Western Mountaineering - Caribou MF

I have that bag, a katabatic flex 15 and a WM caribou bag. I didn’t find the petrel to be too constricting. One of the things that keeps you warm is not having too much empty space. My feet often get cold so I actually shove most of my clothing down around my feet. I sleep like a rotisserie chicken and I’m quite comfortable in it. However it would probably be almost too hot above 30 degrees. I carried it when o hiked segment 8 of the CT and Marvine Loop in September and was comfortable.

I have been using the same Western Mountaineering Caribou (well, technically mine is the predecessor) for 25 years. It's extremely well made, extremely light, packs extremely small, but also extremely expensive (for a 35F degree bag). I pair it with a Big Agnes Hyperlite pad that is 3.5 in thick x 25 in wide x 74 in long. The extra wide, extra long give more room and feels more like a bed than a pad. I also use a Cocoon sleeping bag liner to keep the sleeping bag clean on longer outings. This set up is warm, comfortable, light, and packs reasonably small. The downside is an expensive kit. Consider that comfortable sleep is super important for rest and recovery, it's worth the cost. The Western Mountaineering bag has been extremely well used for 25 years and still looks new. I wash it (with a special down safe detergent) once a year or maybe less depending on use. It was an investment that has paid dividends for decades.

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.

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!

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