Western Mountaineering vs outdoor vitals

[wind gypsy]

Better safe than sorry for sure. If I was in -60 (which I wouldn’t be) I’d bring legit a hot sack as well (think not garbage bag). I’ve never needed one in any of my bags yet but the coldest camp I’ve been in was -5 F.

Regardless of it being a designed hot sack VBL or a garbage bag, it’s primary purpose is still to prevent moisture from getting trapped in the down.

To be fair they would use a vbl with a breathable shell too at those temps because the moisture in outer edge of insulation would probably start to freeze prior to passing through.

 

[sneaky]

It's obvious there are those on here who have never used WM bags and are looking at lab tests to pass judgement. Real world use will tell you that their temp ratings are pretty damn close. Same with Valandre or FF bags. Those tests are benchmarks to tell you what non heat generating sensors will tell you about static heat loss over a period of time on a 4.8R value pad in a controlled environment. If you sleep cold you need to take that into consideration. If you're a regular sleeper or sleep warm then you'll have no issue reaching the temp rating. There's a reason they are the standard by which all the other bags are measured.

If you're sleeping in a shelter you really won't need a GWS shell unless you just really want one. They don't pack as small as the MF shell bags and you pay a weight and price penalty.

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[CO-AJ]

I personally believe Western Mountaineering and Feathered Friends are the two premier American made down sleeping bag manufacturers....and are definitely worth it. Their overall quality and attention to detail is second to none.
I do prefer the microfiber on the Antelope better than the GWS...especially if it’ll be used inside a shelter.
Check out Hermits Hut online.....they provide WM bags with free overfill.
Cheers

Concur with Turley. WM and FF are the exact companies I am looking at for my bag upgrade.

 

[Gobbler36]

Well i ordered the MF antelope cant wait to put it to use this October and November

 

[jt4]

Just posted this in another thread, but thought it may be relevant here too.


I had the 15* chilkoot for a bit but decided to return it. The fit and finish was great. My original thought was to choose SG over WM or FF because I wanted to support a more hunting favorable company. The only fallback was a made in China tag which threw me off. I’m not sure why at that price point I would pay nearly the same exact amount and not get the made in USA product. I’ll pay the extra 10%.

I know the little pillows I got from outdoor vitals say made in China but I can’t speak for their bags. Can anyone confirm where they’re made?

Again, not knocking the SG bag at all. It seemed really well made and I have no doubts believing it was a great bag that is true to its rating.


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[sneaky]

Just posted this in another thread, but thought it may be relevant here too.


I had the 15* chilkoot for a bit but decided to return it. The fit and finish was great. My original thought was to choose SG over WM or FF because I wanted to support a more hunting favorable company. The only fallback was a made in China tag which threw me off. I’m not sure why at that price point I would pay nearly the same exact amount and not get the made in USA product. I’ll pay the extra 10%.

I know the little pillows I got from outdoor vitals say made in China but I can’t speak for their bags. Can anyone confirm where they’re made?

Again, not knocking the SG bag at all. It seemed really well made and I have no doubts believing it was a great bag that is true to its rating.


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Outdoor Vitals imports their gear, that's why they can hit their price points.

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[CO-AJ]

I saw some tests showcasing the water resistance of the MF. There's a sticky on the top where @robby denning tests the MF in rain. They also list head pressure resistance of the material on their website.

I'm pretty sure that anything short of a continuous downpour would be doable in the MF bags. I don't see me sleeping without some kind of cover so the extra weight wasn't desirable. I also read that the GWS bags feel a little more clammy due to the less breathable fabric.

Pyro, I agree with you. I went with the UL for breathability, packability and weight. I will never not be in a tent on a pad anyway so I figure I could shave some weight and space in the pack. If I was a hammock, tarp, or cowboy camper I think the GWS would be the bomb.

 

[JeffRaines]

Just posted this in another thread, but thought it may be relevant here too.


I had the 15* chilkoot for a bit but decided to return it. The fit and finish was great. My original thought was to choose SG over WM or FF because I wanted to support a more hunting favorable company. The only fallback was a made in China tag which threw me off. I’m not sure why at that price point I would pay nearly the same exact amount and not get the made in USA product. I’ll pay the extra 10%.

I know the little pillows I got from outdoor vitals say made in China but I can’t speak for their bags. Can anyone confirm where they’re made?

Again, not knocking the SG bag at all. It seemed really well made and I have no doubts believing it was a great bag that is true to its rating.


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Yeah that’s the hang up I’d have with the Chilkoot. Why can WM or FF do it for damn near the same price and it’s made here vs China? I know SG has to keep the lights on and all, but I’ll bet there’s a good amount of mark up on that product.

