Western Mountaineering shell type, Which is best?

[nphunter]

Looking to purchase a WM bag, the bags on the top of my list are the versalite and antelope. Curious peoples opinions on the shells that have been around the bags, is the durability/water resistance going to be worth the extra 5oz for the Antelope vs the versalite? Also curious which is going to breath better for summertime camping, even though the Antelope is a warmer bag will it be more comfortable when it’s hot due to breath ability?

Any input from people experienced with both would be much appreciated. With the price I hate to make the wrong choice. This will be used year round in the PNW, mostly high country archery but also late season mule deer and early spring shed hunting as well. Night Temps from 60’s down to 0F. I figure when it’s warm I can use as a quilt.

 

[Brianacnp]

This guy has tons of videos and experiences with the bags and has a video of the 2 types of shells. Worth checking out.

 

[Brianacnp]

I have the sequoia GWS and are very pleased with it.

 

[TalusHunterCA]

Looking to purchase a WM bag, the bags on the top of my list are the versalite and antelope. Curious peoples opinions on the shells that have been around the bags, is the durability/water resistance going to be worth the extra 5oz for the Antelope vs the versalite? Also curious which is going to breath better for summertime camping, even though the Antelope is a warmer bag will it be more comfortable when it’s hot due to breath ability?

Any input from people experienced with both would be much appreciated. With the price I hate to make the wrong choice. This will be used year round in the PNW, mostly high country archery but also late season mule deer and early spring shed hunting as well. Night Temps from 60’s down to 0F. I figure when it’s warm I can use as a quilt.

I have the Versalite. If it will be down to zero or very wet, get the Antelope. My Versalite has the extra 2oz overfill and it is great for most hunting but borderline for zero degreesF in humid conditions.

 

[wind gypsy]

The alpinlite has been my primary bag for a long time. I have a kodiak mf but I basically never backpack when I need a bag that warm and it doesn’t get used. Never noticed a lack of breathability or had water resistance issues with the lite but the mf is pretty badass if a guy isn’t crazy about ounce counting.

 

[Lawnboi]

You don’t want a versalite for a summer bag, you’re going to sweat your balls off. I can’t stand mine unless it’s near freezing or below. Even high altitude summer camping I get too hot in my megalite occasionally.

I have had zero issues with the UL fabric and would not let it deter me from some weight savings if the rest of the bag is up to the task.

 

[Runningwater]

I'm pretty sure the lighter weight fabric of the versatile should be more breathable than the mf fabric on the antelope. The MF wm fabric is very, very water resistant though. I don't think you'll be very happy with either summer camping. I melt in my antelope if its above 40 even if its completely unzipped.

 

[HunterGatherer]

I’m not up to speed on the current WM models as my WM bag has lasted for so long, but based on your use I would say don’t try to use your winter bag for summer camping, or even early Fall. You can get away with a cheap ($2-300) bag for Summer and usually September and save your spendy winter bag for when you really need it.

My treated down and shell still breathe just fine, unless I put it in my bivy sack, which I try to avoid. It’s the Puma -20 iirc, which is overkill but I believe in overkill for winter outings. You can always unzip it if you’re too warm and you have the potential to dry your clothes faster in a warmer bag if you’re not using a hot tent. In short, more bags is better than an “all a rounder “. Maybe doesn’t answer your specific question but hopefully helps in making a decision.

 

[AKDoc]

^^^good suggestion^^^

My WM Badger (MF shell) is the best bag I've ever owned, and it has reliably kept me comfortably warm at night. Going on year seven or eight with mine, and it's gotten a lot of use over the years from the end of summer to late fall here in Alaska...temps down to the teens. Never any problems with mine, and the down still lofts like it's new. They are pricey, but worth every single penny IMO.

That said, it's not my choice on summer outdoor activities...I've got a quilt that I use at those times.