SLEEPING BAGS

Western Mountaineering MityLite Sleeping Bag: Ideal Choice for Summer Backpacking

Published

7 years ago

July 10, 2017

admin

When packing for your backpacking trip, one of the most important items you will pack will be your sleeping bag. Unlike car-camping where you do not have to worry about the weight of your sleeping bag or how much space it takes up, the reverse is true for backpackers.

For any backpacker, weight and volume are among the first and biggest concerns when selecting camping gear. Fortunately, manufacturers have found a solution to this dilemma by making lightweight and very compressible gear that fits in backpacks just fine and adds minimal weight.

An example of such compressible and lightweight gear is the Western Mountaineering Mitylite Sleeping Bag. The key among the things that make your backpacking experience an amazing one is how you spend your nights. That is why backpackers always pay special attention to the type of sleeping bag they use.

However, before you worry about how comfortable your nights should be, you have to focus on how you get your gear there. Backpackers are always looking to minimize the weight of their gear and companies like Western Mountaineering are rising to the challenge.

MityLite Sleeping Bag is a member of the ExtremeLite sleeping bag series from Western Mountaineering, which are designed to make your backpacking trail less cumbersome and your night more enjoyable.

Just like the rest of the sleeping bags in the ExtremeLite series, the MityLite sleeping bag lives up to its name by staying very light and compact when not in use and then turning into a comfortable cradle once you reach the campsite.

The sleeping bag comes with various features that make it just right for lightweight summer backpacking. Its features of premium quality are underpinned by the highly-rated Down insulation.

We know that Down is superior to the low-quality synthetic and the traditional sleeping bags. Having the MityLite sleeping bag will not be a regret to the avid camper. Read through the important aspects that it has to offer below.

Review

Packaging

The MityLite Sleeping bag comes in a package with the stuff sack included which compresses to 6 x 12 inches. The product is Moss Green in color and has a size of 6ft 3in. It has an insulation of a 12 oz Down Fill. It further comes with what you need to have and that includes the extra features such as the storage pockets.

mitylight sleeping bag full size

If you need other accessories such as the sleeping pad, you will have to purchase them and tuck them into the sleeping bag effortlessly. Be reminded that this sleeping bag has no hood. This is, nonetheless, not a big deal or a deal-breaker to the quality of this bag. One can have the pillowcase.

To create more space for two people, it can be zipped to the Western Mountaineering Summer Coupler. So you must get this too. You might also have to purchase the sleeping pad to compensate for the rough terrains.

Design & Durability

The fabric finishing is designed to retain its water repelling properties for as long as possible. It is finished with an excellent water repellant designed to stay 80% intact after 20 washings. This may, however, depend on the method of washing and general handling.

Should you feel that your bag is becoming less repellant to water, you can re-treat it and take it back to its initial effectiveness. This sleeping bag is quite versatile in usage. Its semi-rectangular shape and full-length zipper allow you to choose how to use it depending on your camping situation.

It makes an amazing sleeping bag for one, but it can also be changed into a cozy sleeping nest for two by opening it up and zipping it onto Western Mountaineering’s Summer Coupler. Additionally, if you wish, you can turn it into a comforter by opening the zipper all the way and spreading it out quilt-style.

mitylite sleeping bag on floor

Even though it is lightweight, it is designed in such a way that it prevents leakage and maintains excellent performance. The sleeping bag has waterproof fabric with a tight weaving and the highest threat count.

To minimize weight and volume, however, Western Mountaineering had to compromise a bit on fabric strength so the bag should be handled with care to avoid damage. Because the sleeping bag is hoodless, it can easily be adjusted to fit your preferred sleeping side in relation to zipper side.

Whether you sleep on the right side or the left and whichever side you want your zipper to be, it can all be achieved by simply flipping the bag onto the other size because there is no hood to get in the way. The sleeping bag comes with a full-length YKK #5 double pull zipper and to keep the zipper opening and closing without any flaws, stiffening tape is lined along the zipper line.

A firm locking head further enhances the performance of the coil zipper. The internal baffles are made with pre-cut no-see-um netting material which prevents them from getting distorted while at the same time remaining flexible so they can compress when it is time to pack up. This material further ensures that the bag is both lightweight and durable.

