Hill People Gear (Mountain Serape)

[AK Troutbum]

Any folks using these? If so, what do you think? I'm thinking about getting something along these lines and was wondering how it stacks up to Kifaru's Woobie.

 

[Kay9Cop]

I can't compare to the Woobie, but I have one. I use it for insulation while glassing and as a sleeping bag liner. I'm all about gear that does double duty. The quality is amazing. It's really warm and I would estimate it lowered the temp rating of my bag by 20*, from 15* to -5* was the coldest it got.

 

[Browtine]

I can't compare to the Woobie, but I have one. I use it for insulation while glassing and as a sleeping bag liner. I'm all about gear that does double duty. The quality is amazing. It's really warm and I would estimate it lowered the temp rating of my bag by 20*, from 15* to -5* was the coldest it got.

At 40ozs, does it regularly make it into your pack for extended trips? I have a woodie that I really like, but the serape would definitely be more versatile. I'm just kind of hung up on the weight.

 

[Kay9Cop]

I take it on any gun that will get below 32*. I also use it as an emergency sleeping bag under a foil reflective bag.

 

[AK Troutbum]

My thinking is to use this in place of a sleeping bag. The Serape weighs 8 oz. more than my sleeping bag, but I was thinking that with the other functions of it, I could use it in place of other gear (clothing) also to make up for the added wt. of the Serape.

 

[Aron Snyder]

Take this for what it's worth (I work with Kifaru), but there's no way in hell I would use the Mountain Serape in place of a sleeping bag (with temps under 45-50 degrees). I'm not saying is better or worse than a Woobie, but I tested the MS as a sleeping bag and froze my ass off when temps dropped below 40.

Don't get me wrong, it's a great piece of kit and works well at many other things, but not a sleeping bag (in colder temps anyway).

My thinking is to use this in place of a sleeping bag. The Serape weighs 8 oz. more than my sleeping bag, but I was thinking that with the other functions of it, I could use it in place of other gear (clothing) also to make up for the added wt. of the Serape.

 

[AK Troutbum]

So Aron, you don't think its temp rating would even come close to a Mountain Hardware 32 degree Ultralamina? That is what I currently use, and so far its worked well for me. I do, however, sleep in merino tops and bottoms, smartwool socks, and fleece beanie, all the time and occasionally add a puffy jacket and pants.

 

[Heather Stomper]

Read Evan Hill's experience over at Hill People Gear. His thoughts pretty much match Aron's.
Great for glassing, great for adding to a lightweight bag, maybe OK in mild temps as a stand-alone bag, but not as a primary bag for most folks.
I'm going to add one to my kit for summer use and maybe my late season stand hunting adventures.

 

[Aron Snyder]

Well, when you put it that way....it will be close, but the Ultralamina will probably heat up easier than the MS, as you will have less lost heat,extra space.

I was comparing the Mountain S to a Western Mountaineering Caribou and the Caribou was much warmer. Having said that, the Mountain S is much more durable and has more uses, so that should be mentioned as well.

So Aron, you don't think its temp rating would even come close to a Mountain Hardware 32 degree Ultralamina? That is what I currently use, and so far its worked well for me. I do, however, sleep in merino tops and bottoms, smartwool socks, and fleece beanie, all the time and occasionally add a puffy jacket and pants.

 

[Where's Bruce?]

If you wanna real double duty bag/woodie/blanket/poncho check out Wiggys f Freedom Sheler bag. Not light but does what you want to 0-20 degrees.

 

[Aron Snyder]

If you wanna real double duty bag/woodie/blanket/poncho check out Wiggys f Freedom Sheler bag. Not light but does what you want to 0-20 degrees.

Doesn't that take up A LOT of pack space?

For what the OP is describing, the Mountain S would be better. It seems like he's wanting to stay UL, but add versatility.

 

[fillthefreezer]

If you wanna real double duty bag/woodie/blanket/poncho check out Wiggys f Freedom Sheler bag. Not light but does what you want to 0-20 degrees.

im not UL or even an ounce counter but that weighs more than almost anything in my pack other than my pack/weapon..

