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Matt's Mountain Madness
United States
เข้าร่วมเมื่อ 12 พ.ย. 2023
I've been blessed to enjoy over 50 years of hiking, climbing and camping in the Rockies of Colorado and Wyoming.
In my videos, I take you on my cold weather camping excursions and review the high end gear and field tested procedures I use to make these solo adventures safe, comfortable and rewarding.
My hope is that you find my channel both informative and entertaining.
Enjoy!
In my videos, I take you on my cold weather camping excursions and review the high end gear and field tested procedures I use to make these solo adventures safe, comfortable and rewarding.
My hope is that you find my channel both informative and entertaining.
Enjoy!
Horizon Hound GR-20 and Trek Down Blanket Review and Comparison
In this video, I review and compare Horizon Hound's two down filled camping blanket models, the GR-20 and the Trek Blanket. #down camping blanket #camping blanket #down blanket @mattsmountainmadness
มุมมอง: 181
วีดีโอ
Western Mountaineering Versalite / Fit and Pack Series
มุมมอง 29021 วันที่ผ่านมา
In this video, I get inside the Western Mountaineering Versalite, and demonstrate the fit of the sleeping bag, and then pack it down into it's provided stuff sack. I hope you enjoy the video. Stay safe, and have fun out there. Matt @mattsmountainmadness
Western Mountaineering Versalite Down Sleeping Bag Review
มุมมอง 95228 วันที่ผ่านมา
In this video, I review the Western Mountaineering Versalite Down Sleeping Bag. Western Mountaineering was kind enough to send this bag out to me, so that I could review and test it on my channel. So, a big thanks to the great people over at WM. I hope you enjoy the video, thanks for watching, Matt @mattsmountainmadness
Western Mountaineering Sycamore / Field Test Series
มุมมอง 330หลายเดือนก่อน
In this video, I test my Western Mountaineering Sycamore by sleeping outside on my back patio in sub-freezing temperatures. Thanks for watching! @mattsmountainmadness
Western Mountaineering Kodiak GWS / Fit and Pack Series
มุมมอง 4012 หลายเดือนก่อน
In this video, I demonstrate the fit of the Western Mountaineering Kodiak GWS. I then pack it into its provided stuff sack. This is designed to provide you with additional visual information, that my video review of this bag did not. I hope this helps in your sleeping bag decision making process. Thanks for watching, and please feel free to comment! Take Care, Matt @mattsmountainmadness
Western Mountaineering Cypress GWS / Fit and Pack Series
มุมมอง 5492 หลายเดือนก่อน
In this video, I demonstrate the fit of my Western Mountaineering Cypress GWS, and demonstrate how well my 6'6" overfilled model doesn't fit into the provided stuffsack. I know that the video is lengthy, but I didn't want to remove any more than I did. Thanks for watching! @mattsmountainmadness
4 Night Early Fall Tent Camping
มุมมอง 4.1K2 หลายเดือนก่อน
My first trip of the season, and also the first few days of fall, I was able to spend 5 days and 4 nights, tent camping with my son in the National Forest, at an elevation of 7800ft. This is my first attempt at making a camping video. I welcome your comments and feedback. Take care, and thanks for watching! Matt #camping #fall camping
Western Mountaineering Mitylite / Field Test Series
มุมมอง 4683 หลายเดือนก่อน
In this video, I field test my Western Mountaineering Mitylite at 8000ft in the National Forest of Colorado. I am wearing a lightweight polyester base layer and a midweight pair of merino wool socks for the night. I am sleeping in a Cabela's 6 Person Alaskan Guide Tent. The night time lows on the 4 day trip were 38F, 37F, 40F and 36F. it was a little cool on my back side at 36F on the 4th night...
Western Mountaineering Megalite / Fit and Pack Series
มุมมอง 2553 หลายเดือนก่อน
In this video, I demonstrate the fit of the Western Mountaineering Megalite 6 foot sleeping bag, as well as pack it into its provided stuff sack. I then unpack the bag, and see how quickly it lofts back up. Thanks for watching! @mattsmountainmadness
Western Mountaineering Puma GWS / Fit and Pack Series
มุมมอง 5283 หลายเดือนก่อน
In this video, I demonstrate the fit of the Western Mountaineering Puma GWS sleeping bag, as well as pack it into it's provided stuff sack. The 6' 6" version comes standard with 40 oz. of down insulation ( 850 FP ). Thanks for watching! @mattsmountainmadness
Western Mountaineering Bristlecone / Fit and Pack Series
มุมมอง 4403 หลายเดือนก่อน
In this video, I get inside my Western Mountaineering Bristlecone and show the massive size of this winter bag. I then demonstrate how it stuffs down into its provided stuff sack. Thanks for watching! @mattsmountainmadness
Western Mountaineering Sycamore / Fit and Pack Series
มุมมอง 2543 หลายเดือนก่อน
In this video, I demonstrate the fit of my Western Mountaineering Sycamore, as well as show how well it packs down into its provided stuff sack. Thanks for watching! @mattsmountainmadness
Western Mountaineering MityLite / Fit and Pack Series
มุมมอง 3003 หลายเดือนก่อน
This demonstrative video goes beyond my existing review of the MityLite. I get inside the bag and talk about the fit, as well as stuffing it into it's provided stuff sack. Additionally, I demonstrate how I keep my head warm in a hoodless bag like this. @mattsmountainmadness
Western Mountaineering sent me a package!
