Western Mountaineering Sleeping bags are all made with YKK COIL zippers, no teeth which is why their zippers don't snag on the material when zipping up or down. I especially like that my bag was made by one person here in America & used responsibly sourced Down. I bought Western Mountaineering Antelope ((5º) Gore Windstopper outer fabric, size short, RIGHT side zipper & at the same time purchased the XTherm Thermarest air mattress. An 18" wide, 4' long piece of shelf liner placed between the XTherm & my sleeping bag keep me from sliding off the air mattress during the night. Warm Regards from Reno, Nevada
Even going a step or two above budget bags like Coleman makes a huge deal. Ive used $30 Coleman bags using the 808 fill since the 90s. But it was only trunk camping, so it wasnt a big deal that they were relatively bulky. I just upgraded to a $90 Kelty to be able to do some short hike (less than 2 miles in) backcountry trips and it was night and day. Just as warm but half the pack size and weight. I'm sure a Sea to Summit or Big Agnes is better, but as a casual camper going out 3-5 times a year, $200 just isnt necessary.
Agree to a point, problem with all conventional bags is no room to move around with shoulders. Anything over $400 is a rip off based mostly on gimmicks. After all down is down and there is not a huge difference in material costs that could possibly justify some of these prices.
I will make the argument for the better gear by my own experience. I work long days M-F and have very little time off each year, SO my free time is very limited and valuable to me👍. Spending more for something that will not fail me during my precious time off is invaluable to me. Thanks for the very thorough review and your insight as well👍
IMO the high end bags and quilts make sense for thruhiking, expeditions and other people who spend a lot of time camping. Most people will be better served by medium priced equipment though. Much better price/performance than high end stuff, but totally agree that anyone interested in the outdoors should also consider environment and buy from manufactures with a environmentally friendly policy.
If your budget is still only $150, check out the Paria Thermodown 15 Sleeping bag. Its a down sleeping bag that actually is comfortable at 15 degrees for only $145.
I have an ugq bandit but I can argue that this is not the right info for everyone. Most of my friends here in Toronto aren't camping even if there is a little bit of rain or a little colder. Those people could go with any cheap sleeping bag from Walmart cuz they won't even be out there unless it's a nice 23 degrees Celsius night. They don't need expensive bags. For us more hardcore back packers, portagers or campers who camp in sub zero temps, sure a good bag and pad and even a tent is a must.
Buy it buy it all its soo much fun and if ur hiking and camping mix...these products r a must. Save for a month or two and get some stuff. If ur car camping then nah don't worry about this . But I am not trusting my over all health with a Coleman out on a trail. No way. I'm getting proper gear. Look for sales and save a month or 2. If urr buying cheap gear then it's a huge risk and uncomfortable in the back country. The cheap materials and weight and size is gonna be ur problem. I'm poor myself but I'm gonna prioritize if needed. But it's buy once cry once. Just do it.
I have a WM Kodiak for mountaineering, and for that I definitely think it's worth the investment. Cheaper bags with that kind of temp rating are 4-5 lbs, and you are hauling that weight halfway up a mountain with all your other extra gear. That said I also have Big Agnes and Marmot bags that were half the price and have all the same high end features and quality. Now the down is not nearly as high quality, which is why they need more of it to get equal warmth, but these ultra high end bags are wildly unnecessary for the average backpacker. I have a $275 bag from a name brand that is good down to freezing and is 2lbs. An equivalent WM bag saves you only 5-6 ounces for nearly double the cost, and again the quality is similar.
I just got into backpacking and bought a cheap bag from REI. It was fine. But I just got my HG Economy Burrow and the difference in something custom and more expensive and quality is phenomenal. I absolutely love it. I think I'm a quilt guy but I can see situations I'd use a bag.
We have two UGQ quilts. They were great to work with! The customer care is usually so much better with the small family owned companies. That being said I couldn't afford 4 of them at one time when we got started so I got some Aegismax bags off of Amazon for the kids. I'm not really sure who makes them but I doubt its a cottage company.