 

[Gobbler36]

Yeah that’s the hang up I’d have with the Chilkoot. Why can WM or FF do it for damn near the same price and it’s made here vs China? I know SG has to keep the lights on and all, but I’ll bet there’s a good amount of mark up on that product.

This is why I didn’t go with stone glacier also, I have a lot of their other gear as far as packs go, but try my hardest to get US made where I can.
They are probably relying mostly on the fan boy brand panty sniffers to buy it anyways and not think through the things discussed here

 

[JeffRaines]

This is why I didn’t go with stone glacier also, I have a lot of their other gear as far as packs go, but try my hardest to get US made where I can.
They are probably relying mostly on the fan boy brand panty sniffers to buy it anyways and not think through the things discussed here

I love their packs. The Krux frame is amazing and so far has been the most comfortable frame I’ve had the pleasure of using. I wouldn’t buy a different brand of pack.

I also have their Grumman and it’s pretty nice as well.

 

[Gobbler36]

I love their packs. The Krux frame is amazing and so far has been the most comfortable frame I’ve had the pleasure of using. I wouldn’t buy a different brand of pack.

I also have their Grumman and it’s pretty nice as well.

I have all that as well

 

[Gobbler36]

Well just an update but i bought and received my WM antelope bag and HOLY SMOKES is it nice!
Took it to help a buddy on a spring bear hunt and the first night was down pretty cold no idea of actual temps but it was the best toasty sleep I’ve had in the mtns and there is so much loft it’s ridiculous and I love the fact OLD GLORY is sewn in the bag to remind me that i bought in the USA

 

[turley]

They’re definitely great bags.....well worth the initial cry of cost

 

[CO-AJ]

Got my WM Versalite today from Hermit's Hut. Beautiful bag and I can't believe how light it is. It feels so thin due to the 950 fill down, and Im pretty sure the box it was shipped in weighed more than the bag. Cant wait to try it out this year.

 

[Jxferg7]

I have had the outdoor vitals 0 for 4 years now and used it every year in Idaho last year it got to zero and i stayed warm with just my base layers on and a klymit static v lux. I did put a foam bad underneath when we had to sleep on snow or i would get cold spots on my hip when i slept on my side. Dont have the WM to compare it to.

Kurt, have you had any issues with the summit shedding feathers or having issues or other quality control type issues? Debating upgrading my 5 lb Kelty to the Outdoor Vitals and seen some reviews that weren’t the most favorable.

 

[KurtR]

Kurt, have you had any issues with the summit shedding feathers or having issues or other quality control type issues? Debating upgrading my 5 lb Kelty to the Outdoor Vitals and seen some reviews that weren’t the most favorable.

I have not the only problem i had is zipping it up to fast and catching the material in the zipper. Was told that has been fixed on the new models. Overall for the price point i have been happy with it

 

[Beendare]

Sneaky brings up a good point about whether you are a warm sleeper or cold sleeper.

I'm a warm sleeper....and on top of that, I seem to give off more moisture at night than others- another factor.

Wind Gypsy's comments are right on about trapped moisture in your bag....at least in my case. I've had my down bag loose loft on long Alaskan hunts where we didn't get nice sunny weather to air it out every couple days. The bag was noticeably heavier and slightly damp.

Personally, I would never get a Gore tex outer or other waterproof outer shell on a sleeping bag...but of course, YMMV

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[Jxferg7]

I have not the only problem i had is zipping it up to fast and catching the material in the zipper. Was told that has been fixed on the new models. Overall for the price point i have been happy with it

Thanks!! That’s what I’m looking for! Need to save some weight and space in my pack...some that can hold up to Mountain Archery and some SD Rifle! Can’t quit dish out the 500-750 for a WM but the Outdoor Vitals seems to be right on.

 

[Gettincloser]

Thanks!! That’s what I’m looking for! Need to save some weight and space in my pack...some that can hold up to Mountain Archery and some SD Rifle! Can’t quit dish out the 500-750 for a WM but the Outdoor Vitals seems to be right on.

Jxferg7, did you get the Outdoor vitals bag? I too would like to upgrade gear but with a little one, the budget isn't there for a WM bag. What are your thought?

 

[LASTINLINE]

i went around the mountain tried with a few brands. decided and purchased as Sequoia GWS. read that Gore Windstopper is not the same as Gore-Tex.something about/ doesn’t have polyurethane backing and not is not totally waterproof. suppose to be more breathable than Goretex being its an air permeable membrane.read many a review and moisture didnt seam an issue just some added outter protection.