How does WM rate their bags? I got a "15 degree" bag for my girlfriend, she was cold during a 28 degree night using an insulated pad and wearing a base layer and socks (Couldn't get her to put her hat on ...) Found out it was EN comfort rated at 19... Looking for a bag that'll keep her warm during an early spring AT hike. Thanks

I'm a female backpacker who sleeps so cold, I almost gave up on cold weather backpacking. After going through bag after bag, I found the WM Versalite to be just PERFECT for nights that got down to about 15 degrees....AS LONG AS I HAD THE RIGHT PAD and liner! You didn't say how long you're going on the AT for, or what the rating on her current pad is. But assuming a few weeks, you'll be kicking yourself in the can if you add too much weight to her pack with heavier bags. If you have a heavier bag to get lower temp ratings (assuming you don't fork out the extra bucks to get the ultralite models), you're stuck with it (and the extra weight) unless you have multiple bags to switch out with as the weather changes. But if you have this 2lb bag, and add layers to her night clothes and liner (that can both be sent home after the weather doesn't call for the extra layers any longer), you'll be MUCH happier. I LOOOOOVE this bag. It's the best thing you could get your cold girlfriend! Take it from a cold girl. Go with the Versalite and get her some down booties (LIFESAVERS for chilly bodies), proper sleeping attire, and a good pad. Pads are a personal thing, and everyone I know has a different take on what they prefer. But they all agree that it makes all the difference in a comfy night's sleep. I personally despise air matresses (I've been through them all - including the fancy NeoAir). I use the Therm-a-Rest Ridge Rest Solar Sleeping Pad. Light, non-popable, and keeps you nice and warm. After a night of hyperthermic shock, I now refuse to sleep on a pad that can deflate on me - leaving my body heat getting sucked into the ground. Hypothermia HURTS! She NEEDS to wear a hat to stop the warm air from escaping her body that the bag is working so hard to make for her. And socks are fine for normal sleepers, but your girl needs down booties that she can wear to bed. To each his own....but this is the story of a cold girl who was saved by the Versalite.

Tom?- I wondered about the adding of that extra 2oz of fill. Can this be done after the fact, or does it have to be done during manufacturing?

Hey William, Western is the MOST conservative on temp rating, and because most of their bags have changed little in the past 20 years, they have a really good history with temp rating. The EN rating has some flaws, and we think consumer history on temp rating is the best way to call it. Certainly, if she sleeps cold, get a little warmer bag. Either the Versalite or the Antelope would be my call. It is worth every single penny. If she feels like after using it, she would like to get it just a little warmer, no problem. Call Western Mountaineering in San Jose, CA (where they have been made since 1970!), and ask them to give a little more down fill to the bag. The cost is inexpensive, but you cannot do that with anyone else's bag on the market. Enjoy your Western!!

Take her down to an Antelope MF @ 5 degrees or to a Kodiak MF @ 0 degrees. She must be a really cold sleeper. I am too, and I've never had a problem with WM bags not exceeding their rating. If you're planning on staying with WM, which I recommend, go with the Kodiak, but if that's getting too pricey, find her something with a 0 degree rating and similar fill power from Marmot. 0 degrees might seem like a bit of overkill, but better to open up and vent than to be miserable and have to start layering up at 3am.

William, Western Mountaineering is conservative on their ratings. I personally have been in their 20 degree bag during a 20 degree night and was fine. And I am a girl who gets cold pretty easily. Their 10 degree bag is designed to be comfortable at 10 degrees (or since women get cold easier, add 5 degrees to the bag--so comfortable at 15 degrees). The key is high quality down (Western will send back down that tests at anything less than 875 loft--they want a minimum of 850 loft in their bags) and putting the right amount inside. They are puffy, warm, and durable. Oh, and made in America. Hope this helps!