Insulation

The use of insulating material is not to create warmth for you, but rather to minimize loss of the warmth created by your body. The more body warmth your bag can trap inside, the warmer you will stay. For insulation material, Western Mountaineering uses high fill power goose down, which provides excellent warmth to weight ratio.

Man in a sleeping bag looking at the landscape

The use of down makes the sleeping back amazing in proving warmth while keeping it much lighter than it would have been, had it contained synthetic insulation material. Down has, for so many years, been a reliable insulation material for many outdoor sleeping bags.

Temperature Rating

The MityLite Sleeping Bag is your ideal choice for summer backpacking. At 40° F of temperature rating, the sleeping bag is designed for summer camping with options to adjust the warmth to give you your ideal night in the summer outdoors.

In case it gets too hot and you feel like reducing the warmth a bit, the continuous baffle construction allows you to push the down under you and if you need more warmth, just shift more down onto the upper side.

Weight

The biggest limiting factor when backpacking is weight. Almost every gear-related decision a backpacker makes is guided by how much weight that particular item is adding to their gear. This holds true especially for main items like sleeping bags which can be quite bulky.

Fortunately, manufacturers have devised means of making lightweight sleeping bags. However, to achieve the ideal backpacking weight, they had to compromise on other features like material and durability.

mityLite sleeping bag folded

To achieve the lowest possible weight, the makers of sleeping bags had to play around with materials and shape to ensure that some of the features given up in an attempt to lower weight are somehow redeemed.

At just 1 lb 10 oz of total weight, the MityLite sleeping bag lives up to its name by adding very little weight to your camping gear load. It comes with a compression sack that squeezes it down so you can fit it in your backpack. Its lightweight and compressible properties make it ideal gear for lightweight backpacking.

A key consideration when designing a sleeping bag will be the season. This cuts across all other design features and is the main determinant in how the final product looks like. Winter backpacking bags, although still lightweight, are more likely to be heavier than those used in warm weather are.

Waterproofness

Having been filled with 850+ FP Down, it is proof that this sleeping bag is waterproof. The exterior shell is made of water repellent properties that repel water in the wilderness. The ripstop shell fabric has properties of water resistance on the outer lining.

Down itself has the waterproof membrane. So, even if water penetrates the fading water resistant coating, down insulation will have the power to shield the interior with its waterproof qualities. Although Down is waterproof, if, mistakenly, it gets wet, it can take time to dry. Waterproof qualities will not have much of the effect in this regard.

Sleeping bag drying on the clothesline

Whenever using the sleeping bag directly onto the ground, please use a waterproof cloth to make a protective layer between your sleeping bag and the ground. This ensures that it is protected from dirt and any other debris that might be on the ground.

Secondly, it is better to put a layer between your body and the sleeping bag to protect the inside of the bag. This can be achieved by using a sleeping bag liner or wearing some covering clothes before entering the bag.

Shape

The shape of your sleeping bag is not a mere decorative feature. Mummy shaped sleeping bags, for example, are ideal if you are looking for a bag with more warmth and less weight. However, because of their narrowing shape, they restrict body movement and might not be very comfortable.

Wider sleeping bags are more comfortable but they are also bulkier and retain less warmth. Car-camping sleeping bags may be rectangular-shaped, have more room and are bulkier while semi- rectangular ones are made for the backpackers.

bulky sleeping bags

Two compatible bags of this shape can be zipped together into a cozy sleeping space for two. This sleeping bag is semi-rectangular and is large enough to accommodate two people sleeping in it. The sleeping bag comes in only one size of 6’3″ so it will not accommodate anyone taller than that.

There are no Summer sleeping bags longer than 6’6″ from this brand that have the same properties as MityLite so anyone taller than this would have to look to another brand for a sleeping bag of similar features. If you are shorter than 6’6″ however, you have your pick of summer sleeping bags from Western Mountaineering.

Unique Features

Every product is sought-after with its unique features, and it is the same with this sleeping bag. The first unique feature we spot is the sewn-thru construction that adds an indispensable value in its insulation capabilities when coupled with the Down Fill Power of 850+.

