Great review Matt. Not many videos out there comparing the 2 brands. All our bags are WM, but I watch every FF video I can get my eyes on. Thanks for making this video. Take care, Matt
I grew up in Colorado in the 70’s and summited several 14’k peaks with whatever gear I could afford. My first quality WM bag lasted me over 20 years, used it for snow camping in the Sierras. Gave the bag to a friend because his girlfriend needed a good bag. Now at 67 I’m moto-camper so I bought the WM Terralite which doubles as a quilts for warmer summer temperatures but zips into a wide semi rectangular bag for cooler fall temps at altitude. I bought the 6’6” 3oz overstuffed bag so temps down to 15-20 degrees are comfortable. I live near Seattle and visit the Feathered Friends Store often, their bags are great and you can’t go wrong with either company but being from San Jose, I’m a WM fanboy! I’m a restless side sleeper and really appreciate the extra room, warmth, comfort and versatility the Terralite offers and at only 2lbs and packs small, it’s nearly perfect.
This is an amazing story. So grateful you shared it. You’re adventurous, generous, and loyal! The WM Terralite is amazing. Thanks for watching … and keep on moto camping! ✌️
I agree. My story, I owned a Western Mountaineering 20deg bag for 25 years, it traveled all over the U.S. with me backpacking, canoe, and bicycle trips. I finally decided to relegate it to summer only. I had about $100 of REI dividend money, plus REI had a Marmot 20deg bag on sale for 20% off. Wow, how could I resist? I took this new Marmot bag out to the desert mid winter on a bike trip, temps were expected to hit 30deg at night. I had my usual tent, down puffy, gloves, hat, long johns, all my regular gear. I was freezing with all my clothes on, at 4am I broke camp in the dark and started riding to town. Later that week, I took my old WM bag and the new Marmot and laid them side by side. My old bag had more loft! So, I took both of the bags into REI and did the same thing with the clerk. Laid the bags side by side and said I"ll take my money back for the Marmot bag. Today between my wife and I we own four Western Mountaineering bags. Happy trails ☮
I have 4 FF bags, all purchased used for less than 50% of new. Like you said, take care of them and they’ll last forever. My first FF bag was a -10F Eider w/6oz overfill, I emailed FF and was told that by the serial number it was made around the year 2000. You’d never know from looking at it, the previous owner took care of it like his life might depend on it someday. I’ve slept in it at -15F and was uncomfortably warm. The only thing I don’t like is that it’s not a 6’6” bag, but for the price I paid I can live with it. It’s roomy enough that I can stick my boots between my legs with very little discomfort. I also have an Ibis 0F, Plover -25F for female friends (both in like-new condition), and a Raven 10F in good condition that I paid $70 for. It leaks a bit of down from some seams but I think I’ll just brush a thin coat of seam sealer over them. I have 2 WM bags, an EverLite for summer that I got about 7 years ago and a Bristlecone I just bought 2 weeks ago and hope to test this weekend. I started off with a NEMO Sonic 0F, it’s a good bag but not in the league of either FF or WM. If I had kids I have no doubt these bags would still be serviceable when they began using them.
@@mattkessler-revelo Correct. The only thing I’d have to find out is shoulder & hip girth. I really don’t fit very well in anything under 66” shoulder girth, but Cumulus lets you customize just about anything. They offer +10cm and +22cm sizing. The 21F comfort rating bag I looked at (Panyam 600) as an example has 600g 850+ down and weighs 970g. Cost is $345. The closest FF bag is the $529 20F Swallow YF, with 476g 900+ and weight of 828g. I’ll carry a whole 5oz extra to save $184.
What a lot of packers don’t realize is a sleeping bag is not only for a comfortable sleep but could be a life saver. If you become hypothermic you will need to get undressed and get in your bag. So the sleeping bag should be very high on your priority list. Always test it before a trip get in it and even sleep in it at home. So important!
Sure thing. I love my FF bags and my WM pants but Valandre has the best foot box. It saved me having to bring my down Booties! Also Nemo bags are not worth the $.
There are several bags made around the globe that I'd like to try out. FF & WM are definitely in my top 5 to experience. However, out of these two choices in your video, I would choose the Western Mountaineering TerraLite with overfill. The multiple options of use are the reasons why I would choose the WM. Continuous baffles, unzips fully to use as a comforter, and side sleeping roominess, make for a well-rounded bag. My choice out of these two.