มุมมอง 1393 หลายเดือนก่อน
I recently made contact with Western Mountaineering, and their response was awesome!
Western Mountaineering Badger GWS / Fit and Pack Series
มุมมอง 4483 หลายเดือนก่อน
This video provides additional information as well as demonstrations that I did not cover in my review of the WM Badger GWS. This is a 15F bag, which I forgot to mention, and I am about 5' 10" and 160 lbs. for point of reference. I hope that this additional information and demonstrative footage helps. Thanks for Watching! Matt @mattsmountainmadness
Western Mountaineering Sequoia GWS / Fit and Pack Series
มุมมอง 5484 หลายเดือนก่อน
Western Mountaineering Sequoia GWS / Fit and Pack Series
Eddie Bauer Superior Down Parka vs. Western Mountaineering Ion Parka Review and Comparison
มุมมอง 2.4K4 หลายเดือนก่อน
Eddie Bauer Superior Down Parka vs. Western Mountaineering Ion Parka Review and Comparison
Western Mountaineering Flight Pants Review
มุมมอง 4925 หลายเดือนก่อน
Western Mountaineering Flight Pants Review
Monitor Weather While Camping with Sensor Push/A Camping Thermometer and So Much More!
มุมมอง 7515 หลายเดือนก่อน
Monitor Weather While Camping with Sensor Push/A Camping Thermometer and So Much More!
Western Mountaineering Terralite Down Sleeping Bag Review
มุมมอง 1.8K6 หลายเดือนก่อน
Western Mountaineering Terralite Down Sleeping Bag Review
Western Mountaineering Cypress vs. Bison WM's 2 Coldest Rated Down Sleeping Bags
มุมมอง 1K7 หลายเดือนก่อน
Western Mountaineering Cypress vs. Bison WM's 2 Coldest Rated Down Sleeping Bags
Western Mountaineering's 3 Coldest Rated Mummy Down Sleeping Bags
มุมมอง 1.3K7 หลายเดือนก่อน
Western Mountaineering's 3 Coldest Rated Mummy Down Sleeping Bags
EXPED MEGAMAT MAX 15 LXW SLEEPING MAT REVIEW - LONG TERM
มุมมอง 3.7K8 หลายเดือนก่อน
EXPED MEGAMAT MAX 15 LXW SLEEPING MAT REVIEW - LONG TERM
Western Mountaineering's 3 Coldest Rated Semi-rectangular Down Sleeping Bags
มุมมอง 1.8K8 หลายเดือนก่อน
Western Mountaineering's 3 Coldest Rated Semi-rectangular Down Sleeping Bags
How to Side Sleep in a Mummy Style Sleeping Bag
มุมมอง 1.8K8 หลายเดือนก่อน
How to Side Sleep in a Mummy Style Sleeping Bag
Western Mountaineering Megalite Down Sleeping Bag Review
มุมมอง 2K8 หลายเดือนก่อน
Western Mountaineering Megalite Down Sleeping Bag Review
Western Mountaineering Mitylite Down Sleeping Bag Review
มุมมอง 1K9 หลายเดือนก่อน
Western Mountaineering Mitylite Down Sleeping Bag Review
Western Mountaineering Sycamore MF Down Sleeping Bag Review
มุมมอง 1.5K9 หลายเดือนก่อน
Western Mountaineering Sycamore MF Down Sleeping Bag Review
EXPED MEGAMAT 10 LXW SLEEPING MAT REVIEW - LONG TERM
มุมมอง 6K9 หลายเดือนก่อน
EXPED MEGAMAT 10 LXW SLEEPING MAT REVIEW - LONG TERM
Have you used the Kestrel Drop D3?
@Shinykip No. I am not familiar with it. I looked it over on Amazon. Twice as expensive as Sensor Push with lower overall rating. Why, is that what you use? I'd like to try one out for sure. Problem is, I've already invested a few hundred in these units, my budget is currently capped in these types of devices LOL!
Yo matt i love wm bags whqt size is it dude
@Skytrainguy This one fits those up to 6 foot tall. Thanks for watching! Matt
my local camping shop try to tell me i need a four season down sleeping bag! i think they are a bunch of grifters! the down bag was only -6c and my mummy bag was -10c. man buying camping gear is hell because there are so many grifters!
@SuperEarther There are too many sleeping bag manufacturers out there, and they all want you to buy theirs.