On top of that, the bag comes with a semi-rectangular shape that can be turned into a lightweight comforter. The full-length #5 YKK zipper will help you improve insulation whenever sleeping in the bag. And for couples, the bag can be zipped to the Summer Coupler for them to sleep comfortably.

ykk zipper on mitylite bag

It saves them cost of purchasing yet another sleeping bag. Perhaps the other unique feature is the hoodless design that still functions well, regardless. The downside is that your head is not having a preferential warmth supply. Hoods can also be used as pillowcases.

This sleeping is, nevertheless, still functioning conveniently in the absence of the hood. This absence can be offset by wearing a warm cap or by purchasing a warm pillowcase.

Value for money & guarantee

Spending on a sleeping bag as an enthusiastic outdoor activist has never been a waste of time, especially when you spend on a product of high quality. All you have to take into account is the premium quality of the sleeping bag and the guarantee that it will certainly last you long.

The Western Mountaineering comes with a lifetime limited warranty should you notice any defects prematurely. The company reassures you that you bought a quality product. In terms of value, you will be spending around $400 to own this sleeping. Add to this, of course the shipping costs if any, to your respective region.

sleeping bags in nature

The other costs, although optional, are the sleeping pads or the pillows. But the bag is thick enough to be used on its own. Unless you plan to use it on a rough terrain, then you should probably consider purchasing a sleeping pad.

Additional Tips from the Manufacturer

The MityLite sleeping bag is easy to care for and does require specialized maintenance. However, it is made from delicate materials and should be handled with care if you want it to last.

Washing

To clean the bag, simply wash it in a bathtub. If you prefer to use a washing machine, then you must use a front loading machine. The baffle construction of the sleeping bag can easily get damaged if you use an agitator machine or a top loading one.

washing sleeping bag in bathtub

Do not attempt to dry clean the bag as the solvents used do not go well with the oils in the down. When hand washing, leave the bag in its stuff sack and submerge it in water that has down soap in it. Leaving the sleeping bag in its sack keeps the air out of the baffles, making the washing process easier.

Restoring water repellency

If your sleeping bag starts to lose water repellency, you can re-treat the fabric of the outer shell to restore the repellency. For this, Western Mountaineering recommends using ReviveX Spray On Water Repellent.

Down Leakage maintenance

To keep the outer shell of the sleeping bag, breathable, it is made with a porous fabric. This means that down and feathers might escape through the pores in the fabric. This is not a defect and should not alarm you. To fix this, simply reach in and pull that cluster of down back into its chamber.

Western Mountaineering MityLite 40 F Sleeping Bag has it all that you are looking for in a sleeping bag. It is a perfect companion for summer hikes or backpacks with this temperature rating. The bag is compact and lightweight and has, among others, a sewn-thru construction and a semi-rectangular shape.

These are unique features that give it identity. For minimalist backpacking, it can be zipped to the Summer Coupler to create an ample space for couples to sleep together, without the need to have an additional sleeping bag. The insulation of this bag is on par with the 850+ Fill Power Down.

mitylite sleeping gear

Down has got plenty of benefits. Among others, it is highly compressible and offers an unrivaled comfort and loft. Moreover, it has a great warmth-to-weight ratio, which means that you will get warm with a lightweight sleeping bag.

It retains most of your body heat. Furthermore, this sleeping bag is waterproof because of the Down’s waterproof membrane. It is also durable and retains its original loft for many years to come.

PROS:

Versatile functionality
Excellent warmth-to-weight ratio
Easy to clean
Very light
Very compressible

CONS:

Only one size
It has no hood to specifically cover your head
It takes longer to dry should the Down get wet
Not for all-season-round camping

Ultimately, there are three main considerations to focus on when buying a backpacking sleeping bag and these are weight, insulation and temperature rating. Everything else, in one way or the other, feeds into these three so these should be given special focus as the ultimate drivers for your decision.

In order to give you more options, we have provided the similar and the competitor models for you, and have elaborated on their advantages and disadvantages compared to the MityLite sleeping bag. It turns out that MityLite remains competitive with its features and does not differ widely with the high-end sleeping bags.