Agreed Good for long distance hikers, section hikers, and thru hikers more so than the average "weekend warrior". I've heard higher quality down will last longer from an overall long-term high performance perspective than lower quality down, and especially longer than synthetic down, so that helps to justify at least a portion of the extra price if you tend to take care of your gear and want to use it for a relatively long time.
I agree. Cottage brands have higher quality standards, and their products are designed to last longer. I have an Enlightened Equipment quilt that was not inexpensive, but unless something catastrophic happens, it’s the last one I’ll need to buy.
That's a mischaracterization. OV does design. They have a full time designer. You may not like that they are still manufacturing overseas, but that is not the same as just buying what's already available and slapping your own alphabet soup label on it.
@@SammyMaeQ that may be true cause I no longer follow OV, Back in the day, there business model was exactly as i described so he has NO Integrity or credibility, IMO. and i feel bad for the people who buy into his stuff
I've been using the Big Agnes Torchlight UL 30 for the last two years. Hiking in Utah mountains above 9000 ft is not kind to this bag. It just can't handle it. I bought a wool liner but it weighs 1lb bringing the bag and liner weight to just over 3lbs and only is good to mid 30 degree nights. Without the liner do not go under 45 degrees or you will simply not sleep. I am going to upgrade to Western Mountaineering bag for next season. 20 degree bag, 2lbs, made in USA.
Check the Kuiu 15 Degree bag. I was looking at W.M also but..Kuiu is lighter, wider for me and has not only DWR but the 850+ Goose Down...is all treated as well. I was JUST about to go with W.M. but...Kuiu won this round.
"rEsPoNsiBlY SoUrCeD aNd EthIcAl" is completely irrelevant. If they can get good components by any means they want, and pass those saving on to me, that's all that matters. 2 factors, cost and performance, nothing else is my business or concern.
It can be what you value. I’m in my 60’s, but still like to hike. My knees can’t handle as much weight. I’ve experienced hypothermia, in my younger years. So I want to be damn sure, my gear doesn’t let me down, at 3am. Far from the road, on my own. It’s like the car. It can be a piece of junk, but the tires and brakes, can’t be. The only thing I’ve ever bought on credit, is the house. The ex wife, has that now.
@@rgmALC .....you much not be a mountain hunter or hike far in cold weather. Trust me..i thought the same thing too...until 2 sleepless cold nites and exhaustion from heavy packs.
@@kee7678 did you just thumbs up your own comment?…because within 2 minutes it had a thumbs up and my comment is 2 months old…so it’s not exactly being viewed by people. I I have no idea what you are talking about…did you even reply to the right comment?
Western Mountaineering Sleeping bags are all made with YKK COIL zippers, no teeth which is why their zippers don't snag on the material when zipping up or down.
I especially like that my bag was made by one person here in America & used responsibly sourced Down.
I bought Western Mountaineering Antelope ((5º) Gore Windstopper outer fabric, size short, RIGHT side zipper & at the same time purchased the XTherm Thermarest air mattress.
An 18" wide, 4' long piece of shelf liner placed between the XTherm & my sleeping bag keep me from sliding off the air mattress during the night.
Warm Regards from Reno, Nevada
I have three of their bags. Hands down the best of the best. Easily hold up to their European brothers like Valandre and Pajak
Western Mountaineering,for me has been a wonderful investment ! Well worth the money ! Cheers
Even going a step or two above budget bags like Coleman makes a huge deal. Ive used $30 Coleman bags using the 808 fill since the 90s. But it was only trunk camping, so it wasnt a big deal that they were relatively bulky.
I just upgraded to a $90 Kelty to be able to do some short hike (less than 2 miles in) backcountry trips and it was night and day. Just as warm but half the pack size and weight.
I'm sure a Sea to Summit or Big Agnes is better, but as a casual camper going out 3-5 times a year, $200 just isnt necessary.
You have overlooked the most important and also the leading manufacturer with the highest references for sleeping bags: RAB (United Kingdom).