@@mattsmountainmadness yeah its a mine field
in Germany, we DO NOT overfill in order to fully capitalize on the natural properties of the down ... the more it gets stuffed, the less it could unfold its actual performance, provided the down applied remains untreated, i.e., it would not get degreased, then treated with God knows what, and then advertized as superior quality-down with an artificially pimped loft that possibly looks impressive, but fails to deliver what excellent and natural down would be able to deliver... this is how "they" make their money.... instead of applying environmentally sound and ethically sourced down, which might reduce profit margins but delivering high and sustainably.... you buy once, staying with you for your entire life... so buy while being as young as possible😊
Overfill is personal preference. There are valid arguements for and against it, and I don't want to argue. Not sure who "they" is that you are referencing, Western Mountaineering doesn't use "treated" down I know, and it is as ethically sourced as it comes. As all of their down is collected from mother geese nests. I do have some products that contain hydrophobic down, but I prefer untreated. The hydrophobic down seems clumpy and doesn't loft like I think it should.
been trying my mummy bag and always have a cold spot on my back no matter what side i sleep on. any ideas?
I have had that chill down my backside. I turn from side to side within my bag. It is a pretty inefficient way to sleep in a mummy bag, but it is what I need to do to get sleep. That position leaves a pretty big air pocket in front and behind. Maybe bring a down jacket or sweater in the bag with you to take up that space that may or may not be there. That is what comes to mind. On colder nights I often bring a light jacket with me in the bag, and place it behind my back or around my knees. That has helped me at least a couple of times. I am not sure if this experience is helpful in your case. The other thing that comes to mind is making sure I have a good seal around my neck to keep drafts from coming into my bag. At the end of the day, side sleeping in a mummy bag is akin to trying to put a rectangular peg in an oval hole. Adjustments must be made. I wish I had more ideas for you. Hopefully what I shared helped. Thanks for watching and commenting on my channel! Matt
@@mattsmountainmadness will try these thanks! maybe a mummy bag is wrong for me and i should try a different sleeping bag?
Unless the bag is a tight fit to where you are compressing the down, getting a semi-rectangular style bag would likely only make the cold spots worse due to increased dead air space.
@@mattsmountainmadness thanks!
The greatest invention ever right next to the bike ... You don't have to pay any rent ..you can park it just about everywhere for the night .
@edgartokman4898 That's just about awesome man. Thanks for watching!
I need to pick one up for my dogs
My dog inherited my old Gart Brothers duck down bag. We are dog people too!
This is the first time I've seen GooseFeet Gear Down filled pillows. Nice That Coleman Gas Lantern looks like those we had as Boy Scouts 70 years ago.. The adjustable neck collar is one of the features I especially like in WM designed Sleeping Bags. Mine is the Antelope (0ºF) because I had it overfilled & with the Gore Windstopper outer fabric. Warm Regards from Reno, Nevada
The really cool part is that it isn't a Coleman Gas Lantern at all, but rather it is an LED with a bluetooth speaker and 33,000 mh battery bank that I will be reviewing shortly! It is the absolute best cold weather lantern I've ever used. The company is OLight and the model is OLight Music. Super high quality. Got it last year from my oldest son for Christmas!
Either blanket would be perfect to place atop my bed at home. Light weight & should keep me comfy cozy at night. Warm Regards from Reno, Nevada.
I am really amazed at how warm they actually are!
Thanks Matt for the awesome review and comparison. Blankets are a great addition when your out camping for some extra warmth 👍
Or, to throw in the car, just in case, or have around the living room. Just a great thing all around. I did look at the wool blanket you were talking about. (At least I think it was you.) It looked like a nice choice. I've also got a couple of polyester blankets for summer time in case it rains. Thanks for watching my friend, take care. Matt
@@mattsmountainmadness Yes you are totally right. Yes that was me haha talking about the wool blanket and im thinking about buying it next week.
@PrepperTankar You go boy!
Great review bro.
Thanks man, I appreciate it!
Beats the hell out of any stupid quilt out there. I can't wait until the quilt fad finally goes away.
@bradorndorff-tn5zx I've never owned a quilt. If I needed to cut weight, it wouldn't be from my sleep system. And over time, sleeping directly on a camp pad is just nasty. You can throw a sleeping bag in the wash. A self inflating camp pad, not so much. My 2 cents. Matt
Thank you, Western Mountaineering, for your Great Products & Greater Volunteer that is reviewing your Sleeping Bags, etc.!!! GOOD GOING, MATT!!
@@nathankalana8616 Thank you, that is so kind. Matt
It appears that you have been feeling better than before & pleased to see!
@@nathankalana8616 Yes, getting better, thank you. Matt
Does this packing method also work for the Bison? I'm struggling to pack it down.