SLEEPING BAGS

Western Mountaineering TerraLite Sleeping Bag: The Perfect Outdoor Sleeping Bag

Published

5 years ago

August 17, 2019

admin

Western Mountaineering has been handcrafting sleeping bags for over 40 years. They’re a well-known and high-quality brand for durable sleeping bags that keep you warm, comfortable, and don’t add unnecessary weight to your hiking pack. The Western Mountaineering TerraLite Sleeping Bag is the latest addition to their ExtremeLite series, which includes ten sleeping bags for all of your camping needs.

Recommended for ultralight backpacking and camping, the TerraLite is a wide mummy sleeping bag, specially designed for side sleeping comfort. Perfect for side sleepers who enjoy camping in a variety of seasons and weather conditions, the TerraLite has received great reviews from customers. This sleeping bag will keep you warm in temperatures as low as 25°F and provides ultimate comfort from its rip-stop outer shell for durability and taffeta lining for softness against your skin.

Its insulated hood with drawstring closure will keep you warm in the coldest conditions, and the dual zipper design allows the bag to open completely for camping in warmer months. The Western Mountaineering TerraLite sleeping bag is a high-performance, comfortable sleeping bag with premium goose down, making it a great value for the price.

In today’s review, we take a look at this amazing bag and what it has to offer. We will also look at similar sleeping bags in the market and get to compare their features and prices with the TerraLite. Read on for more detailed information.

Review

Packaging

The TerraLite sleeping bag comes in one size; a 6’6 inches right zip and weighs about 4.6 pounds when shipping. You will only get this in one color, a combination of blue and black, therefore if you like having a variety of sizes and colors, you might have a hard time with this.

Your purchase also comes with a stuff sack that you can use to store your bag and other items as you hike. Other related items like a sleeping mat and pillows are sold separately.

Design & Durability

Designed with a dual zipper that allows the sleeping bag to open completely, this sleeping bag is compatible with other sleeping bag models for couples or campers with young children who want to create a larger sleeping space. The TerraLite takes into account that there is nothing more important to the quality and function of a sleeping bag than its insulation.

It is insulated with 850+ fill power premium goose down, the lightest and most compressible down available, and includes an insulated hood with adjustable draw closure and a three dimensional down filled draft tube for keeping the cold out and body heat in. A continuous baffle construction ensures that the down insulation doesn’t isolate to one side over time or after multiple uses.

Constructed with a 12 denier rip-stop nylon outer shell for durability and 15 denier nylon taffeta lining providing a plush and soft layer against your skin, the TerraLite is a comfortable mummy bag that keeps you protected from outside elements while you sleep soundly. The shell is treated with a surface durable water repellent finish which sufficiently shrugs off dew and condensation.

With a water repellent finish you can feel ensured that condensation from tent walls or sleeping outside under the stars won’t leave your sleeping bag weighed down with dampness. The finish can also be easily reapplied over time if it begins to wear.

Temperature rating

It’s important to always keep the weather in mind when you’re choosing a sleeping bag. You want to choose a sleeping bag that is rated for the temperature range you plan to go camping in so know which seasons you plan to use this sleeping bag for. The TerraLite sleeping bag has a 25°F temperature rating making it ideal for spring and fall camping.

However, it also has some additional temperature control features for colder or warmer nights. On cold nights the adjustable drawstring hood and insulated draft tube will help keep your body warmth in and the cold out. The wide mummy design of this sleeping bag also allows you to stay comfortable while sleeping with extra layers on if the temperature drops unexpectedly.

On warmer nights, take advantage of the dual zipper design which allows the sleeping bag to unzip completely. You can unzip it and sleep on top of your sleeping bag or keep your feet unzipped to let some cool air in. With all of the temperature control features that the TerraLite offers, you’ll be comfortable camping in almost any weather conditions. Keep in mind that sleeping bag manufacturers display the ideal weather use with a temperature rating, but these ratings are just guidelines so use your best judgment.

Dimensions

The TerraLite weighs less than two pounds, making it one of the lightest sleeping bags on the market despite its mummy shape and size. This mummy bag is designed for ultimate sleeping comfort, especially for those with a wide frame or who are often restless sleepers. Wide throughout the middle for side sleeping comfort, the mummy design offers a comfortable shape without added weight.

You also want to make sure you have the proper length before you purchase a sleeping bag. Most sleeping bags come in regular or long sizes, but the TerraLite offers three lengths: 5’6”, 6’, and 6’6”. Its product dimensions are 9 x 9 x 22 inches, weighing in at exactly 1 pound, 13 ounces.

