WM Bag Recommendation

[kuhn4]

I went back and checked my notes from conversations I've had with Western Mountaineering and this is what they have told me about the down overfill option: There will be less down shifting. There is a small temperature rating improvement. There is a small loft improvement. There is a small improvement to long term loft (bag life). If you are a side sleeper that moves around a lot there will be more down on the bottom of the bag that will end up on your side during the night.
With all of this said, WM does not believe it is necessary and all of the changes are minimal. Less down shifting will be the most noticeable difference.

 

[Tim in Wa.]

Great information here,
Does enyone know if WM has ever added down to an existing bag from another manufacture? I have a 15 deg. No Col bag from LL Bean. purchased in the 90's. Great bag that has lost some of its loft over time. Should have hung the bag up when not in use, instead of keeping in the provided cotton storage sack. Also I don't think anyone advertised 850 down in those days. WM might use a higher quality fill from what I gather. Thanks to all in advance!

LaGriz

Rainy Pass Repair in Seattle will
Tim

 

[LaGriz]

Thank You Tim in WA.
just now getting to look at your responce. I will lock into it.

LaGriz

 

[Nick Muche]

Folks running the Badger, why not get the Versalite? It's 5 degrees "warmer" and it's only 2 lbs... Just curious is all. I really like the Versalite.

 

[Mmcan]

I have a Badger MF and love that damn thing. For me, I'd prefer going without the overfill. You can use a liner. You can wear clothes in the bag if needed. But the benefit for not overfilling is that you can use it when it's a little warmer. The bag sleeps warm and spacious. I'm 6'0", around 220lbs, and wear a 46-48" suit jacket. The generous cut of the badger has plenty of room. I cannot sleep in a real mummy. Too constricting. The Badger is perfect. If I lost mine, or it was damaged, I would buy another immediately.

 

[1hoda]

Can't go wrong with any WM bag. I bought the Bristlecne MF for two reasons- I'm a winter camper so I needed a warmer bag and wanted the extra width. Its a toaster.

 

[rbljack]

Based on many recommendations on here, I picked up a WM badger used for a decent price. I have never had a high end bag like this before, and I cant believe how light this thing is. I hope its as good as everyone claims. Im holding off on a sleeping mat purchase until march when the new exped and thermarest mats are supposed to be out.

Thanks for everyones inputs on what bag to get!

 

[boom]

the OP: he isnt a large person. why the Alpenlite or Badger? i'm pretty normal sized and i think my Alpenlite is a tad large. i am hate tight confinement so i am damn comfy, but i think i lose a bit of heat effectiveness with the extra room.

if i could do it again, i think the Badger would have been a better purchase. i am a wuss with the cold. WM makes the best bag for me. i absolutely hate getting the zipper caught up in the fabric. WM..i havent locked it up yet!! not once.

 

[boom]

Folks running the Badger, why not get the Versalite? It's 5 degrees "warmer" and it's only 2 lbs... Just curious is all. I really like the Versalite.

this is my next bag!!

 

[rbljack]

Folks running the Badger, why not get the Versalite? It's 5 degrees "warmer" and it's only 2 lbs... Just curious is all. I really like the Versalite.

after doing research on those two bags, what I found was that the badger is a little wider and bigger. its 66 inches at the shoulder and 41 at the feet, when compared to 62 inches at the shoulders, and 39 at the feet for the versalite if I read correctly. that's why I went with the badger. I don't like mummies very much, but figured the extra space might help me work through that. Im hoping so, but haven't used the bag yet.

 

[Tim in Wa.]

the badger is what I have and its one of the few pcs. of gear I never think about changing
Tim