Description
Ultralight and ultra lofty.
- Highly breathable, water-resistant Pertex shell protects the down insulation from frost, condensation, and spindrift
- Packs 16 ounces of ultra-premium, 850-fill down insulation to retain your body’s warmth and maintain a super-high warmth-to-weight ratio
- Interlocking draft tubes and a down-filled collar prevent energy-sucking drafts from zapping your slumber
- Slightly narrower shoulder girth helps eliminate pockets of dead air for improved warmth retention
- Western Mountaineering bags are made in the USA
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What do you think of the
Western Mountaineering UltraLite Sleeping Bag: 20 Degree Down
? Share a...
Can't decide on the ultralight or the...
ferg
Member since
Can't decide on the ultralight or the alpinlight. I am skinny - 6-2 150 pounds and am worried the girth of the alpinlight might be too much. However the extra room may be nice for layering and room to move around. Any suggestions?
Steven Jones
Member since
Your worry is well founded. If the bag is too big you will have dead space that needs to be warmed. On the other hand, if you feel like you prefer to layer and have room to move around and can live with the extra space, the the Alpinlite might be a good way to go. Best of luck!
Excellent & light weight
erictoveru2186204
Member since
- Gender: Male
- Familiarity: I've put it through the wringer
Really warm for a bag that packs down so small. Weighs almost nothing, but is warm enough for late fall/early winter. Comfy down to -10 C if you wear a wool shirt :-)
Amazing Bag- Bag For Life
dal100540618
Member since
- Gender: Male
- Familiarity: I've used it several times
I first bought the HighLite 35 degree bag, slept out in New York in November and was a bit cold, so I returned it and got the UltraLite. The bag is incredible- super warm, great construction, packs down very small. Expensive, but I expect it will last for decades.
Like it but may be too small
coop70057
Member since
- Gender: Male
- Familiarity: I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions
I bought the Ultralite and the Alpinlite to see which fit me better. Both bags are very well made and both are the long (6'6") size. The stitching is perfect, the zippers work great without snagging although I am careful with them just to be safe. The problem for me is determining which one to keep. I think this is a fairly common occurrence, so I thought I?d try to provide some information for anyone trying to make the decision.
I think I've read every article on the internet about both bags and am really sold on staying with WM. I'm 6'1.5" and fluctuate between 170 and 180 lbs. My chest measurement is 42.
It seems like the Ultralite's shoulders are fine at 60"but the hip measurement feels fairly tight. I think the foot measurement is fine, although I can notice the inch difference on the Alpinlite in that area.
As far as the Alpinelite...I really like the foot measurement of 39". I also like the hip measurement of 56" a lot more that the Ultralite's 52". It doesn't seem like a lot, but it is to me. I'm mostly a side sleeper in case you were wondering. The Alpinlite?s should measurement is what makes me wonder which one to keep. It?s really large at 65?. There is considerable difference between the two and it?s almost as if I need the Alpinlite?s hip and foot measurements with the Ultralite?s shoulder measurements. The bags are so similar with respect to function, that it doesn?t make sense to keep both. I may end up keeping the Alpinlite because I flop around a lot at night. The perfect WM bag for me would be a 20 degree bag with the following measurements ? 60-62?shoulder, 56? hip, 39? foot.
I give the bag 5 starts because the fit and finish is immaculate and everything works as it should.
One more note - If you are over 6 feet tall go ahead and get the long. It will be perfect once you extend your toes.
Western Mountaineering Ultralite
Backcountry Video
Member since
I am 5'7 could i fit into the 5'6 bag or...
dan5435366
Member since
I am 5'7 could i fit into the 5'6 bag or should i just go with a 6 and put some clothing at the bottom to fill in the gap?
Sandy Brown
Member since
Go with the 6'. If you are too big for a bag, you will over-compress the insulation and lower the temp rating.
I'm a petite female looking for my first...
bry2434788
Member since
I'm a petite female looking for my first down bag after borrowing a friends' and loving it.
I swore I'd never camp again with temps under 25 degrees with my current bag.... would the ultralight be warm in temps down to 15? What temp bag should I actually be looking for? These temp ratings can be confusing!
I'm like a lot of women...cold feet, hands, cold everything....
I'm also interested in a bag that packs light and small..this thing goes with me on my bike, suitcase, and whatever couch I might be crashing on....
Thanks for any advice!
Guy Geva
Member since
If you cold take the warmes sleepingbag you can take.
The EN rating is what you lokking for. it said women r cold and need a warmer bags...dont go by the US raiting, you get cold
I hope it's help (:
Kate Williamson
Member since
Disregard what Guy said--EN ratings are good for comparing different brands of bags but don't give you an accurate temperature that you'll be comfortable in.