Have you used western mountaineering lynx in winter? I have already WM alpinlite but I need extra warm for Finland's winter.
I only have experience with the UltraLite and Apache.
@@BackcountryExposure ok, thanks for the answer. I am considering also put another sleeping bag on alpinlite in winter.
Agree to a point, problem with all conventional bags is no room to move around with shoulders. Anything over $400 is a rip off based mostly on gimmicks. After all down is down and there is not a huge difference in material costs that could possibly justify some of these prices.
Warmlite It’s probably the best top of the line sleeping bag out there! DOWN FILLED SLEEPING BAG TRI-LAYER -60F
-60F. Are you sure, I’ve never heard of such a bag.
Two things never to be skimped on: an excellent tent, and (a) high end sleeping bag(s)...drop as much money as you can on this gear if going deep 👍
I will make the argument for the better gear by my own experience. I work long days M-F and have very little time off each year, SO my free time is very limited and valuable to me👍. Spending more for something that will not fail me during my precious time off is invaluable to me. Thanks for the very thorough review and your insight as well👍
IMO the high end bags and quilts make sense for thruhiking, expeditions and other people who spend a lot of time camping. Most people will be better served by medium priced equipment though. Much better price/performance than high end stuff, but totally agree that anyone interested in the outdoors should also consider environment and buy from manufactures with a environmentally friendly policy.
A great video, as always. Thanks!
Western Mountaineering Alpinlite and Ultralite bags here. Worth every penny.
If your budget is still only $150, check out the Paria Thermodown 15 Sleeping bag. Its a down sleeping bag that actually is comfortable at 15 degrees for only $145.
I have an ugq bandit but I can argue that this is not the right info for everyone. Most of my friends here in Toronto aren't camping even if there is a little bit of rain or a little colder. Those people could go with any cheap sleeping bag from Walmart cuz they won't even be out there unless it's a nice 23 degrees Celsius night. They don't need expensive bags. For us more hardcore back packers, portagers or campers who camp in sub zero temps, sure a good bag and pad and even a tent is a must.
Buy it buy it all its soo much fun and if ur hiking and camping mix...these products r a must. Save for a month or two and get some stuff. If ur car camping then nah don't worry about this . But I am not trusting my over all health with a Coleman out on a trail. No way. I'm getting proper gear. Look for sales and save a month or 2. If urr buying cheap gear then it's a huge risk and uncomfortable in the back country. The cheap materials and weight and size is gonna be ur problem. I'm poor myself but I'm gonna prioritize if needed. But it's buy once cry once. Just do it.
I have a WM Kodiak for mountaineering, and for that I definitely think it's worth the investment. Cheaper bags with that kind of temp rating are 4-5 lbs, and you are hauling that weight halfway up a mountain with all your other extra gear. That said I also have Big Agnes and Marmot bags that were half the price and have all the same high end features and quality. Now the down is not nearly as high quality, which is why they need more of it to get equal warmth, but these ultra high end bags are wildly unnecessary for the average backpacker. I have a $275 bag from a name brand that is good down to freezing and is 2lbs. An equivalent WM bag saves you only 5-6 ounces for nearly double the cost, and again the quality is similar.
What $275 sleeping bag is that?????
I am wondering what bag that is also????? I have researched big Agnes sleeping bags and they are not the temp rating that's on the label.
Haha bought the cypress w.m
It’s cost a lot . Not freezing to death priceless 😂
I just got into backpacking and bought a cheap bag from REI. It was fine. But I just got my HG Economy Burrow and the difference in something custom and more expensive and quality is phenomenal. I absolutely love it. I think I'm a quilt guy but I can see situations I'd use a bag.
We have two UGQ quilts. They were great to work with! The customer care is usually so much better with the small family owned companies. That being said I couldn't afford 4 of them at one time when we got started so I got some Aegismax bags off of Amazon for the kids. I'm not really sure who makes them but I doubt its a cottage company.