Comfort

This mummy bag is wide throughout the middle to prevent any discomfort when sleeping on your side or tossing and turning throughout the night. Campers with wide frames and restless sleepers find that this sleeping bag provides ultimate comfort without compromising unnecessary weight or quality. This bag provides plenty of room even with extra layers on and has no limitations for moving and rolling during the night.

Unique Features

The TerraLite has a mummy design which is efficient and contains the heat your body generates as you sleep. Moreover, the design uses less materials and therefore the sleeping bag is ultra light and compresses easily. Has a 12 denier rip-stop nylon fabric which is not only breathable and water resistant, but also durable.

The bag will serve you for a very long time without any wear and tear. The shell will help you keep warm even in cool temperatures, by preventing any heat from escaping from the sleeping bag. Not forgetting the taffeta lining that is of superior quality, breathable and soft on the skin.

There are two zippers that allow for maximum comfort as you are sleeping by making the sleeping bag even roomier. As a side sleeper, you will love the wide girth that goes through the middle of the bag. You also have the option to unzip the bag at the bottom to let in air during those warm summer nights.

To top it off, the TerraLite weighs less than 2 pounds, which makes it the perfect ultra- light sleeping bag companion for all your outdoor expeditions. You don’t have to worry about feeling any extra weight as you trek.

Value for Money & Guarantee

You must be thinking that purchasing this bag will break your bank, right? Wrong! At only approx. $500, this is the most affordable and ultra-light sleeping bag you will find in the market with superior features. If price is the one factor that determines whether you will buy an item or not, then this is just the bag for you.

Purchasing the TerraLite will get you a lifetime manufacturers warranty. There is no other information provided in this regard or even about guarantee in case you end up having a problem with your sleeping bag after buying. Contact Western Mountaineering if you need to make inquiries or get more information about the warranty.

As covered in our review, Western Mountaineering has a solid history of creating wonderful sleeping bag products and the TerraLite is no different. This well-known and high-quality brand doesn’t disappoint with this model from the ExtremeLite series, offering a sleeping bag that will keep you warm, comfortable, and won’t add weight to your hiking pack.

The TerraLite is highly recommended for ultralight backpackers and campers as it weighs in at less than two pounds. Its wide mummy design is a customer favorite as side sleepers find plenty of space for moving around in this roomy sleeping bag. With 850+ fill power premium goose down insulation, this sleeping bag will keep you warm in temperatures as low as 25°F.

Pros:

Right price for value of the product
High-quality insulation, outer shell, and liner materials
Draft tube keeps cold out
Attached adjustable drawstring hood
Dual zipper allows bag to open completely
Ultralight (less than 2 pounds!)
Ultimate comfort and plenty of room to move
Includes stuff sack
Lifetime manufacturer warranty

Cons:

Very slick, slides off sleeping mat
May be too cold in winter if the temperature drops below 25°F
Might be too warm in summer months

Plus, it provides ultimate comfort from its rip-stop outer shell for durability and taffeta lining for softness against your skin. The Western Mountaineering TerraLite sleeping bag is a high-performance, comfortable sleeping bag with premium goose down, making it a great value for the price.

SLEEPING BAGS

Western Mountaineering UltraLite Sleeping Bag: A Perfect Fit for All Your Backpacking Needs

Published

7 years ago

July 10, 2017

admin

Two mens in Western Mountaineering sleeping bags

Your muscles are tired and aching after a long day’s hike. You have had your meal, erected your tent, rehydrated and watched as the stars flickered to life. It’s time to sleep, and if you have done enough research, a well-rated, soft, and warm sleeping bag is important if you are to wake up re-energized come the following morning.

You slide into your sleeping bag, and after a few minutes, you realize that the cold seems to find its way into the bag. You start to wonder what could be wrong. You are in a bag rated 20 and its only 25^oF outside. You should be okay, right?

This is precisely why a good sleeping bag comes in handy. If you are unfamiliar with the Western Mountaineering, you should know that this company is one of the best sleeping bag manufacturers. It is well-known for making compressible, and lightweight products with the 850+ fill power goose down. With just a weight of 1 lbs. 13 oz., the Ultralight is one of the most versatile yet lightweight gear available and can easily compress into an eight-liter waterproof stuff sack.