Western bags are over filled and conservatively rated. I have slept in a 25degree Western sleeping bag in 25degree weather and I was perfectly warm and I get cold easily. The key is the amount of down put into the bag. Not only does Western use the highest quality European goose down they can get, they then put large amounts of it in the bags.
I'd trust the temperature rating with Western Mountaineering bags. The average person would be warm 5 degree below the rating, but if you are thinking you'll regularly experience below 20 degrees AND you run cold, I'd think about the Versalite for a couple ounces more. You could also get a sleeping bag liner that would boost the temp rating on the trips you think temps would be colder than 20.
Hope this helps...
Phil Maher
Member since
As far as EN ratings go- I have never, ever found any sleeping bags that have met of exceeded WM's in accuracy. WM has never let me down and cost me a single night's sleep because I was cold....the only problem is not wanting to get up in the morning.
Why is there no Left Zip option for the...
wigwammer
Member since
Why is there no Left Zip option for the 6ft bag?
Dave Marcus
Member since
When Backcountry runs out of a certain item, it disappears from the purchase options. Left zip is available, but Backcountry doesn't have any right now.
im looking for a bag to use on my thru-hike...
Mike Antilla
Member since
im looking for a bag to use on my thru-hike next year on the PCT, and its a toss up between this and the apache. is the couple ounces of weight worth sacrificing the durability of a regular WM bag?
Dave Marcus
Member since
Having used Pertex in both bags and jackets for a while now, I can tell you that durability shouldn't be a concern. Unless you intentionally pull your bag through thorny bushes or slide down abrasive rocks using the bag as a sled, you'll be fine.
Between the two bags, I'd be more concerned about fill weight. You get an extra 3oz of down in the Apache. That could make a huge difference on the PCT. If you decide to go with the UltraLite, call WM and ask them about having it overstuffed. Then, you can get the benefits of more down and keep the light weight.
Took the big leap
robstjohn11024004
Member since
I've spent my career working in large wilderness areas in MT and WY. I've have NEVER been a fan of down gear and 99.9% of cold weather gear I own is synthetic insulation. Believe me, I've been spanked by Pa nature far too many times in the backcountry to take the lessons learned lightly. However, my main backpacking, ski, and inflatable kayaking buddy has owned one of these WM bags for YEARS of constant use. I on the other hand have gotten by very well on NOLS garage sale MH used synthetic bags and a MH lamina(?) -40 bag for winter. (as an aside, I will NEVER own another synthetic bag made by the furry rodent people, not good). I still have my 1969 Outward Bound REI McKinley down bag that has outlived it's usefulness (lack of ventilation and loft, i.e. cold spots). However, since my retirement goals in 20 months are to start ticking the long distance trails, I've been retooling my gear for as light weight and quality. Knowing how pleased Curt has been and researching the rep on these bags finally caused me to reluctantly shell out the big buck...(on sale). I am extremely pleased with this top quality made purchase. So far so good, and am confident in the long run that it will perform as well as it has for Curt and the other reviewers have raved.
I have a Marmot Pinnacle, and the regular...
jtp3052080
Member since
I have a Marmot Pinnacle, and the regular size is just right for me. Anybody know how comparable the Ultra compares, size-wise?
Kate Williamson
Member since
These bags are made to fit their size. So a 6' bag fits a 6' person. If you are right at 6', you'll fit just fine in this bag.
Light weight and warm
Joh4706299
Member since
So far, I have had the bag out for two trips and it has performed very well. The lightness and compact size of the bag help me cut down on pack weight and size. It sleeps very comfortably and I can't wait to get it out in some colder weather.
Changed the game
Ross Solomon
Member since
My old bag was a Marmot Sawtooth 15. That bag got great reviews and was warm enough I guess, but it just didn't compare to the WM UltraLite. The Marmot weighed nearly twice as much as this thing. This bag has brought my base weight down to under 8lbs, and I can absolutely notice a difference. I don't even have to use my hip belt on shorter trips, my bag is so light now.
Other than weight, another great thing about Western Mountaineering is that their temperature ratings seem to be very accurate. I had used my Marmot bag in 20 degree weather before and was uncomfortably chilly in the morning. It got to about 25 where I was this past weekend and I was still extremely toasty, leaving me no doubt that this bag will go to at least its rated temp, if not even lower without problems.
Not for the money...
William C Clark
Member since
This is a light bag. It is warm (I found the rating to be a little optimistic). My biggest complaint (and why I got rid of mine) was that the material is not nearly down-proof enough: I was always loosing feathers or being poked by feathers. If you want the best US-made, lightweight down bag that doesn't spear you during your slumber, check out Feathered Friends - hand made in Seattle.
Can a bag be any better
Josh Saint
Member since
Switched over to this bags several years ago an have carried for over 1000 miles. Will not get another bag. Super light weight and very warm and it can be packed smaller than a 32oz water bottle.