@explorer913 So funny you should ask this. I have yet to try to pack it. It belongs to my son. I am going to make an attempt to pack it in a video soon. I predict it will go much like my Cypress. If you watch my fit and pack video of the Cypress, you'll see the difficulty I had, and I couldn't sufficiently close up the top of the stuff sack. Now, both my Cypress and my Son's Bison were built with overfill, ordered through Hermit's Hut. They both weigh 15oz. more than standard fill weight. I don't know if yours is overfilled or not. If it isn't, I'd be curious what the actual weight is. Like I said, my Cypress really needs a larger sack than the XXL. And I'm sure my son's Bison does as well. Matt
I have a 6'6" Teralite with overfill. The bag is light and warm. However, the hood seems quite small, too small. As such, I will probably not use the hood and just use a balaclava.
@apleparulo3958 Interesting. The Terralite I reviewed is my Buddy's. I will have to check that out next time I use it. I will borrow it back to make a fit and pack video, and I will likely see what you are talking about then. Thanks for sharing that observation. Take care, Matt
@@mattsmountainmadness I am 6'2" so that may have something to do with it. I suspect that the Terralite in a 7' model may have been a better fit for me, at least in terms of utilizing the hood. Overall, though, the Terralite is quite light weight and quite warm, and has a wide range of temperatures where it can be useful.
Nice review, epic beard!
Thanks man!
I just got mine today, I’m 270 and fit with plenty of room wearing sweats. It has very similar circumference numbers to my older NEMO Sonic 0F (current models are 65”/60”/55”), but with 2X the loft. I tried stuffing mine in 2 different compression sacks, a 25l and a 36l. This thing lofts so well it actually unrolled the roll-top of the 25l sack while it was compressed. It goes very well in the 36l sack, you just have to make sure to stuff all the way down to the bottom of the sack from the beginning. The compressed 36l sack fits vertically in my Granite Gear Nimbus Trace Access 70, with room left over on the sides. My Flash down booties and Flight down pants in an uncompressed compression sack should fit on one side, without pushing the pack sides out so much that my water bottle pockets have no room.
@philsmith2444 Man that sounds great!
Good Evening ! Thank You . TAKE CARE..
You too!
Tried out a new B-cone last night. What an amazing bag! I think this will be my go to bag for temps below 25F as long as I'm not having to pack it a long distance. FWIW, I have a WM Ponderosa and Terralite. For cold weather, the B-cone is a beast.
@apleparulo3958 That it is, my friend! I hope you enjoy it as much as I've enjoyed mine! (If you get it that is) Matt
@@mattsmountainmadness I got it this summer when it was on sale somewhere. Mine is not over filled. Was also able to pick up a Terralight with over fill. Both are very nice bags but the Bristlecone and all that loft, plus the neck baffle and hood make it a real standout for very cold weather camping, in my view.
@apleparulo3958 I concur. It is a serious cold weather bag. I've been jealous of your Ponderosa since you told me about it months back. I already have the Badger at 15F, but I still would like to own a Ponderosa. Just a monster of a bag. Take care, Matt
I really enjoyed this video. Very thorough breakdown. I own an Eddie Bauer superior down parka as well and a 2.0. 🤙🏼🌨️🥶
@@Socali_Ventures Awesome, thank you!
Great review, is the hand warmer pocket on the EB fleece lined?
The inside of the side handwarmer pockets are fleece on the inside on the face that is against the pocket, and interior nylon fabric on the inside face that is against the jacket. If that makes sense. When you put your hands in the pocket, your knuckles get the fleece and your palms get nylon. I hope that helps! Thanks for watching! Matt
Thank you yes it was helpful
How many people work for western mountaineering?
@darrenross5797 Good question. Looking at their shop, I estimate they have about 25 to 40 workers, based off of my personal experience working in various sized shops my whole life. On the front end though, ( Office and Field Personnel), I have no idea. Perhaps a couple dozen or more. In total, my wild and grossly uninformed guess is about 100 employees or less. When everything is handmade, mostly by long term employees, I don't see that it can be much larger than that. Matt
Good Evening ! Thank You. TAKE CARE..
You too.
Good Evening ! Thank You. TAKE CARE..
You too.
Good Evening ! Thank You. TAKE CARE..
You too.
Good Evening ! Thank You. TAKE CARE..
@@brushbum7508 You too!
If I could sleep in a mummy bag this would be a great one and done bag for winter/spring/fall ultralight backpacking. Impressive warmth to weight ratio. I love the green color and that it packs down very small too. I need a good deal more room than the 10F Versalite to sleep well but I love to see you demonstrate each of these bags none the less. It would be awesome if you could get your hands on a 15F Ponderosa to review sometime. The fact that Western Mountaineering is now sending bags to a person like yourself to review makes me like the company even more. You're a great ambassador for what these bags can do to help you sleep warm and cozy in the backcountry.
Man I agree. I'm sitting here looking at it right now. Like you, I really like the green color and the weight is incredibly light. If I was still 16 it would be fine.....Today, not so much.😒
It's overfilled. So you're reviewing a bag that isn't on the market. Also if it's rated for -10F it should be tested at -10F.