I went for a Feathered Friends Swallow. For me that was the best combination of features. It's over 20 years old now and till the best bag I've owned, and I've had many. Never tried one from Western Mountaineering but they seem to be at approximately the same level.
I have 3 WM bags , including the crazy warm for the weight . Cypress GWS Expedition bag -30 degree and only 50 oz. 69/61/48 LOVE IT for safety in the winter, for hikes and backpacking . And Roomy , yet WARM !!
@@mattkessler-revelo Never gotten wet from any tent condensation , and it is very durable . My other two WM bags are lite weight for Spring - Fall backpacking .
Buy once cry once works if you never develop beyond 3-season outings. I respect both of these brands. For paddling trips, I prefer Wiggy's Lamilite bags. They're heavier bulkier and cheaper while being much more forgiving with moisture and being built exceptionally tough.
Hey @wisenber! Thanks for your wisdom. Good point about 3 season bags - which is all I use. I’m super curious about Wiggly’s Lamilite. I’ll check them out. Thank you for sharing!
@@mattkessler-reveloWiggy’s are good stuff. As the comment above says they are heavier and bulkier but man do they work. I highly recommend them especially if you are paddling or in we damper or more humid conditions
I have a couple of Western Mountain sleeping bags and they are great. A couple of years ago I started doing longer thru hikes AT, LT and this coming summer the CT. I hike with my dog and Maggie does not carry her own gear. She is also a short haired hound mix so I needed to change up my sleep system and go lighter. I use a Zpacks 20 degree quilt and it has 950 down and 7D my dog used a EE 20 degree 950 down and her fabric is 10 D. Weight and volume is a big issue for me because of her additional gear and dog food. WM and FF both make great gear for sure. Take care
So cool you’ve been doing longer thru hikes on the AT and LT! And CDT this summer? Thanks for the insight on Zpacks. I haven’t tried their bags. Did you train Maggie yourself? I have an Aussie I want to start taking out this spring. Any tips?
Crazy as it may sound I own a few bags. My summer bag is a North Face Cats Meow. A 20 degree Fahrenheit goose down that’s over 30 years old and still works wonderfully. Now having said this I fastidiously take of of my stuff like no one on earth.
A 20° bag is perfect for me. I can always add my 1 pound enlightened equipment 40° quilt over the bag to add another 10 to 15° to the mix, but usually just take either one or the other. Pretty versatile system.
How do you keep the bag on top without compressing either bag when you toss and turn? I’ve tried but first turn it slides off. Any compressing of the bags reduces loft and warmth.
Thanks. If I can save up enough I'd certainly will go for the WM bag, simply because I don't like my feet in a small width, and since I prefer the dark neutral color, which is difficult to find in outdoor gear. The Leave No Trace principal emphasizes to not use bright colors, but it's rare for a company to offer neutral colors. Why don't outdoor gear companies follow this principal when they emphasize the other principals?
Can you explain the rationale behind this? Should not matter to nature what color your bag, inside a tent is. I believe in gear items serving multiple purposes, & if you ever found yourself in need of a rescue situation or simply “lost”, a brightly colored bag draped over a bush, or maybe even light blue not often found in nature can serve as a signal locator & maybe save your life or health. Certainly I leave no trash behind, follow backcountry waste rules, but this?
@@judyjrasmussen339 Hey, I'll try to explain a bit, going by memory from the Leave No Trace organization I've read before, since they currently don't post their principals/ethic in an easy to locate place on their website at present. In the past the organization began with 12 principals they used to educate the public with. Among them was the principal to use equipment which did not expose bright or eye catching colors, so as to not stand out as an intrusion to others in the outdoors, and so allow for others to have more of an unhindered privacy experience. It's similar to having noisy neighbors who present an audible intrusion to others trying to experience the quiet. Outstanding colors are eye catching and therefore are a visual intrusion. There is also the challenge when purchasing gear, when someone is trying to be more stealth but finds the lack of neutral colors nowhere to be found. I could go on, but you can follow the idea. Hope that helps.