William C Clark
Member since
Just because it can pack down that small doesn't mean it should. You are likely damaging the down and/or baffles of the bag. Just a friendly warning.
Is the ripstop shell on this bag water...
Stephen
Member since
Is the ripstop shell on this bag water resistant or repellent? And is there any moisture-wicking property to the lining?
moroni
Member since
The "Pertex" shell offers slight water resistance but not enough to rely on more than normal condensation build-up & the inner lining doesn't wick but does breathe. This is from the manufacturer: "These bags are designed for special applications where compressed volume and weight are critical factors. Although some durability is sacrificed with these lighter fabrics, our ExtremeLite bags are perfect for the lightweight specialist."
SLEEP IN STYLE...!!!
Willy Syndram
Member since
I Recently took my Western Mountaineering UltraLite 20 degree bag on an early season AT thru-hike. I combined it with a silk liner and slept comfortablly with tempature droping into the teens. When tempatures dropped into the singles and below zero I had to add my space blanket to the mix. It compressed very nice and quickly regained it loft once out of my pack. The full zipper allowed me to use it as a quilt when tempatures warmed up, and the mummy style allowed me to cinche up and trap body heat when it got cold.
The Western Mountaineering UltraLite 20 degree is one of the best bags out there...!!!!
Willy Syndram
Member since
I don't use a compression bag for my sleeping bag when I hike. This allows me to pack more efficiently and once out of my pack my bag seems to regain it loft quicker. It also saves a little bit of weight...
Time for a new bag, and Western Mountaineering...
Phil Maher
Member since
Time for a new bag, and Western Mountaineering is going to be it. The UL would be my first choice, based on weight alone, but I'm concerned about the shoulder circumference. I'm about 21" across, and prefer a roomier bag, and also sleep cold. Would I potentially be better served with the Alpinlite or the Badger MF in both the width and the rating? Also, when WM says that their bags are for experienced gear users, what special considerations might that entail in terms of precautions and care?
Tom Gordon
Member since
Hey Phil. The Badger was the first Western bag I purchased. It's spectacular. By Western standards it's heavy but if you stop and think about it, 2.5 lbs. is damned light for a REALLY wide mummy. It's cushe. Having said that, I now use my Alpinlite more for carrying on my back since I sleep warm and it's wide enough. You couldn't go wrong with either bag you're considering. I know. I have both.
Sleep cold and don't mind that extra 8 oz? Go for the Badger.
Wanna go lighter without feeling like a crysalis? Avoid the Ultralite and get the Alpinlite.
Want the warmest, lightest, most packable 20 degree sleeping bag on the planet? The Ultralite is the one. Period. My 200 lbs puts a little too much strain on the girth. That's why I prefer the other two.
Oh, the experienced user thing...nothing to worry about unless you enjoy scree sledding in your sleeping bag. If that's the case, choose another. Sleeping on the ground has never been a problem in either the Badger or Alpinlite. They're plenty durable. I use them a lot between washings and when I do occasionally wash them, I give 'em an extra rinse cycle in the front loading washer at the Laundromat. Turning the black inside-out and giving them a good dose of sun is the best way to clean them unless they get too manky. It also lofts them brilliantly.
William C Clark
Member since
Phil, if you haven't already purchased, I would highly recommend getting either the Swift or Swallow from Feathered Friends instead of a WM bag. These bags are built with better materials (higher water repellency and increased down-proofness - keep your feathers in the bag where they belong!), I find them warmer than WM bags, custom colors, and also made in the US.
Light and cozy
fcnpereira2302339
Member since
Took it to Shasta for late Spring ski touring. Packs much smaller than the supplied carry bag with a compression sack. Worked very well with a 3/4 lightweight Thermarest pad, I rested very comfortably and stayed warm without overheating.
Your one bag quiver!
jbaysurfer872480
Member since
This is absolutely the best bag I've ever owned. I still have a 0 degree bag that I bought at REI 2 years ago but have not used it once since I bought this. I've slept in this bag down to 10 degrees and with a hat on my head and a baselayer on I slept like a baby. I'm a cold sleeper too! When push comes to shove I'm sure it wouldn't be comfortable, but in a snow trench and a bivy with all my insulating layers on I'm sure I could handle 0 degree temps in this bag, and all at a pound and a half (regular)!!!!!
I've also slept in 50degree temps using this bag loosely draped like a comforter. It breathes really well and if you're willing to lug an extra half pound you can save yourself 400 bucks for a lightweight down summer bag too!
I can't say enough good things about this bag. Worth every penny and making the bomber reputation of WM even better.
View all contributions... Be patient, it might take a while.

Garrett Perkins
Member since