@dsmith9572 This bag IS absolutely on the market. Don't believe me? Just call up Western Mountaineering and tell them you want an overfilled Bristlecone and they will sell and ship you one. It is literally for sale overfilled all day long. So your first point, or lack there of, is just false . Next, you tell me it's rated to -10 and I should test it at -10. Well, I will make a video where I test it at -10, Just as soon as the thermometer gets there. If you took the time to look at my channel and see how I have my videos organized, you might see that a have a "Western Mountaineering Sleeping bag field test series." I have several more bags to field test and the Bristlecone is one of them. So with all of what I tried to cover in this "Fit and Pack" series video, trying to give helpful information to my viewers, all you can do is complain that it doesn't include a field test, and claim that I'm reviewing a bag that isn't on the market when it clearly is. I value constructive, and informed feedback. Yours was neither. Matt
Incredible sleeping bag definetly looks comftorbale too
@@edgartokman4898 Thanks for watching! Take care, Matt
Awesome video as always Matt 👍. I might just consider this as a lightweight 3 to early 4 season bag. Thanks again.
You bet Buddy!
I just ordered one and am looking forward to trying it out next weekend. I have one other WM bag (an EverLite), 3 FF bags (10F Raven, 0F Ibis, and +6oz Eider, around -30F or so according to FF), and a NEMO Sonic 0F (a good bag but not in the same league as FF & WM.) I’ve used a WM Cypress before and its roominess is what led me to buy the Bristlecone - I like having room to bring stuff in the bag with me, like my boots (in the sleeping bag compression sack), daytime baselayers, light down jacket, down booties, etc. Stuff I want warm for the next day or nighttime nature calls. Room to move is nice, too, I can’t stand sleeping at attention! The new Feathered Friends ES series bags seem to be cut a little wider than previous models, so maybe I’ll give one of those a try in a lower-temp model. My Eider is a 6’ bag and I prefer 6’6” for the storage room at the footbox (I’m 5’11”.) Anyway, great review and thanks for explaining the microfiber shell. I doubt I’ll be cowboy camping in mine.
Man, that's great Phil! If you've been in the Cypress, you should find the fit of the "B cone" to be of equal acreage. Awesome to hear that you own both FF and WM bags. If I stay at this long enough, I might just find myself owning a FF as well! Thanks for watching and commenting. Take care, Matt
@@mattsmountainmadnessFF bags are definitely nice, I bought the Eider for $550 I think about 2 years ago. It was used and made somewhere around 2000, you’d never know from looking at it. Whoever owned took care of it as though his life might depend on it one day. The Ibis was used, maybe 15 years old, also in excellent condition, and went for $450, I couldn’t pass it up LOL. The Raven was an absolute steal at $70, yes seventy dollars, from a guy who’d used it working for the USFS and then while guiding. I bought it to use as a loaner, it had a small tear covered with duct tape that I redid with Tenacious Tape. It leaks a little down at the draft tube seam but nothing to be concerned about. I can always cover the seam with a thin bead of seam sealer to stop the leakage. I forgot about the women’s -25F Plover I bought a few months back as well. Used, of course, and in like-new condition.
@@philsmith2444 Wow Phil, if I didn't know better, I'd think you might like nice sleeping bags! Off the top of my head, I can't remember the name of the FF model, but it is a semi rectangular model, green in color, available in both hooded and hoodless versions. I rather like that bag.... at whatever temp. rating it is. Thanks for sharing your sleeping bag stable with us. Have you some Happy, safe, Trails out there! Take Care, Matt
@@mattsmountainmadnessI’m just an incurable collector LOL. There are something like 17 or 18 backpacks fighting for coat hooks in my spare room, and nearly as many pairs of snowshoes 😂. I’ll be selling a bunch of those cheap or just giving some away to friends now that I’ve pretty much narrowed down the ones that work best for me. 7 tents, too, if my count is correct. Unfortunately the 11 cats I started with have kinda downsized themselves down to 3 over the past 3-4 years, though.
@@philsmith2444 Sounds normal to me.
For sure!
#4 to "Like" You showed & told about all the features + you showed us your fit inside the sleeping bag that is so often lacking in product reviews. Warm Regards from Reno, Nevada.
Thanks, I appreciate it. I think of you often during editing..."Oh, I forgot to talk about this.. or that, Dammit!". Give me time, I might just get my act together yet! Thanks for being a dedicated viewer and subscriber. Be cool, Matt
I just subscribed! After researching mats for the past year, found your exped review. I got one on a Black Friday sale so looking forward to next summer and sleeping without pain 🤞🏻🤞🏻
Oh that's great! If you think of it, let me know how it works for you. Thanks for watching AND subscribing! Take care, Matt
Love mine. I have the 6.6 for 3 years... in summer its a blancket for me and my wife covering our hole tent inside. In winter i can go easy down to -7 Celsius. Great product.