After I finished I realized I didn't include a response to the emergency issue. Although emergencies occur in the backcountry, and a bight color would help with alerting medical personnel, most who enter remote areas do not require emergency help. Most emergencies occur with those not educated in backcountry safety. From my own experiences I have been lost in wild areas and it was worrisome. I never went off trail, but something caused me to get lost. It caused me to trust in God's provision to find the way. I continue to believe He will come to my rescue if I ever am lost again or find myself in harms way.
I’ve heard the WM Veralite is solid. Bummer on the stuff sack. I use a UL Dry Bag for mine. Wish they provided an option for that. Thanks for watching and chiming in.
Great video. I'm new to your channel and I love your vibe. Also, I can't tell the difference between the kislux replica bag here and it's close enough to the Amazon bag and it's cute, so that's good enough for me.
Great review Matt. Not many videos out there comparing the 2 brands. All our bags are WM, but I watch every FF video I can get my eyes on. Thanks for making this video. Take care, Matt
Thank you Matt! I appreciate your encouragement. All the best!
I grew up in Colorado in the 70’s and summited several 14’k peaks with whatever gear I could afford. My first quality WM bag lasted me over 20 years, used it for snow camping in the Sierras. Gave the bag to a friend because his girlfriend needed a good bag. Now at 67 I’m moto-camper so I bought the WM Terralite which doubles as a quilts for warmer summer temperatures but zips into a wide semi rectangular bag for cooler fall temps at altitude. I bought the 6’6” 3oz overstuffed bag so temps down to 15-20 degrees are comfortable. I live near Seattle and visit the Feathered Friends Store often, their bags are great and you can’t go wrong with either company but being from San Jose, I’m a WM fanboy! I’m a restless side sleeper and really appreciate the extra room, warmth, comfort and versatility the Terralite offers and at only 2lbs and packs small, it’s nearly perfect.
This is an amazing story. So grateful you shared it. You’re adventurous, generous, and loyal! The WM Terralite is amazing. Thanks for watching … and keep on moto camping! ✌️
I have a WM semi rectangular 20 degree bag that is 25 years old. Still going strong and is well loved and well used.
So great to hear! Amazing quality bags. Keep going! I appreciate you watching my channel.
I agree. My story, I owned a Western Mountaineering 20deg bag for 25 years, it traveled all over the U.S. with me backpacking, canoe, and bicycle trips. I finally decided to relegate it to summer only. I had about $100 of REI dividend money, plus REI had a Marmot 20deg bag on sale for 20% off. Wow, how could I resist? I took this new Marmot bag out to the desert mid winter on a bike trip, temps were expected to hit 30deg at night. I had my usual tent, down puffy, gloves, hat, long johns, all my regular gear. I was freezing with all my clothes on, at 4am I broke camp in the dark and started riding to town. Later that week, I took my old WM bag and the new Marmot and laid them side by side. My old bag had more loft! So, I took both of the bags into REI and did the same thing with the clerk. Laid the bags side by side and said I"ll take my money back for the Marmot bag. Today between my wife and I we own four Western Mountaineering bags. Happy trails ☮
Great story. So glad you shared. WM is truly an amazing bag. Happy Trails!
I have 4 FF bags, all purchased used for less than 50% of new. Like you said, take care of them and they’ll last forever. My first FF bag was a -10F Eider w/6oz overfill, I emailed FF and was told that by the serial number it was made around the year 2000. You’d never know from looking at it, the previous owner took care of it like his life might depend on it someday. I’ve slept in it at -15F and was uncomfortably warm. The only thing I don’t like is that it’s not a 6’6” bag, but for the price I paid I can live with it. It’s roomy enough that I can stick my boots between my legs with very little discomfort. I also have an Ibis 0F, Plover -25F for female friends (both in like-new condition), and a Raven 10F in good condition that I paid $70 for. It leaks a bit of down from some seams but I think I’ll just brush a thin coat of seam sealer over them.
I have 2 WM bags, an EverLite for summer that I got about 7 years ago and a Bristlecone I just bought 2 weeks ago and hope to test this weekend.
I started off with a NEMO Sonic 0F, it’s a good bag but not in the league of either FF or WM. If I had kids I have no doubt these bags would still be serviceable when they began using them.
Wow. You're the king of used FF bags! Thank you for sharing your experience with me. Definitely pass them down!
