Western Mountaineering Bags Q?

[Highcountry_Hellrazor]

I am trying to decide between a Micro Fiber Bag or a ExtremeLite bag. Does anyone have durability experience between these two fabrics? I am going to keep this bag in a bivy under a Kifaru Tarp. The extreme lite bags almost feel paper thin. Just wondering what people's opinions were, and experiences were.

 

[MuleyFever]

I have used an ExtremeLite bag for the past 2 seasons and the bag shows no sign of wear. That being said it is in the stuff sack until I pitch my tent and then it stays in the tent. I dont expect my bags to see any conditions where they would risk damage. I would not want to sleep in this bag on the bare ground.

 

[Brian Stewart]

Highcountry your pm's are full. Thanks Brian

 

[Highcountry_Hellrazor]

Highcountry your pm's are full. Thanks Brian

All cleared out Sir.

 

[Curtis C]

I have one of each, both holding up just fine. My extreme lite bag gets the most use.

 

[Highcountry_Hellrazor]

I have one of each, both holding up just fine. My extreme lite bag gets the most use.

Do you use it with a bivy for a floorless shelter?

 

[Curtis C]

Yes, I put my air pad and bag inside a Bristlecone bivy using floorless shelter(Sawtooth).

 

[luke moffat]

I have one of each...they both still are hoping up great and still don't show much in the way of showing any wear after 4 long seasons of use.

 

[Highcountry_Hellrazor]

I have one of each...they both still are hoping up great and still don't show much in the way of showing any wear after 4 long seasons of use.

If you were choosing one bag for everything which fabric would you choose?

 

[luke moffat]

Depends on how many days a year you use it. In a tent or in a bivy or just on a pad under a tarp, lots of variables. IMO though the extreme series should be sufficient.

 

[kuhn4]

I've been very happy with the ExtremeLite fabric and given your use (in a bivy), I think you will too.

 

[Highcountry_Hellrazor]

I've been very happy with the ExtremeLite fabric and given your use (in a bivy), I think you will too.

Thanks now I just need to decide between the VersaLite or AplineLite. I'm a super warm sleeper, but I so year round backpacking just about. So I'm thinking VersaLite.

 

[fillthefreezer]

im a cold sleeper and ran my versalite down to 11deg in just a 185 top and light poly bottoms. was a bit cold underneath only running a BA qcoreSL, but not uncomfortable. it is an extremely warm bag. their zipper is top notch

 

[Jimbob]

Have both and both show no signs of wear The alpinelite is a great bag. Nice and roomy and plenty warm for me. I use a floor less shelter, tyvek ground sheet and sleeping pad.

 

[Highcountry_Hellrazor]

Have both and both show no signs of wear The alpinelite is a great bag. Nice and roomy and plenty warm for me. I use a floor less shelter, tyvek ground sheet and sleeping pad.

Which do you prefer if you were only going to have one?

 

[2rocky]

My Megalite definitely has some down poking through, and a duct tape patch. But that is the price of a lightweight bag...and 5 years of use.

 

[Jimbob]

??? I like having both LOL

The apache is so nice and plump and perfectly form fitting for me. This bag is super efficient as it fits like a glove (regular length, I'm 6'3/4" 180 lbs). The microfiber material seems tougher and as such I am sure that it will last longer. This bag is harder to adjust heat because even when unzipped it is hard to just partially cover yourself.

the alpinelite is so comfy because it is less like a cacoon and just drapes over you nicely, I have lots of room around my shoulders and arms. Also because there is more bag it is easier to adjust temp, unzip and the lighter/larger top cover is easier to partially cover myself. As well with more room inside I can choose to wear my puffy coat inside which boosts the temp rating. Overall awesome versatile bag that does me well in all seasons (I have a cheap quilt to use during hot summer months if i don't want to bring the alpinelite)

I only own both of these because I bought them used as a package deal for my wife and I. If I could only have one I guess i would pick the alpinelite because of the versatility and the roomy interior. I'm splitting hairs comparing these two though. If if I valued durability more I think the apache would win out.

 

[Highcountry_Hellrazor]

Thanks for the feedback.. Basically I should get the MF badger I think. I'm pretty hard on gear quite honestly.