@@scherry2900 Thanks for sharing that with us. They are incredible bags. Take care, Matt
That's a nice one I would carry one from dec to march with me ecerywhere I go. ...the weather can go from -20 back to 50 then back to 0... that's how nuts things are these days
@@edgartokman4898 It is crazy. Thanks for watching, Matt
Great video Matt,got the exact same bag it is something else to sleep in.Going to pull the trigger on another because I can't get it back of the Mrs, glad you got some recognition off WM, keep up the good work👍👍👍🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧
Hey Ian, great to hear from ya! Sounds like a good reason to make another purchase to me!
Also opens flat, like a quilt. 6'6" bags/quilts never seem to fit folks who occasionally sleep knee-up and are over about 6'2". Terralite is one of only two UL bags/quilts anywhere that come in a 7' version. Terralite fits wider people too. Most bag/quilt makers rate 3"-baffles at 20°, Terralite has 5" baffles. Terralite is ok at its rated 25°, but might want more than skivvies below 25°. Would prefer light/dark contrast colors for night-time operations. Also have Alpinlite-overstuffed rated to 20°, but it'll go to 10° easy (5.5"-baffles). Alpinlite's the other 7' bag available on the market. and its red-outer is sufficient for night-ops. Alpinlite's a little tighter fit though. Prefer the Terralite, unless temperature's demand it. (more...) Matt mentioned breathability, which doesn't get as much attention as it should. Few spec breathability either. There's outer-breathability and inner-breathability. Human's produce water; not just from breath, but from skin. So, bags/quilts need to breathe. Not too much breathing, but not too little either. Some manufacturers use a less breathable shell to improve temperature rating and thus save weight. This comes at the expense of sweating. WM has breathability dialed-in. Not too much, not too little.
Thanks for watching and sharing your experience with Western Mountaineering sleeping bags. Take care, Matt
Colors: Normally don't care much about colors, but these dark colors are difficult to distinguish inside from outside at night. WM's colors are conventionally fine, except it'd be nice to have better light/dark contrast inside-vs-outside of the bag.
I just turn on my headlamp to see what the hell I'm doing in the middle of the night. That way I don't have to buy a piss yellow sleeping bag. We're all different Tom. Color does matter to me, and I for one, am thankful that they don't offer the types of colors you are suggesting. Obviously it is nothing personal, but I far prefer the more natural, subdued and darker colors, and if it means I need to use my headlamp at 2 am to differentiate the inside of my sleeping bag from the outside of my sleeping bag, then so be it. At the end of the day, Western Mountaineering is going to make their bags whatever color they decide. And they will never be satisfactory to all. Thanks for watching and commenting on my channel, and I hope you continue to enjoy those WM bags for years to come! Take Care, Matt
@@mattsmountainmadness - Alpinlite is red and red is distinguishable in the darkest night. Likewise, other subdued colors would be fine. Nobody's talking about bright-yellow. Color isn't the end-of-the-world; this author simply doesn't like to use a light at night, unless it's absolutely necessary. Lights (red or white) stimulate waking-state, making getting back to sleep more difficult. Despite what they say, even red lights degrade night vision. They require more fussing around, thus waking up others. Lights expose position; and it's basically good op-sec habit to retain concealment. One could argue a slightly lighter color outer-shell is less concealment, but there's usually a bivy, tarp or tent involved, so that's less of an issue.
@@tomnoyb8301 Phew! That's a relief! I was conjuring up all kinds of hideous colors! LOL! No, but see, I knew I should have asked. I was thinking you might have some good reasons for not wanting to use a light unless absolutely neccessary. Bow hunting or something like that. I respect your practice. In my camping, concealment is not something that I am striving for in most situations, and I am usually alone, far from anyone else anyways. Take care, Matt
🎊 Because of your thorough reviews, which I appreciate greatly as a consumer, I’m sold on the Sycamore bag and its versatility as a quilt…but the lack of a collar is a deal-breaker. Any chance you could use your lobbying skills with Western, to make a design change?!? Also, I’ve never used a bag that allowed you to shift your down to the top for extra “insulation.” To me that’s criminal. You might as well be sleeping under a quilt. If I was too warm, maybe moving some of the down under me would be justified…but not the other way around. Besides, if I get too warm, the Sycamore allows you to open the foot-box! I’ve got an Exped too, and I LOVE it!!! Before I forget: When sleeping under the stars in a down sleeping bag, my MAIN priority is to protect that bag from ANY moisture. I’d never just “cowboy” camp. Worst case scenario; I’m under a tarp to protect the bag from the morning dew or ground fog. In Alaska, a wet or damp down bag can kill you. Finally; MF (microfiber) exteriors are the only way to go. DURABILITY is your “safety factor” 100 miles from civilization…and its extra “waterproofness” is another safety factor…that you don’t really want to rely on when help is 100 miles away. Again, really appreciate the work you put into your reviews‼️
@Ou81gi812 You know, that's funny. I've already been thinking about using my "feeble lobbying power" to leverage that very issue. I mean I hear you. I kick myself all the time for not buying the Alder instead. Same bag as the Sycamore, but no hood. I can deal with a hoodless bag way better than I can a bag with no collar. I wouldn't count on my 2 cents worth changing their bag design much, instead maybe I can come up with something that can act as a collar. Either that or I might just have to let the bag go. When it comes to camping cowboy in snowfall. I do this in my Gore Windstopper bags and occasionally in my Microfiber and Extremlite bags. This is for fun and challenge only. I can always move into my tent, truck or home should I get in too deep. Literally or figuratively. I am aware that the wet along with the cold is a huge factor up north there. I live in a veritable desert by comparison. Very low humidity. Your cold is bone chilling. And the risk of your gear getting wet or holding moisture is much greater than it is here. Thanks for watching my channel, I really appreciate it. Let me know if you could, what you end up going with. It might help me in figuring out what to do in my same case scenario down here. Take care, Matt
In response to your perspective on the continuous baffle feature. I tend to concur with you. I likely would be happier with just a simple side block baffle with a 60% top, 40% bottom down split. Having said that, however, I think for a lot of through trekkers who run one bag in a multitude of environs, it is viable feature, that one could get used to "dialing in". Personally, being a side sleeper, I like having some down in the bottom half of the bag. It helps to insulate between my old limbs.