Agreed
Good for long distance hikers, section hikers, and thru hikers more so than the average "weekend warrior".
I've heard higher quality down will last longer from an overall long-term high performance perspective than lower quality down, and especially longer than synthetic down, so that helps to justify at least a portion of the extra price if you tend to take care of your gear and want to use it for a relatively long time.
I agree. Cottage brands have higher quality standards, and their products are designed to last longer. I have an Enlightened Equipment quilt that was not inexpensive, but unless something catastrophic happens, it’s the last one I’ll need to buy.
Buy once, cry once as they say?
the sierra desing backcountry bed 20 seem very interesting to me
No mention of the zenbivy on the pad?
There were a few of the bags in the video I didn't get to. However, I'll have a full review of the Zenbivy Light Bed coming later this week!
@@BackcountryExposure looking forward to it. I'm thinking of getting this for my father.
@10:01 Thats Outdoor Vitals business model, AND his prices are too high for direct to consumer
That's a mischaracterization. OV does design. They have a full time designer. You may not like that they are still manufacturing overseas, but that is not the same as just buying what's already available and slapping your own alphabet soup label on it.
@@SammyMaeQ that may be true cause I no longer follow OV, Back in the day, there business model was exactly as i described so he has NO Integrity or credibility, IMO. and i feel bad for the people who buy into his stuff
I took my WM ultralite hiking in 10 degree weather and I was so hot I had to undress and unzip the bag in the night
I've been using the Big Agnes Torchlight UL 30 for the last two years. Hiking in Utah mountains above 9000 ft is not kind to this bag. It just can't handle it. I bought a wool liner but it weighs 1lb bringing the bag and liner weight to just over 3lbs and only is good to mid 30 degree nights. Without the liner do not go under 45 degrees or you will simply not sleep. I am going to upgrade to Western Mountaineering bag for next season. 20 degree bag, 2lbs, made in USA.
Check the Kuiu 15 Degree bag. I was looking at W.M also but..Kuiu is lighter, wider for me and has not only DWR but the 850+ Goose Down...is all treated as well. I was JUST about to go with W.M. but...Kuiu won this round.
@@kee7678 Thanks for the info. I'll check it out.
Hollow man fill .
"rEsPoNsiBlY SoUrCeD aNd EthIcAl" is completely irrelevant. If they can get good components by any means they want, and pass those saving on to me, that's all that matters. 2 factors, cost and performance, nothing else is my business or concern.
In this economy?!?!?!!?!?!
Sure! In a few of these examples, it supports American jobs, and the local economy of those companies.
@@BackcountryExposure I think he meant more of like it’s a tone deaf thing considering the state of the economy right now
@@rgmALC I guess some people will never get over equating the stock market or the political climate as the economy lol.
2:13 in and still nothing actually said.im out
Nemo disco all night 🌙long
Soon as I heard the word sustainability I was out
🙄
Ì`ve stoped watching at the 600$ sleeping bag...although I must admit one can find a certain amount of charm when looking at how rich people camp.
It can be what you value. I’m in my 60’s, but still like to hike. My knees can’t handle as much weight. I’ve experienced hypothermia, in my younger years. So I want to be damn sure, my gear doesn’t let me down, at 3am. Far from the road, on my own. It’s like the car. It can be a piece of junk, but the tires and brakes, can’t be.
The only thing I’ve ever bought on credit, is the house. The ex wife, has that now.
I know…you can get an Economy quilt from Hammock Gear that will literally do the same thing at a fraction of the cost.
@@rgmALC .....you much not be a mountain hunter or hike far in cold weather. Trust me..i thought the same thing too...until 2 sleepless cold nites and exhaustion from heavy packs.
@@kee7678 did you just thumbs up your own comment?…because within 2 minutes it had a thumbs up and my comment is 2 months old…so it’s not exactly being viewed by people. I I have no idea what you are talking about…did you even reply to the right comment?
@@rgmALC Did I what? like your own comment? or MINE? it's not possible to like your own comment, so no. I didn't.