as long as I am backpacking where there are trees
Way back in the day, oh about 1971-75 when I was doing a lot of backpacking in Colorado, Holubar was the top of the line down mountaineering products. Wonder what happened to them? Holubar and Gerry were the $)&@!
I just looked and the western mountaineering sleeping. $1,300 Canadian
That is so far out of my budget,it’s unbelievable
What are your thoughts on the Nemo Riff 15?
No Feathered Friends?
I was wondering about that too.
Right? Costly bus absolutely the best bags I’ve used!!🤔
In the end its all about confidence in the gear that you use over and over and trust. Then it becomes your best friend. Just saying.
You’re not wrong.
My Height is: 68 inch (173 cm), and The size of my shoulders is 17 inch (44 cm).
Would you say a mummy sleeping bag of (81"L x 21"W) is suitable for my body size?
Thank you
I dint think its the same to vompare a cumulus that weights 700 grams with a wetern mountanerring that weights ñiterally 2x. I understand they are worth the same amount of money but they are serving two different purposes.
Zen bivy is so expensive. $388 for the Lite Bed. Glad you get a great night's sleep. I would be awake thinking about spending hundreds of dollars on a quilt "system". It's not that I'm cheap (well, not entirely...) but I can make a 30F sleeping bag for under $120. Couple videos on my channel. One feature that I build in to my DIY bags is a zipper on the top center. Makes the bag super versatile and easy to get in/out of. Also, doesn't force me to arrange the zipper (left or right) near the single tent door. thanks for emphasizing how important good sleep is on trail.
feathered friends never get any love, i feel the quality is rite there with WM
I would love to get a FF bag.
Agreed.
WM are expensive here and now, but cheap over it's lifespan
Tents next :P ...Mattresses its BA Zoom we know that by now haha
Sorry. Feathered Friends out of Seattle are the bomb!
I finally got a Swallow 20 to check out this year.
A $900 sleeping bag canadian amazon is insane.
That last sleeping bag would be very good in summer but in winter it will be very leaky.
Leaky?
New Nemo Tensor All Season 👀
👀👀👀👀👀
Hey! How is the nemo all season so far? At least for comfort
Love it! I've included it in my best/favorite of 2023, even though it's not released yet. It's warm, and the comfort is good. I prefer the comfort of the Zoom UL or Nemo Quasar, but the Tensor is still plenty comfy.
@@BackcountryExposure Thanks, I am in Canada too so the 5.4R for the All season seems great! I am looking to get a zenbivy core with it
I still play Uncle.
Gotta keep things interesting!
Is YKK the best zipper maker around?
WM uses a COIL YKK zipper, no teeth to snag.
I’m a feathered friends kinda guy!!😉
I got a Swallow recently to check out!
I ❤ you.
Love my Zenbivy light bed 25F, its awesome, have you tried the 10F is it still really good for sub zero temps? Guess it still comes down to appropriate rated sleeping pad
Sub zero C or sub zero F? I do have the 10F Light Bed and it’s a warm quilt. Paired with a Xtherm it’s been a great option down into single digits.
Hhmmm.....my zenbivy doesn't have a zipper. It has these silly loops/fasteners that I've resewn twice.
The Light Bed is what you have. This video shows the standard bed.
I'll take the Stone Glacier Chilkoots over anything else. Not well known unless your a hunter but their bags are second to nine
There are some serious “hidden gems” for backpackers in the hunting world. The Kuiu Peloton 97 fleece is an excellent mid layer. Stone Glacier has some great options too. I’ve not used any stone glacier gear, but what I’ve seen when at the Hunting Expo it looks real solid.
Gryphon Gear Aries 30 ❤
For reference what's your height buddy ?
5’9”
Cumulus bags are 98% as good as WM bags but less than half the price. They are the winner always
Because "USA made"? Is this a reason ?
Western Mountaineering or Feathered Friends....end of story.
All of your sleep is contingent on the pad under you!
Wouldn't it be easier to whip out the glock with a quilt?
Wiggys is the best! Period!
Please sell me your Lost Ranger =D
:) Keeping it, sorry.
why do you keep making pyramid fingers?
freakmason
😂😂😂 this just may be the strangest comment someone has ever made. What are you talking about?!
@@BackcountryExposure your hand signs they are a stupid thing to do God doesnt like that it is in the Bible and Masons use these type hand signs so you seem to be one
@@BackcountryExposure and you cant deny it loL morbid stone cutters brotherhood--dodgy handshake brigade.
@@lisalisa-ge4ic I mean, that is a great episode of the Simpsons. But no dodgy handshake stuff going on here.
Sigh, calls this hiking category and chooses a mountaineering bag that you would NEVER take hiking as you have to be able to use it as a quilt for HOT days when EVERYONE goes backpacking and is in their beeping bad naked essentially as it is too damned hot... which means a full zip toe closing quilt such as the Flutter from Feathered Friends or EN E or... ... Can't make this shit up...
What?! Not quite sure what you’re talking about here. The WM UltraLite bag is not a mountaineering bag. You absolutely are using it for backpacking. Rated at 20° it’s a solid 3 season backpacking bag.
And any mummy style sleeping bag, your balls/brains fry in hot weather, further dehydrating your buns even with the zipper completely undone. Why most everyone has gone to quilts with full zip capability other than those inheriting old style sleeping bags from their fathers. Yes, I too have beeping bags mummy style and they... SUCK for anything other than cold weather for which they were designed. They are great for that up in alpine terrain camping on snow. the lighter, cheaper, and more versatile option is a quilt. Why mummy bags have down on the bottom is beyond stupid and utter waste of $$$ & weight. Put that weight/insulation in your ground mat beneath the sleeping bag not crushed under your weight doing no one any good. If you want 3 season on a quilt it is absurdly easy, pack a down or fleece etc jacket which you ALREADY are carrying anyways + down booties and viola 3 season capability. Oh I said Flutter on Feathered friends, I meant flicker I think is the name for full zippered quilt with foot box insulated. Also sell a detachable hood if you want a more ~3 season approach. Allows one to use same bag for HOT/mild temps and be comfortable. I have their winter wren. Only problem with it is that the zipper is not full length, if it was it would be perfect. But 20+ years ago, I did not know any better. Still MUCH superior to a normal mummy bag, but a full zippered quilt is better yet for versatility. @@BackcountryExposure
Too expensive.
Not anywhere nearly as expensive as all those fat pills you buy at Franchise food places or the latte's you buy @Starbucks.
Honestly, I can’t remember using a bag tapered at the feet in years. Total rip off. Totally uncomfortable. They don’t belong on anyones list. If you use a bag that’s tapered like that you either don’t use it much or you’re basically a zombie passing as human. Not comfortable at all. It’s why so many people use quilts.
Do you only use your quilt as a blanket? Cause the majority of quilts have a tapered footbox, just like most sleeping bags. And if they were that bad, don't you think the industry would have abandoned the design many years ago?
Going back to my Boy Scout days in the 1940's the ONLY shaped sleeping bag I've ever slept in is MUMMY shaped. Yes I'm the one that "thumbs down" your reply.
I felt this wonderful feeling in my mind, body and soul when she said “I prefer kislux
Pajak Radical 16H
Best zipper you have ever seen on a sleeping bag huh? Obviously you've never seen the zipper on a m1949 sleeping bag. Go find one check it out. I don't know why they can't all be like that .
Gryphon Gear Aries 30 ❤
Gryphon Gear Aries 30 ❤