@ I agree with you, all the way. I’m a 69 year old “graybeard” just like you…who’s a side-sleeper, and I’d like a new sleeping bag where I can change positions and the bag doesn’t; therefore, I’m looking at the semi-rectangular bags real hard. The only other model that’s caught my eye was a NEMO with 2 zippered vents on the chest…in a semi-rectangular format, also. (but no quilt option) As far as through-hikers; the more options the better. If it’s hot and you want to move 90% of your down away from the top, so you’re sleeping under a glorified sheet…Western’s continuous panels are the cat’s meow. Happy Trails
@@mattsmountainmadness Matt, don’t cut yourself short. Western Mountaineering sent YOU a bag to review! Obviously, they appreciate your expertise and judgement and trust your opinion. Push for that collar. In my mind, if the bag has a hood it NEEDS a collar…if for nothing else, to help maintain that ISO “comfort range” that they’re banking on for sales!!! (Truthfully, a woman’s rating vs a man’s rating is B.S. In a survival situation (which could pop-up at anytime) we’re all “cold sleepers.” Professional outdoorsmen don’t need our help; it’s the novices that can get into trouble that need a little guidance and sometimes those people aren’t smart enough to build-in a “safety factor”…if not for safety, at least for a little added comfort. (You can always take off clothing, but you can’t always add on; in the Winter.) They might not even know that a cloudy night, which is warmer, could suddenly turn into a freezing clear night. Just sayin’. That hoodless bag you were talking about might be great for Summertime use, because every time you toss & turn, your sleeping bag acts like a bellow…huffing and puffing all of your heat away! I like my hood and I want my collar. Speaking of collars: You could make a collar that attaches to your Velcro, by the zipper. One end of the collar could have a Velcro “circle” that’s fuzzy sewn on one side; then sew the “hook & loop” circle directly on the other side. That way the 2 Velcro “circles” can be SANDWICHED between Western’s Velcro that’s keeping the zipper from moving!!! This idea just addresses one side of the collar. The other side will involve attaching Velcro directly to the sleeping bag…but the collar won’t be anchored down…except at both ends. The best way to go is with the original factory design. Another option would be a “collar” that you wear…if you don’t mind looking like Sir Walter Raleigh.🤣 I apologize for my hare-brained ideas.
@@Ou81gi812 Man, no apologies necessary. And you are absolutely right. I do have a tendency to sell myself short at times. My wife has let me know of this on more than one occasion. You talked me into it. It literally can't hurt to present the idea to them. I have tried to engineer a collar attached in the fashion you outlined, but, like you said, it really needs to be sewn in for a true seal from drafts. The Sir Walter Raleigh visual truly made me laugh out loud! " you're a funny guy! Professional outdoorsmen don't need our help." You are so correct, that helps me to try to frame what my channel's mission is and isn't. On the idea of females having different sleeping bag needs than men, I concur with your assessment. Marketing hype. I find it hard to believe that Feathered Friends sells enough of all those gender specific bags in their various iterations to warrant their continued existence.
Love these bags, i nearly got this one but i ended up getting the Antelope. Only came yesterday so not been out in in yet 🙂... Love the Channel 🙂
@LisaTheWanderingGeordie Awesome Lisa! If your experience is anything like mine, that first night is something special. So light, so warm, so cloud-like. Thanks for your kind words, and I hope you enjoy that Antelope for decades to come. Take care, Matt
Just ordered the Eddie Bauer today with 50% off and $25 promo code. Crazy deal. I'm glad I returned my Uniqlo coat because it didn't fit right.
Oh Man! That's great! You're going to love it! Take care and thanks for watching! Matt
What’s the $25 promo code would really appreciate it if you could share thanks
Twas really nice for WM to send you this Versalite for you to review. Hopefully, your growing relationship with each other will continue to grow & become even closer. I, sincerely, hope you get your fair share of the bird tomorrow + all the trimmings. Warm Regards from Reno, Nevada
Fantastic bag
Thanks! It truly is.