@ I think my next down bag is going to be a Cumulus in the 20-25F range. I’ve heard a lot of good things about them and the numbers look really good.
Let me know if you like it. Those are made in Poland right?
@@mattkessler-revelo Correct. The only thing I’d have to find out is shoulder & hip girth. I really don’t fit very well in anything under 66” shoulder girth, but Cumulus lets you customize just about anything. They offer +10cm and +22cm sizing. The 21F comfort rating bag I looked at (Panyam 600) as an example has 600g 850+ down and weighs 970g. Cost is $345. The closest FF bag is the $529 20F Swallow YF, with 476g 900+ and weight of 828g. I’ll carry a whole 5oz extra to save $184.
What a lot of packers don’t realize is a sleeping bag is not only for a comfortable sleep but could be a life saver. If you become hypothermic you will need to get undressed and get in your bag. So the sleeping bag should be very high on your priority list. Always test it before a trip get in it and even sleep in it at home. So important!
Yes! Great wisdom. Thanks for chiming in. I appreciate you watching.
I used to work for Feathered Friends. They are both really nice bags. But I have come to ABSOLUTELY LOVE RAB and Valandre.
Cool. Thanks for sharing your experience. I’ll check that out. Appreciate you watching! Be well!
Sure thing. I love my FF bags and my WM pants but Valandre has the best foot box. It saved me having to bring my down Booties! Also Nemo bags are not worth the $.
There are several bags made around the globe that I'd like to try out. FF & WM are definitely in my top 5 to experience.
However, out of these two choices in your video, I would choose the Western Mountaineering TerraLite with overfill. The multiple options of use are the reasons why I would choose the WM. Continuous baffles, unzips fully to use as a comforter, and side sleeping roominess, make for a well-rounded bag. My choice out of these two.
Excellent choice! I love my WM. Both are fantastic bags. Thanks for watching and chiming in.
I went for a Feathered Friends Swallow. For me that was the best combination of features. It's over 20 years old now and till the best bag I've owned, and I've had many. Never tried one from Western Mountaineering but they seem to be at approximately the same level.
Great choice. So glad you’re enjoying FF. Thanks for watching and sharing your experience.
I have 3 WM bags , including the crazy warm for the weight . Cypress GWS Expedition bag -30 degree and only 50 oz. 69/61/48 LOVE IT for safety in the winter, for hikes and backpacking . And Roomy , yet WARM !!
3 WM bags is amazing! Love the size of the Cypress GWS! What’s your take on the GWS fabric? Thanks for watching and sharing.
@@mattkessler-revelo Never gotten wet from any tent condensation , and it is very durable . My other two WM bags are lite weight for Spring - Fall backpacking .
Mitylite and Terralite
Nice!
Buy once cry once works if you never develop beyond 3-season outings.
I respect both of these brands.
For paddling trips, I prefer Wiggy's Lamilite bags. They're heavier bulkier and cheaper while being much more forgiving with moisture and being built exceptionally tough.
Hey @wisenber! Thanks for your wisdom. Good point about 3 season bags - which is all I use. I’m super curious about Wiggly’s Lamilite. I’ll check them out. Thank you for sharing!
@@mattkessler-reveloWiggy’s are good stuff. As the comment above says they are heavier and bulkier but man do they work. I highly recommend them especially if you are paddling or in we damper or more humid conditions
I have a couple of Western Mountain sleeping bags and they are great. A couple of years ago I started doing longer thru hikes AT, LT and this coming summer the CT. I hike with my dog and Maggie does not carry her own gear. She is also a short haired hound mix so I needed to change up my sleep system and go lighter. I use a Zpacks 20 degree quilt and it has 950 down and 7D my dog used a EE 20 degree 950 down and her fabric is 10 D. Weight and volume is a big issue for me because of her additional gear and dog food. WM and FF both make great gear for sure. Take care
So cool you’ve been doing longer thru hikes on the AT and LT! And CDT this summer? Thanks for the insight on Zpacks. I haven’t tried their bags. Did you train Maggie yourself? I have an Aussie I want to start taking out this spring. Any tips?
