Western Mountaineering Micro Fiber Vs. Gortex Wind Stopper

[bjaegers]

I need a late season bag that I will use to hunt migration passes. I believe I have narrowed down to either the Badger or Antelope Model. I will lay in the Antelope and if it doesn't seem to confined likely go with that. Also since this bag should last me I would like to do some Alaskan hunts with it.

Both these bags are offered in either a Micro Fiber/MF or Gortex Wind Stopper/GWS. If you have experience with these please share. I'm wondering if the GWS is comparable in breath-ability and if the bag stuffs down nice the fabric makes the bag weigh 6 oz more in the badger model. Also it seem the GWS should sleep warmer.

 

[Scoot]

I have no personal experience with the GWS, but I own an MF Badger. I spoke with Aron S. about this and my read on what he told me was clear- the MF is a better product. I'm not trying to put words in his mouth, so if he reads this he can chime in. But it sure sounded like he felt strongly that the MF was a better choice. That was enough for me...

 

[Sam Millard]

I have the Badger with the GWS. It's a great bag! It won't compress quite as small as my Helium, but it is far and away warmer and feels more durable. It makes a great bag to just throw down on top of a pad. Night thermals and wind don't chill you, and it seems to breathe very well. I have not had any condensation inside the bag.

 

[bjaegers]

To each his own... I guess. Curious on what Aron thinks of the GWS fabric. Are you guys happy with the size? I'm 6' about 170lbs.

 

[Ryan Avery]

I've slept in both, I would take the GWS protection every time. You can get a little condensation in a GWS bag if you get in wet or sweat a lot, it doesn't breath as well as the MF. I would bet this is what Aron was talking about. I use a floor less shelters and like the durability of the GWS.

 

[Browtine]

I have the Badger with the GWS. It's a great bag! It won't compress quite as small as my Helium, but it is far and away warmer and feels more durable. It makes a great bag to just throw down on top of a pad. Night thermals and wind don't chill you, and it seems to breathe very well. I have not had any condensation inside the bag.

+1

I have an Antelope with GWS. Awesome bag. I've not had any condensation issues either and it sheds condensation drips from my single wall shelters like a champ. It is a little tougher to stuff, and won't compress quite as tight due to the GWS, but it's not bad at all. The GWS makes it feel like it's about as bomb proof as you can get a down bag.

 

[Kotaman]

I just went through this same dilema and ended up ordering the WM Sequoia MF. If I slept directly on the ground in a floorless shelter or outside in the elements, I'd go GWS, butn anywhere with a floor, I gotta believe the MF is fine.

I bought the long as I am 6'2, 235.

 

[bjaegers]

Thanks for all the input. I just went down to the local shop they had an Antelope GWS. I liked the fabric it seemed very durable but not over the top bulky. However I think the Badger would be a better fit for me with a little extra room. You can tell they are super nice bags.

Anyone have any have any suggestions on where to purchase. Sometimes the shop will have a 20% discount in the shoulder season but that is probably a month off.

 

[Shrek]

I bought the Kodiak MF from Bentgate.com. I called and talked to them and asked for a deal and got one . I didn't see the badger gws on their website but I did see the MF version. If you want a deal then call and speak to them or anyone else and ask for one. Might get a dealer to order what you want with a discount. I think there is a mandatory advertised pricing agreement but like many of those type of items if you call and ask they can make a deal. I haven't paid map for much of anything as long as there wasn't a shortage of the item. Call anyone who sells WM and bargain. Make enough calls and you'll find the deal you need.

 

[Whisky]

Been musing over a WM bag my self recently. Kodiak or Lynx, and am interested in this conversation. Bag could be used anywhere from a big ass wall tent to a Megatarp. I came to the conclusion that if I was ever planning to use it without any sort of shelter the GWS would be a plus, but since that won't happen when I require a 0- -10 bag, I think I can settle with the MF.

That said, wouldn't a light Borah or Tigoat bivy essentially act like the GWS shell??

 

[Shrek]

I bought the Kodiak MF and I splashed it with drops of water to simulate condensation and I'm comfortable with the way it shed water. If I wasn't going to be on a pad or spent my time in the NW with constant rain then I might want the GWS but otherwise I think I'm good even without a bivy. That was the advice I got from Aron and I believe it's correct. I sure wished I'd bought the WM the first time around.

 

[bpotter]

I have the WM Antelope in MF. I worried about condensation with the GWS and figured if not in a floored tent I would be on a cot or in a bivy in cold weather.
It is a very nice bag. In my opinion, It is rated very warm @ 5 F.

I am a big guy and have plenty of room. It is a late fall - early spring bag even in northern MN. Make sure you want a bag that warm. If not, the badger may be a better fit.

Just my opinion and your mileage may vary.

Got mine as a discontinued color from an internet company a year or so ago in the spring so there can be good deals to be had if you are patient.

 

[LaHunter]

Just bought a WM Kodiak MF 6'6" Right zip from BackCountry.com. Just received it earlier this week. They had a sale of $200 off retail on this specific bag, I guess the right zip doesn't sell as much?? The guy told me they only had a few in inventory last weekend.

Good Luck

 

[Ryan Avery]

IME you just can't go wrong with WM. I have used the Badger GWS a 15* bag down to 4* with no issues, This is my go to bag. Used a Caribou MF into the 20, again no issues.

 

[bjaegers]

So the local mountaineering store was selling instock WM at 30% off. They didn't have the Badger so I ended up with the Kodiak in MF. Pretty pumped on the deal and the bag. It will be a month or so until temps start to cool down but can't wait to use this on my late October Migration Hunt. A colder bag than hopefully I will ever need but at least I have the -10 to 20 degree temp range covered.

 

[Whisky]

Do they have another?

 

[bjaegers]

The Kodiak wasn't a regular stocked bag- I think it was the only one. They had the Antelope and Sequoia in GWS, I told the person if they had the Sequoia in 6' I would take it. He went to check his stock and came back with a Kodiak MF 6' so that was a better option for me. PM me if you want I can look-up the number for you.

 

[Whisky]

The Kodiak wasn't a regular stocked bag- I think it was the only one. They had the Antelope and Sequoia in GWS, I told the person if they had the Sequoia in 6' I would take it. He went to check his stock and came back with a Kodiak MF 6' so that was a better option for me. PM me if you want I can look-up the number for you.

Appreciate the PM. I missed this post. $200 off a Kodiak, I owe you...Thanks!!

 

[Unoboats]

I need that number for that store too, Ryan has sold me on the Badger, but i would like a Sequoia
Chip

 

[Whisky]

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