Great review as always. The Versalite looks like a very good sleepingbag for winter hiking. I would pair this onebwith a Thermarest XTherm NXT and i will do a review very soon of that sleepingpad and its only a tiny bit over 1lb and got a R-Value of 7.3 👍
Awesome, looking forward to that one! Thanks for watching, Matt
@ Your welcome Matt keep up the great work 👍
I, too, will be looking forward to your video o the NXT/Versalite sleep system combo. What will be your choice for "Shelter"?
@@azclaimjumper Sans shelter, if possible.
P.S. The Puma GWS 6`6` has the same construction as the Bison. The Bison is even 2 inches smaller in the Shoulder and Hip Area and has only 5 Ounces more Fillweight. But on the other Hand it is 14 Ounces more havy in total weight then the Puma.......WHY IS THAT ...... I don`t get it !!!
That additional down ruff around the hood has a pound of down in it......Haha,.... Not! Hell, I don't know. Go figure. I think they might need to go back and revisit their bag weight specs. 🤔 Matt
Dude, you overfilled the Lynx by serveral Ounces, but kept the Puma as Standart...... so of course the Loft will be now more or less equal. I have the WM Antelope GWS, used it intensively for 4 Weeks in Iceland last Month. I realy like it`s open Baffle Construction. I pushed most of it`s Down into the Top Section and had very cosy Nights down to 10 Degree Fahrenheit....even with a fully opened Zipper.......with plenty of Warmth for even much more colder Nights. Before 3 Days I got the Chance to buy a nearly unused 2 years old WM Bison GWS and will use it on my next Winter Snoeshoe Hike also in Iceland. I also had once the Puma MF and GWS Versions...... tested it in my Garden some years ago in a Winternight ( 10 Degree F ) with constant snowing and without a tent or even tarp. I stopped the Testnight after 1-2 hours, because I was sweeting to Death 😅. With the Bison on the other Hand I expect to have 0 to -10 Degree F on this upcoming Iceland Trip and no Chance at all to warm up in a Hut or something along it. Also I plan to leave the Inner tent of my Hilleberg at home and only use the Outer Kerlon Tent, what will increase the Space of this 1 Person Tent to move and also reduce the Weight by quit a bit. So the Bison and its MEGA FLUFF will be the best place to sleep toasty warm and in comfort. I also like the Winterbags from Feathered Friends quit a lot, especially that even the very warm Models still have the open Baffle Design, what makes them even more flexible. In 1994 I bought the original Version of the FF Eider with GoreTex Outer Shell.......the was an AWESOME Bag.....sadly I sold it a few years later. But here in Germany we don`t have any official FF Dealers.......so WM Bags are much much more easy to get new from Dealerships or on the used Market as well. P.S. I realy like your Channel and your WM Reviews...... they are profound, NO NONSENS, no Dramatic Music in the Backgrounds, just pure Data and personal experiances. SO..... KEEP IT ROLLING..... 👍
Thanks for the kind words! So, like the Lynx, the Puma is also overfilled. That is why something seems off to me. They are both overfilled, yet the Puma, if anything, has a little less loft than the Lynx.You pointed out another anomaly that I never noticed though. Why is the Bison so much heavier than the Puma? Like you said, it is narrower, with only 5 more ounces of down, yet is substantially heavier. That additional down filled hood ruff can't weigh anything near a pound. It would be interesting to see what your newly acquired Bison weighs. My son's Bison was overfilled at time of manufacturing, and it weighs 5lbs 11.5oz. 9.5oz more than standard fill plus 5oz. If your Bison has standard fill, you might find it has some extra oz.'s of down in it already. I doubt that the other materials (I.E.- GWS fabric, no see-um netting, interior fabric, thread and zipper) can vary in weight that much.....who knows? I will say this though. You and I are very blessed to each live in very beautiful parts of the world and have the knowledge, experience and equipment to enjoy it to perhaps a fuller degree than most. Thanks so much for watching my channel. Western Mountaineering is shipping out a Versalite for me to review this week. Hopefully, the first of many of their products that I don't own, but wish I could. 😅 Thanks for sharing your experiences with us! Take care, Matt
I bought an WM Bison today for my next Solo-Snowshoe Hiking Trip to Iceland this Winter Season. I also have the WM Antelope GWS, that I used on my last 180 Miles Hiking Trip from Coast to Coast last Month in Iceland as well. And for Summer season in Northern Europe I have an WM Apache GWS, My Tents are since nearly 16 years the Hilleberg Soulo ( Red Series ) and the Hilleberg Nammatj 3 ( Black Series ).
@matthiasschnapka9180 Man, that's great, Mattias! Sounds like you are focused. Enjoy that Bison this winter and take care in your solo adventures! Cheers, Matt
My dream! ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