The Western Mountaineering UltraLite Sleeping Bag can be used to move through different climates during hiking trips and summer bike tours. You can sleep on it, or in it and no one would care. When the temperatures fall, zip up and get under the hood where you’ll be warm owing to the draft tube and a full down collar.

Review

Packaging

The UltraLite sleeping bag comes in blue, and in different sizes ranging from five feet to six feet either for the right or the left zip. It all depends which side you need to have a larger fit. The actual bag is 11*12*17 inches, with a shipping weight of about 1.63 pounds, perfect for camping and hiking.

Design & Durability

The horizontal baffles on the sleeping bag make for a simple-to-use thermostat. It’s down chambers surround the gear from zipper to zipper, making it possible for you to shift the down towards the top for cold nights. On the other hand, it’s possible to shift material underneath the bag during warmer nights. Opening the sleeping bag and laying it flat allows you to press down and run with your arms in any desired direction, pushing the insulation in the areas you need it to be.

Similar to the AlpinLite, this bag incorporates a reverse differential hood that is amazingly comfortable. This implies that the fabric on the bag’s interior is larger compared to the shell fabric. The hood covers your head, providing the comfort desired and is suitable for trapping the heat without the need to tighten it much.

Western Mountaineering Ultralite sleeping bag in a tent

Western Mountaineering utilizes a one-inch tape on both ends of the zipper which helps in facilitating an easy, snag-free functionality. The draft collar on the bag and the draft tube on the zipper are lofty; they mate perfectly, keeping the cold air out and the warm air in.

Nonetheless, Western Mountaineering should come up with a different technique for closing the hood and the draft collar of the UltraLite. The good thing about this draft collar is that it allows minimal cold to get into the bag. Both Closures are pieces of Velcro which are difficult to identify and operate and don’t open easily during the night.

Versatility

The UltraLite is one of the most versatile outdoor sleeping bags. This piece of equipment is capable if unzipping during warm weather condition and can also be used in temperatures of twenty degrees Fahrenheit as rated. For people who experience the cold earlier than others, or during extra cold nights, it’s possible to add a lighter weight jacket to help boost the warmth of the bag.

The continuous baffle design allows the user to regulate the temperature further. Even for a weight-conscious individual, this 1 pound 13 Ounce sleeping bag is quite reasonable to include in your backpacking gear list and is warm enough for use in cold nights or at higher elevations.

Warmth

The twenty degree Fahrenheit rating of the Western Mountaineering UltraLite Bag is pretty conservative. This sleeping bag is certainly on the warmer ends of any twenty degrees bags available. This outdoor gear is designed to provide the warmth you would expect from any well-established brand. Similar to the MegaLite, this sleeping bag incorporates continuous horizontal baffles.

Side view of Western Mountaineering Ultralite Mummy Sleeping Bag

Its design makes it possible for you to shift from the bag’s top to its bottom, and vice versa. It’s quite a functional gear that allows you to control the temperatures inside it; you can add more insulation on the top during cold nights. The UltraLite also offers an opportunity to shift that down to its bottom where you can compress it to keep you warm during the warmer nights.

Weight

A regular length UltraLite gear weighs 1 pound, 13 ounces. This is among the lightest sleeping bags that are rated to temperatures below twenty-five degrees Fahrenheit. Moreover, the UltraLite is lighter compared to most bags rated in the range if 30-35^oF. What’s even amazing about this piece of outdoor equipment is the fact that the UltraLite is significantly warmer compared to other 20^oF brands, yet lighter in weight than most of them.

Western Mountaineering Ultralite Mummy Sleeping Bag and a hat on the ground

The UltraLite utilize “Extremelite,” a shell of 12D fabric, which is similar to what the MegaLite uses. This fabric is insanely light as it weighs less than an ounce per square yard. The ultra-fine yarn which makes up the fabric is ultra-compressible and soft.

Although somewhat fragile, the down-proof fabric largely contributes to the low weight of the bag as well as its compressibility. Another essential contributor to the low weight of this bag is its slim cut. Since it utilizes less material, the UltraLite has succeeded in cutting a handful of ounces from its overall weight.