Crazy as it may sound I own a few bags. My summer bag is a North Face Cats Meow. A 20 degree Fahrenheit goose down that’s over 30 years old and still works wonderfully. Now having said this I fastidiously take of of my stuff like no one on earth.
Not crazy! Good bag. I have several friends who own and love the Cats Meow. 😸 Thanks for sharing. I appreciate you watching.
A 20° bag is perfect for me. I can always add my 1 pound enlightened equipment 40° quilt over the bag to add another 10 to 15° to the mix, but usually just take either one or the other. Pretty versatile system.
Yes! Sounds like a great combo! VERY versatile. Thanks for watching.
How do you keep the bag on top without compressing either bag when you toss and turn? I’ve tried but first turn it slides off. Any compressing of the bags reduces loft and warmth.
Thanks. If I can save up enough I'd certainly will go for the WM bag, simply because I don't like my feet in a small width, and since I prefer the dark neutral color, which is difficult to find in outdoor gear. The Leave No Trace principal emphasizes to not use bright colors, but it's rare for a company to offer neutral colors. Why don't outdoor gear companies follow this principal when they emphasize the other principals?
Hey! Thanks for sharing this. Sounds like the WM would be a great choice for you. I hope you get to enjoy one soon!
Can you explain the rationale behind this? Should not matter to nature what color your bag, inside a tent is. I believe in gear items serving multiple purposes, & if you ever found yourself in need of a rescue situation or simply “lost”, a brightly colored bag draped over a bush, or maybe even light blue not often found in nature can serve as a signal locator & maybe save your life or health. Certainly I leave no trash behind, follow backcountry waste rules, but this?
@@judyjrasmussen339 Hey, I'll try to explain a bit, going by memory from the Leave No Trace organization I've read before, since they currently don't post their principals/ethic in an easy to locate place on their website at present. In the past the organization began with 12 principals they used to educate the public with. Among them was the principal to use equipment which did not expose bright or eye catching colors, so as to not stand out as an intrusion to others in the outdoors, and so allow for others to have more of an unhindered privacy experience. It's similar to having noisy neighbors who present an audible intrusion to others trying to experience the quiet. Outstanding colors are eye catching and therefore are a visual intrusion. There is also the challenge when purchasing gear, when someone is trying to be more stealth but finds the lack of neutral colors nowhere to be found. I could go on, but you can follow the idea. Hope that helps.
After I finished I realized I didn't include a response to the emergency issue.
Although emergencies occur in the backcountry, and a bight color would help with alerting medical personnel, most who enter remote areas do not require emergency help. Most emergencies occur with those not educated in backcountry safety. From my own experiences I have been lost in wild areas and it was worrisome. I never went off trail, but something caused me to get lost. It caused me to trust in God's provision to find the way. I continue to believe He will come to my rescue if I ever am lost again or find myself in harms way.
Are you sure the 1lb 4oz is the whole bag weight for the Feathered Friends or the fill weight of the down? I think the website shows fill weight.
Thank you! Good catch. The weight is 1 lb 13.4 oz. 👍
I love my WM bag, but would add to not order a bag that’s too too big, because then you have to warm that entire space, and that doesn’t work so well…
Good call. I’ll make sure I mention the wisdom of not getting a bag that’s too big. Thank you for commenting. I appreciate you.
I have the WM Versalite 10°. I love the bag, but has the cheapest stuff sack. $800 sleeping bag with a dollar store stuff sack.
I’ve heard the WM Veralite is solid. Bummer on the stuff sack. I use a UL Dry Bag for mine. Wish they provided an option for that. Thanks for watching and chiming in.
Wide mummy bag? Like your edit?
Yes, the WM Terralite is a wide mummy. Both these bags are amazing. Trying to figure out which one to take this week!
@mattkessler-revelo that's what I run with overstuffing. Next level comfort.
My WM bag is awesome as is their customer service
Yes! Great company. Which WM bag do you have? Thanks for watching!
@ Western Mountaineering Versalite 10°F Sleeping Bag
💪
Great video. I'm new to your channel and I love your vibe. Also, I can't tell the difference between the kislux replica bag here and it's close enough to the Amazon bag and it's cute, so that's good enough for me.
Welcome to the channel. Thanks for your encouragement.
Stone glacier is the best
Hey! I haven’t heard of them. Thanks for letting me know. I’ll check them out.