Western Mountaineering - AlpinLite

I’m a rotisserie sleeper too and I love my WM Alpinlite. 

I have an EE Enigma and a WM Alpinlite, both rated to 20F. EE looks nice on its own, but as soon as you have it next to a quality item like the Alpinlite, you realize it is a strait up piece of crap. The EE is way colder than its rating even with all my layers (confirmed with Govee thermometer). The WM performs as expected. Based on the specs and performance of both, I estimate I would need a 0F EE quilt plus dedicated head insulation, at which point the weight and price is pretty much the same as WM, but you are still getting a bottom of the barrel design with EE.

Everyone should avoid EE like the plague. Shure, they work fine enough, but their quilts have the most basic design possible (no differential cut, no edge tension control and super long U-shaped baffles that promote down migration and cold spots), are limit rated and quite expensive for what you get. They also own a tactical gear company which may or may not matter to you. My 20F EE quilt is a straight up piece of trash next to my 20F WM Alpinlite. I estimate that to get the same performance from EE I would have to go with a 0F bag and dedicated head insulation, at which point t somehow WM is both lighter and cheaper while also being light years ahead in terms of design and quality.

>turn a lot WM Alpinlite is a roomier version of the Ultralight at the same temp rating. I am also a cold sleeper and found my Alpinlite to be true to rating with base layers, however I bought it second hand and is heavier than specs. I am 186cm and 78kg and would not want to go with a tighter bag than the Alpinlite.

No, I have the regular length 180cm length. I think the length is slightly small for my size, ie, the hood fits slightly tight; if I slide down then the hood feels like it fits better but then my toes are pressed up to the foot box. Overall, I think the fit is fine, but I have zero extra space in the length. A long would be better, but I got what was available and I have no regrets. My WM Alpinlite is 921g which is 41g over spec with respect to WM page, [but is inline with this vendor’s own measurement](https://ultralightoutdoorgear.co.uk/alpinlite-sleeping-bag/). Long is only 12g heavier which might be a no brainer for going with the longer size, but makes me wonder if it would be slightly colder…

Western Mountaineering bucks your trend. The Alpinlite is lighter, warmer *and* bigger than any of your ~20F options.

Your comment on WM vs S2S boils down to: WM is better but too expensive. As far as I can see the WM Ultralight you are referencing is $600 while the S2S Spark is $549. That price difference is absolutely justified for the absolute top of the line bag. Also, you completely gloss over the fact that WM Alpinlite is warmer, lighter AND larger than e.g. the MH Phantom, and does this at a totally reasonable $115 more expensive.

You may wish to consider the Western Mountaineering "wide" series of down bags. I'm 6' 2" and take a 48 tall in jackets. The WM Alpinlite was my go to bag for years. In addition to a good pad you might want to have a thin synthetic quilt draped over top of your down bag - not only to add insulation but to act as a "sink" for all of the water vapor that will need to condense somewhere. I wouldn't dare try a quilt alone. I'm only a humble Saskatchewan camper tho so ymmv.

I have a WM alpinlite. It's incredible how versalite their bags are. I use it as a quilt when it's too warm. The zip goes 95% of the way down. It's actually more useful as a blanket style than my katabatic alsek, which has a much longer sewn footbox. I can also move the down thanks to continuous baffles, which is almost the ultimate thermal regulater. The only issue I have is the down does move around, but most of the time I don't care. If I expect a cold night, I'll shake the down so that it's mostly on top. If I expect a warm night, it's much easier to just cover myself in the part that has the least down. Any warmer than that, and my liner is probably enough.

I’m 6’2 220 and perhaps wider with a 46-48 chest. I have the Kodak and at our size it will just fit you like a properly sized bag. YMMV but you’re probably gonna want a mummy bag with a hood and bougie draft collar at those kind of temps. I also have the WM alpinelite which I’m taking on the AZT this month, 65 in the shoulders is as tight as I can go.

Our go to is Western Mountaineering bags. They have specific tailored bags for mountaineering.

Huge fan of Western Mountaineering Alpinlite which is a 20 degree bag. I've had WM bags for over a decade and wonderful bags from a small local USA company based out of CA. Their 30 degree bag is this one: [https://www.westernmountaineering.com/product/megalite/](https://www.westernmountaineering.com/product/megalite/) r/TheBackpackingList

If the WM UltraLite would be too slim, the AlpinLite is the same bag in a wider cut. It’s a wonderful bag, but a bit pricier. You’re probably tracking that sleeping at altitude is colder than at lower elevations. Shoulder season and winter up the ante.

Will be perfect. I have the alpinlite and max temp is 25 with a puffy. Can and will be below freezing up there. Sometimes I wish I had the Versalite lol. I’ve done every loop, out and back, trail whatever from Kennedy Meadows to Truckee.

Western Mountaineering is the benchmark. Their bags really are great. In addition to WM, I also own a Gryphon Gear quilt and can say that their quality is top notch as well and they make both bags and quilts. For a few hundred less than a WM bag, you can get a Gryphon Gear Taurus bag. They are a small cottage shop so you get to deal directly with the owner and he'll make it custom to your liking if you want it a little more roomy. I think there are so many better choices than the EE quilts.

Western Mountaineering is great. Also check out Feathered Friends.

I own two sleeping bags: one from Western Mountaineering (superb quality, but very expensive) and one from Cumulus (high quality at a fairly reasonable price). After a lot of comparison, I personally think both brands provide reliable comfort temperature ratings and are absolutely worth the money. Just remember: if you're physically worn out, the lower limit of the comfort range might not be enough-so it's smart to give yourself a little warmth buffer.

Good suggestion! I love my western mountaineering. But Radiant 20 is legit for under $200.

I liked my quilt when I was doing shorter trips. Once I started doing months at a time I grabbed a western mountaineering bag and I have no regrets. Helps me extend a bit more into shoulder season

Western mountaineering, awesome bags and uber lightweight.

Partner Stove and Western Mountaineering sleeping bag.

The weakest link spoils the fun. Sleeping back: -5 degrees in winter, ignore the rating just get a Western Mountaineering bag for all but summer, in that rating. Bottom layer for ground: closed cell foam like RidgeRest, I don't like air matressesl they take work Old sleeping bag on top of that foam pad. Another sleeping bag or blanket over you. I can't stay confined inside a mummy bag but I need one for warmth so I keep the zipper open on top so I can turn and the blanket/sleeping bag on top. It's all fun with advice at home, but bring more than you need and experiment what works for you. I was more cold and shaking in 20 degrees (rectangular bag, foam pad, little else) than I was later on in -10 degrees with the right gear and "layers" described above. https://preview.redd.it/ceia9yeziire1.png?width=1569&format=png&auto=webp&s=4dcb31bd3abce5073f985278d6ac184f36e8a144

I buy Western Mountaineering lol!