Comfort and Fit

Soft, lofty, and lightweight materials make this product a very attractive place to lay your head after a long day’s hike in the wilderness. Nonetheless, the hip girth, as well as the narrow shoulder, make it less comfortable compared to the MegaLite, Sierra Designs Backcountry Bed, or the Nemo Salsa 30. People who love to sleep on their back will hardly detect this, but for the tummy and side sleepers, it’s likely to be noticed.

Western Mountaineering Ultralite Mummy Sleeping Bag laying on the snow

In general, the UltraLite offers the softest and most comfortable feeling than you would ever expect from a different bag of the same rating. Apart from its narrow fit, the UltraLite Sleeping Bag consists of a down collar which runs on the upper chest to prevent the heat from escaping when moving around during the night. The gear has a full zipper that is essential for venting in warmer weather, and a down-filled draft tube that prevents side drafts.

Unique Features

The UltraLite sleeping bag has interlocking draft tubes and a full down collar that will wrap snuggly around your neck to help insulate and prevent any heat loss. The draft tubes run along the bag’s zipper to keep you insulated and prevent any heat from escaping between the zipper coils.

The outer shell is not only water resistant, but also breathable and goes a long way in protecting you and the down from condensation. Your bag will always stay dry even if it touches the wet sides of your tent or when you have been sleeping under the stars on a dewy night.

Western Mountaineering Ultralite Mummy Sleeping Bag on the grass

And that’s not all. There is a 5 ¼ inch spacing of continuous baffles that encircle the sleeping bag from zipper to zipper making it very compressible, light and toasty warm. Moreover, they lack a side block baffle that allows you to shift down the baffle chamber and to fully adjust the temperatures during the warm weather. When it’s hot, you are advised to lay your bag down flat and move some baffles towards the bottom for less insulation at the top.

During the cold nights, you can now move the baffles back to the top to increase the insulation. A five inch of loft has a temperature rating of 20 degrees Fahrenheit that guarantees you warmth during those cold nights. Whenever it gets colder than expected, you can always layer up on extra clothing or use a fluffy sleeping pad to provide you with additional warmth.

Value for Money & Guarantee

At about $500 for a regular length gear, the UltraLite is quite a worthy investment. Additionally, if this bag can sustain over ten years of use, and is your go-to gear for most, if not all, your backpacking adventures, along with the periodic ski touring or mountaineering adventure, then the bag is an excellent investment.

There is no warranty information or guarantee pertaining to the purchase of the sleeping bag given on the site. You are advised to contact the manufacturer directly when you need more information or whenever you need to return your sleeping bag in the event that it’s either damaged on delivery or it just does not satisfy your backpacking needs.

The Western Mountaineering UltraLite Sleeping Bag is one of the best outdoor equipment. Although it offers a few disadvantages, it is a fantastic bag that has all the features you would expect from a bag of its type.

Aerial view of Western Mountaineering Ultralite Mummy Sleeping Bag in a hammock

The UltraLite is warmer, lighter, and the most compressible gear for its temperature rating. If you are a cold sleeper, this sleeping bag is tough to contend for weight, comfort of materials, packed size, and warmth.

Pros:

Gives you a great value for your money, when compared to other similar sleeping bags in the market
Lightweight and compact , which makes it easy to carry around
Keeps you warm even in temperatures as low as 8 degrees Fahrenheit.
Has a breathable fabric and is water resistant.
Has a nice fit , especially with the hood that has the drawstrings

Cons:

Can be too narrow in the shoulders and hips, making it uncomfortable when trying to move around when sleeping.
Lacks a double foot insulation, which exposes your feet to extreme cold.

Apart from that, the UltraLite offers the best value for money and is probably the best sleeping bags for its price whether regular, short, or long.

SLEEPING BAGS

Western Mountaineering TerraLite Sleeping Bag: The Ultralight Mummy Bag for Side Sleepers

Published

7 years ago

July 10, 2017

admin

Man in a sleeping bag looking at the beautiful sky

Review

Packaging

Your purchase also comes with a stuff sack that you can use to store your bag and other items as you hike. Other related items like a sleeping mat and pillows are sold separately.