Argali sleeping bag review—complete!

[S.Clancy]

I’ll probably end up getting another 40 degree quilt, but beyond that—it’s bags only

I own a 40F quilt and a 15F bag. That's covered all my hunts, shed trips, etc. for a decade plus. I've taken those down to -10F or so. Any colder than that and I really don't want to sleep outside too much.

 

[mtwarden]

I’m with you on the -10F limit

 

[Spiral Horn]

I just bought the 0 degree bag and will be taking it on a sheep hunt in late August in the northernmost part of the Yukon. It was replacing a fairly old Kuiu bag that has a very snaggy zipper and develops some cold spots. It would likely still work but I really didn’t want to go through night after night of fighting the bag in the field.

For me it came down to a choice between SG Chilkoot and the Argali. Personally, I try to support companies that honor those that serve our nation and both of these companies are generous in that regard and offer high quality products. Both appear to be high quality bags. To me, the Argali appears to be a slightly better thought out design - both are high-quality wide bags, but I prefer the baffle design of Argali, along with the differential cut, and the down / fill weight.

Really struggled on deciding between the 20 and 0 degree bags. But I have a history of sleeping quite cold and was previously very happy to have a 0 degree bags on far north sheep hunts. Yes, there were nights where I left the bag open or was tempted to use it as a quilt. But the memory of previously using a 15 degree bag, shivering all night and unable to sleep convinced me to go with the 0.

Anyway, I’ll be certain to report back on my experience with the bag.

 

[mtwarden]

Nothing worse than losing sleep being too cold.

 

[Quailchaser410]

I was thinking the argali would be a good alternative but may just bite the bullet with WM

 

[mtwarden]

I was thinking the argali would be a good alternative but may just bite the bullet with WM

Honestly you won't be disappointed with either

 

[IDVortex]

For you guys who have bought a argali, and have owned a WM bag, or a FF, any reason youd still choose the WM or FF over the argali? Having a hard time choosing between the argali 20 or the Badger...

 

[mtwarden]

I think the quality, amount of down, etc is a wash between the three.

I’d compare the specs of the dimensions to see if there is an advantage of one model over another for your specific body type.

WM and FF are made in the USA. Not sure how pricing compares.

 

[Harvey_NW]

@mtwarden, do you have any experience with the SG Chilkoot bags? If so, how would these two bags compare?

I haven't field tested the Argali yet, but I just received a 0° and I'll give you my initial impressions in hopes that it helps. I tested a 15° Chilkoot last year and ended up buying a 0° before the Alpine came out, then sold it so I could switch.

SG Chilkoot 0°
- Hood is a bit constrictive with no option when fully zipped. My chin and the bag were wet with condensation every morning, or I would have to tuck it and feel choked.
- Draft collar elastic band and flaps are annoying and magnets can snap closed.
- Inner material has a bit of a plastic-y feel.
- One size, I'm 6' so the extra length was not needed.
- Contains PFAS.
- 29.1oz fill.

Argali Alpine 0°
- More conventional hood design that can vent, or cinch down if needed.
- Naturally integrated draft collar with button option.
- Internal material is more silky soft feeling.
- Regular or Long options.
- PFC-Free coating.
- 31oz fill.

The SG is definitely an awesome bag and I'm nitpicking, but overall I'm very happy I made the switch and initially like everything better about the design and materials of the Argali.

 

[mtwarden]

Nice comparo—thanks!

 

[IDVortex]

This is my first ever down sleeping bag. Holy crap, ive gained to much room in my bag now, and cut i think 3ish pounds off.

Looking forward of seeing how the Argali is this coming weekend up in Glacier!

 

[mtwarden]

 

[Spiral Horn]

Argali Alpine 0°
- More conventional hood design that can vent, or cinch down if needed.
- Naturally integrated draft collar with button option.
- Internal material is more silky soft feeling.
- Regular or Long options.
- PFC-Free coating.
- 31oz fill.

Just returned from a 10 day Sheep Hunt in the Yukon where I used my Argali Alpine 0 degree bag. Overall, I was very pleased and look forward to using it on other hunts. A few things I really liked and a few that I views as cons:

Likes:
- Very temperature regulatory as I was comfortable over a very wide temp range
- Internal material is more comfortable against skin than any other I’ve owned
- Very robust girth and sizing - I’m a side sleeper 6’1” 220 and it was perfect
- Overall, the hood (+ adjustability) and baffling design were excellent
- Although there is no such thing as a true “no snag” zipper, this one was good
- Exceptional breathability while maintaining warmth

Dislikes and Nits:
- The snap closure at the top of the zipper was irritating and in the way on warmer nights when I didn’t need to complete close the bag
- I ordered a Long, and at 6’1” 220 it is way long and I should have gotten the reg
- The 0 Long packs down a bit larger than I’d like but the 20 or Reg likely works
- The external shell material is very thin and IMO not very robust - I know it is a trade-off between weight, breathability, and durability. However, I managed to get a small rip in mine as it got hung up while stuffing it into a compression bag - sealed it with duct tape. However, I’d never torn any shells on any of my previous bags over numerous seasons = Kuiu, Montbell, etc. Hopefully, it can be fixed under warranty.

Anyway - that’s my actual field experience with this bag.

 

[mtwarden]

Thanks for adding your review.

But you didn’t say if you got a ram?