 

[Where's Bruce?]

im not UL or even an ounce counter but that weighs more than almost anything in my pack other than my pack/weapon..

Yep...and because it's black I worry some idiot is gonna shoot me thinking I'm a bear. I am currently working on a new idea...a super duper doozie that can be used as a hammock under quilt as well. Still in the design phase but may have an interesting DIY alternative next year.

 

[Ramcam]

Have you considered a Exped Dreamwalker or Feathered friends Rock wren for multipurpose use.These are sleeping bags that can be worn as jackets for glassing and camp time.

 

[stephen b]

I have used a FF Rock Wren since 1999 and it is a very good multi purpose item. And it is a great sleeping bag that has kept me warm down to 25 F. Mine has the H2O resistant PTFE fabric and that may be one reason why it is warmer than the 30 deg rating that it was listed at when I bought it. Mine weighs 30 oz. and was made 2" wider than standard spec.

I have used it under a sil poncho for long sitting periods and been very dry and warm.

 

[Ramcam]

I have used a FF Rock Wren since 1999 and it is a very good multi purpose item. And it is a great sleeping bag that has kept me warm down to 25 F. Mine has the H2O resistant PTFE fabric and that may be one reason why it is warmer than the 30 deg rating that it was listed at when I bought it. Mine weighs 30 oz. and was made 2" wider than standard spec.

I have used it under a sil poncho for long sitting periods and been very dry and warm.

You can have them overstuffed sized up whatever you choose.They also have a winter wren which is a 20 degree bag.I'm getting a rock wren shortly just hoping for a sale.I figure if i use my Kuiu superdown pants and jacket it will go below 30.

 

[AK Troutbum]

Have you considered a Exped Dreamwalker or Feathered friends Rock wren for multipurpose use.These are sleeping bags that can be worn as jackets for glassing and camp time.

Hey thanks for these. I didn't consider/know about these guys. I don't think the Rock Wren would work for me because I don't trust down for the environments/conditions that I usually experience on my hunts. The Dreamwalker looks very interesting, not really hip on the color though, and there's only a 3 oz. savings in wt. when compaired to the Serape.

 

[chorpie]

I brought my serape on my trip this year. Aron is correct about the temp rating. I wouldn't take it past 40 if you want to be comfortable. I tried. It did save me though, as I have a 20 degree bag and we didn't expect it to drop to 10 overnight. I zipped up the footbox, slipped it over my sleeping bag, and was warm and toasty all night.

When I went out and chilled at my spot I kept the serape on (not knowing it was 10 degrees out), and it was a bit chilly, but with my FirstLite layers on and the serape I was ok. My water froze in my Nalgene sitting next to me while I was out there.

The only thing i've had a problem with, and maybe it's because i'm not as girthy as Evan and Scott, is that in great coat and poncho mode, it tends to slip back and choke me a little. This isn't an issue if you're wearing it with a backpack, as the shoulder straps and belt will keep it in place. There's a cord that is inside that you can tighten to alleviate some of the slippage, but I still found it to be a problem.

That being said, it stuffs into a 10L REI stuff sack and doesn't take up a ton of room (at least compared to my other junk) so I don't feel bad about hauling it around just in case.

 

[Ramcam]

Here is another variation http://jerven.mediabook.no/5/

 

[Kevin_t]

I like the Serape, but tend to agree with Aron on temp rating. I'd give it a 45 degree rating maybe even 50 on it's own. I would not go past 40. I have used it as an overbag and it does add about 18 - 20 degrees. That number is not subjective as I had thermometers measuring the temp of different layers and then the outside temp. I like it, but it's heavy for the amount of warmth it adds. While I like the concept, and other similar items that are dual use as well, in real world usage, I tend to gravitate to jackets, quilts and sleeping bags for their intended purpose. I will take a quilt for extra warmth, unexpected bivy piece, but I really don't like exposing my sleep gear to the elements if it isn't needed. My sleep gear is my best protection when the temps drop and I tend to put a priority on protecting them.