WM Bag Recommendation

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Jun 1, 2012
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I think I have settled on getting a WM bag based on various reviews, postings and the fact they're made in the USA. I am looking for an all-around bag that will cover pretty much all of my needs. I'm 5'-8 / 165 lbs. I tend to sleep on my side or stomach and my legs are rarely straight. Plan to use for sheep, goat and elk hunting. I really doubt I will do any late season hunting. Currently looking at the AlpinLite 20 and Badger MF 15. Any suggestions on which one to go with? Any other suggestions outside of these two bags? Thanks for the help.
 
I'd get the badger for what you described. I've used both extensively and the badger is a more durable and warmer option.
 
The Badger is a great all around bag. Very versatile. I've got the 5 degreee Sequoia and it is an awesome bag if you are a cold sleeper or need it for colder temps.
 
Both good bags and my decision came down to those two and the Versalite. If you can get into either of these bags to get a feel for their size that would be helpful. I am 6'1" 170 lb and I found the Badger to be pretty large for me even with multiple layers on and sleeping on my side. I found the AlpinLite Long to be just the size I like. I sleep cold and AlpinLite is good for me down to its rating of 20 with base layers on. I've been comfortable in the bag down to 5-10 degrees while wearing base layers, a puffy jacket, and stocking hat.
 
Thanks for all the help. I'm going with the Badger. Does anyone know what size stuff sack I need to pick up for it? I was planning on getting an eVent compression sack unless there is something better out there I should get. Trying to do this right the first time around. Thanks again.
 
It will come with a stuff sack that is about as small as you want.They are not water proof but you can use it as a size referance
 
FWIW, I was told the Gore series bags were likely to trap moisture in the down because the first layer next to your body would let the moist air through but the outer layer not being next to your body will not get warm enough to allow the moist air to escape through the goretex membrane. Any thoughts on the validity of this? I just took it for what it was and ordered a Apache MF. I am very happy with it and I am a cold sleeper. I have the best sleeps of my life in the mountains now, well worth the money.
 
I found where I can get the Badger with 3 oz overfill for no extra cost. This would put the bag at 2 lbs 9 oz. What's everyones thoughts on this? Is it worth it or excessive?
 
I have a Badger MF and it is awesome! Light and very warm. Rated at 15 degree but I have slept in it cozy at 0 degrees
 
I've had a Badger for several years....very nice. I've been toasty in mine down to 0F. Not so sure what 3oz overfill would get you. Mine is already too warm at 45F!
 
I had an Alpinlite, superb bag, WM tends to fit "snug" for the given dimensions and the shell material is rather delicate.

The Badger, is probably the best overall choice and the G/T option is NOT necessary, go with the Microfiber. I have WPB-shelled bags and have had for almost 40 years, they have their advantages, but, fewer now than in past years.

I would NOT get the OF, I have one such bag and it makes a bag difficult to pack.
 
I have a Sequoia GWS and I had it made custom with 4 ounce overfill. If I could, I would go back and eliminate the extra down. This bag is a total incinerator on nights that don't get to at least 25F. Half the time I'm hanging an arm or shoulder out until after midnight. I can't recommend the exact bag for you or the overfill, but I can honestly say that WM doesn't inflate their ratings. If it says 15F, I believe the typical sleeper will be just fine at that temp. Remember that you will likely be sleeping in long underwear and layers will certainly make you sleep even warmer in a given bag.
 
I echo the rest. The best bags and do not buy more bag based on past experience with lessor bags. The Badger is about right.
 
As far as the overfill - I have read what others here just said about it adding more warmth to the bag. I have also read that it will extend the life of the bag; more down that will hold the loft for extra years. I would consider that if I was planning to still be using the bag in 20-30 years.
 
Thanks fellas. I think I'll skip the overfill. If I loose some loft down the road I'm pretty sure the option is there to have WM give it a tune up.
 
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
 
I do NOT agree that an overfill WILL extend the useful life of a bag and if you are wise enough to buy a REALLY GOOD down bag to start, it WILL, given proper care, last all of your life.

I have owned/used topend bags from the original Marmot Mountain Works, Fairydown of NZ, Feathered Friends,Caravan
of Sweden, Integral Designs (Canadian-not Chinese), Pioneer of Vancouver, Valandre and Western Mountaineering and used others over five decades. I used my custom Marmot bag intensely from the beginning of 1978 to Dec.1999, when it was stolen and it was STILL as lofty as when I had it made.

I did wear out the fine Pioneer bag, my first good bag, bought summer of '68, but, it was still useable when I replaced it in 1978. It had lost 20-30% of loft and a seam split, but, this bag was used continually for 150-180 nights per year in the bush, wilderness working-recreating and every night as a quilt when in college.

So, I doubt that you have anything to worry about, I always store my bags, down and synthetic, in very light cotton bags on ventilated shelves and have never had ANY issues with this. I don't hang bags as the storage bags keep dust off them and are easier to find space for in our humble home.

JMHO, do as you think best, but, a WM bag will last longer than you will, bet on it.
 
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I'll echo what AXEL is saying. I've got some fairly old down bags that I've used a ton and they're still going strong. Stored properly, they just last. Don't pull the down out if any starts poking through any seams, just pull it back into the bag.

I just picked up a WM Apache MF and will test it out this year. It's a really nice bag though and the quality is top notch. For your weight and height, you might want to look at the Apache, there was plenty of room in it for my 5'-10", 160 pound frame.
 
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