WM Bag Owners with Gore Windstopper (GWS), Please Chime In

[Rich_Senn]

I've searched but haven't found much.

If you own a Western Mountaineering bag that has the GWS shell, would you mind commenting on performance? Specifically when it comes to breath-ability? How much condensation do you get on the inside of the bag?

Looking at the Antelope GWS as my do everything bag, but interior condensation seems to be the only concern presented and it's typically from users that don't own at GWS bag?

 

[Kevin Dill]

I have a WM Sequoia GWS model. I don't have a condensation or moisture accrual issue with mine. One key is to get the bag which has enough rating to keep you warm but isn't overly warm 80% of the time it's used. I sleep in merino base layers always, and consider them valuable for keeping the inside of my bag clean and free of skin oils. I also think they are the first line of defense when it comes to body vapor. Merino is an effective fabric to absorb moisture while (because it's wool) not chilling you down.

I really like and endorse the GWS shell. It protects against spills and tent condensation. Mine has stayed extremely clean over many years of use.

 

[Runningwater]

I have the Antelope in the MF. Don't have experience to share with the Gore, but just wanted to state the MF is very water resistant - water will puddle on it for hours without soaking through. Enjoy with whatever decision you make - they are great bags!

 

[Rich_Senn]

I have a WM Sequoia GWS model. I don't have a condensation or moisture accrual issue with mine. One key is to get the bag which has enough rating to keep you warm but isn't overly warm 80% of the time it's used. I sleep in merino base layers always, and consider them valuable for keeping the inside of my bag clean and free of skin oils. I also think they are the first line of defense when it comes to body vapor. Merino is an effective fabric to absorb moisture while (because it's wool) not chilling you down.

I really like and endorse the GWS shell. It protects against spills and tent condensation. Mine has stayed extremely clean over many years of use.

I think part of my issue is I'm not sure what temps I'll encounter but from research WM is rated conservatively, especially the GWS models. I typically sleep cold, although I've never slept in a mummy bag always a big rectangular bag. This is the bag I'll use for last week of September through hunting season on any future hunts. This year it will be in Colorado the last week of September at 10K-11K in the Weminuche Wilderness so I'm not expecting anything to extreme, maybe a couple nights below freezing if that, unless the mounts just get that much colder than the surrounding cities like Telluride where I can pull historical temps from.

I was looking at the Kodiak for 0 degree rating but now with how warm the reviews are saying the WM bags are with people taking them below rating I'm leaning towards the Apache at 5 degrees. The Badger and Apache at 15 degrees I'm not sure would be warm enough for me.

The big question is if I use it when its warmer than planed how bad the condensate inside will be so it's nice to know you haven't had to much of an issue. Have you had the opportunity to use the bag in warmer than planned weather or is it just your extreme cold bag?

 

[Rich_Senn]

I have the Antelope in the MF. Don't have experience to share with the Gore, but just wanted to state the MF is very water resistant - water will puddle on it for hours without soaking through. Enjoy with whatever decision you make - they are great bags!

That's my struggle...reviews say the MF will be fine, but I'm kinda OCD about my stuff getting wet and ultimately it just ruins it for me cause I can't stop worrying and thinking about it. The GWS may be an opportunity to put that aside.

 

[Kevin Dill]

The big question is if I use it when its warmer than planed how bad the condensate inside will be so it's nice to know you haven't had to much of an issue. Have you had the opportunity to use the bag in warmer than planned weather or is it just your extreme cold bag?

I have slept in the Sequoia GWS on warmer (than expected) nights and it caused me to perspire some. That's going to happen with any bag which is rated toward zero degrees when used on a 50 degree night. Anyway, I perspired and had to unzip/flip open the bag a bit. I don't recall the bag getting damp or feeling like t had acquired moisture. When that happens I air the bag out during the day. The truth is that any sleeping bag benefits from having some time to air out in the sun on better days if possible.

I usually suggest NOT buying a bag which is lots more than you need in terms of rating. Try to nail it (for the chillier nights) and you'll be happy. If it gets severely cold you can sleep in layers. Too warm....just vent the bag at night.

 

[Jalliston]

Tagged..

Looking specifically at the Badger or Sequoia for my uses(I like space but don't really need a 5 degree). From my research WM lists comfort rating and not lower limit. I had a 15 degree Nemo bag and froze my beans off at 33. I doubt that would be the case with the WM.

I'm leaning hard toward a Badger MF.

 

[Rifleman86]

I’ve got the Kodiak GWS. It’s an awesome bag... unfortunately I haven’t had a chance to use it much yet. Only downside to the Gore so far is it’s harder to stuff. Planning on using it late Oct in Montana this year. I don’t regret my purchase. Plan on getting a 15 degree MF bag in the future to supplement it for Sept bow hunts.

 

[Rthur]

Tagged..

Looking specifically at the Badger or Sequoia for my uses(I like space but don't really need a 5 degree). From my research WM lists comfort rating and not lower limit. I had a 15 degree Nemo bag and froze my beans off at 33. I doubt that would be the case with the WM.

I'm leaning hard toward a Badger MF.

Used a Badger MF last year.
If you are unlikely to see 20's or lower it will cook you like a hotdog. lol
We saw one night in the upper 30's and the Badger was overkill.
T shirt and shorts for sleepware btw.
I'd say I'm a middle to cool sleeper.
Added a Megalite to my kit.
While extremes happen I'd check history of the temp at altitude and go from there.

R

 

[realunlucky]

watch this go hunt interview should answer a bunch of your questions. Pretty interesting as they walk though the construction process of bags and what materials change with temp rating along with shell fabrics.

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[Jalliston]

That was a great breakdown. I'll be getting MF when I get a WM bag. I almost think I should sell my quilt and get a Sycamore AND a Sequoia. Being broke is only temporary after all.

 

[Kevin_t]

The MF bags have a high enough hydro rating that I would t worry much . I believe 1500 HH

That being said I have a custom down bag with gore windstopper .. it's about a 5 degree and it breathes well IMO


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[skierhs]

That was a great breakdown. I'll be getting MF when I get a WM bag. I almost think I should sell my quilt and get a Sycamore AND a Sequoia. Being broke is only temporary after all.

It works out best to have a couple of bags after all. I just picked up a antelope and will be ordering a higher temps tire bag for the summer.

 

[MattB]

The MF bags have a high enough hydro rating that I would t worry much . I believe 1500 HH

That being said I have a custom down bag with gore windstopper .. it's about a 5 degree and it breathes well IMO


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When I first got my MF WM I poured water on a section w/o stitching, let it sit for a while, and dumped it. There was 0 penetration. I wouldn't call it water-proof, but it is a pretty solid material in terms of water repellancy.