You get what you pay for. I have never been cold in a WM sleeping bag. If you take care of them they will last many years or forever. I have now switched to quilts because I have become a long distance backpacker and weight is everything. Take care
Did you ever pick up the bag, if so, how do you like it? I know I want a WM bag, I just don’t know which one. I’m not a fan of mummy bags, so gravitating towards the semi rectangular. I’m 6’, 210 pounds, leaner muscular build, I like to have room to move around and side sleep my knees bent up. Your thoughts!?
Another great bag you got there Matt, been looking at the Western mountaineering Apache gore windstopper,for winter use,we get more damp rainy weather where I live.Keep my Versalite for spring /Autumn, thanks for the video 👍👍🇬🇧🇬🇧
That Sounds like a great plan Ian. The Apache would give you another 5 degrees of warmth over your Versalite, plus weather protection from the Gore Windstopper fabric. Sounds like the perfect one two punch to stay warm and dry 365 on all of your GB camping adventures, Enjoy!
I ordered a Sequoia MF as well as the Bristlecone MF because I felt there would be too large of a temp gap btw my Sea to Summit 5F bag (which is closer to 25/30 for comfort) and the Bristecone which is far warmer. At home I didn't notice much diff btw the perceived warmth of the Sequoia and my S2S bag aside from Sequoia being a narrower bag (albeit longer). But I tried it out on a night where lows got down to 33.5F and it was still quite warm wearing just thin leggings and a tshirt w/long sleeve shirt on top. I had to sleep with the foot box open, the middle zipper opened, and the top zipper only partially zipped to not be too hot. I found it to be a good balance between plenty of room to comfortably move while also being reasonably efficient. So the 18F comfort rating (according to WM) seems spot on. It would have to be about mid 20'sF for me to want to have it zipped all the way. I noticed a tiny amount of dampness on the bag from condensation transfer from the tent but it was minimal and it seemed totally dry by the time I packed up late morning.
That's great Sven! Sounds like the 3 bags will cover you through anything. I have a question, where are you finding Western Mountaineering's comfort ratings? You are not the only viewer who has quoted me WM comfort numbers. I would really appreciate knowing where this data comes from. Thanks, Matt
@@mattsmountainmadness I've replied twice to this question and it's not showing for some reason. Just google WM Frequently Asked Questions and scroll down to temp ratings and you'll see the comfort rating chart of WM.
Western Mountaineering says the comfort temp rating of the Sequoia GWS is 14F, while the MF version is 18F. And the GWS weighs 6 oz more. I wonder if I would rather have the Sequoia in GWS instead of MF. I could see wanting to try open air cowboy camping at some point. It it were raining, I would certainly only do it under a tarp and probably for a snowstorm as well. I just know that there is a lot of cold rainy damp weather in the Fall/Winter/Spring in the Northeast. So I wonder if the GWS might be wiser to keep from absorbing any moisture from tent condensation. Assuming I set up a large waterproof tarp to sleep under, I wonder if the MF fabric could stay reasonably dry during prolonged heavy rain, while sleeping outside a tent. I do tend to worry that I would find the GWS fabric to not be breathable enough for me. And breathability is even more important in humid conditions. But assuming I have a robust tarp setup, do you think an MF fabric bag could be used to camp outside a tent without getting too damp during heavy prolonged rain? I would probably be more inclined to only cowboy camp during dry nights anyway. On dry nights, the tarp would be more to block wind, falling debris from trees, and privacy, than to block rain.
@SvenVelopeter Ah, the MF, GWS conundrum. The GWS has a colder comfort rating than the MF simply because no air can escape through the outer shell. The MF bags seem to loft a little taller though. If you watch my Bristlecone vs. Lynx video, you can see how quickly the MF on the Bristlecone begins to wet out just being on top of the snow. I don't have much experience dealing with high humidity in cold conditions simply because out west here, it is so dry. I understand your concern about moisture inside the GWS. I haven't experienced it, but some folks do. If you are considering the MF, do know that it can't stand up to any precipitation for any length of time. It sounds like the likelihood of you subjecting yourself to those conditions are slim though. While I enjoy the security and weatherproofness of the GWS, 95 percent of the time I don't need it. At the end of the day, you still have a tough decision to make. I hope my thoughts here are helpful but, they may make it even more difficult for you. Let me know, if you could, what you ultimately go with. I would love to hear about it. Good luck! Matt
@@mattsmountainmadness Thanks for this thoughtful and nuanced reply Matt. The thing that worries me about GWS is the prospect of it feeling like sleeping in a plastic bag. I want warmth but I dislike the feeling of a thick rain coat when it's humid and warm. Remember when the Bond girl in Goldfinger dies from suffocation by being covered in gold paint? I don't want to feel like that. You have also said you rarely sweat - which is a lot easier when you're in the dry alpine climate of the Rockies. I certainly do sweat during sleep so if air does not escape easily, then I worry my body moisture will get trapped inside. I won't be able to dry it in the sun on grey rainy days. If I cowboy camp, it will likely only be on dry nights and likely with a tarp to protect from tree debris above - as well as the odd unexpected rain squall. The lighter weight and packability of the Microfiber is a nice feature since Sequoia is already a heavy bag and in the 6'6" model. Similar to you, the vast majority of the time I use the Sequoia, I would expect to be inside a tent and my Nemo Kunai has exceptionally good ventilation for a 4-season tent since it features 4 zippered mesh panels. This should greatly limit the amount of condensation I experience even on cold rainy nights. So I think I could still try cowboy camping with the MF version outside of my tent but probably under a tarp on cold dry nights. But a tent would seem to be my typical use case so the MF. Ultimately, I think I will sleep better in the softer more breathable MF Fabric.
@@SvenVelopeter That make sense. The Bond girl reference painted a vivid picture of uncomfortable agony. MF sounds like the right material for your applications. When I got snowed on in my Bristlecone MF at -10F, only the perimeter where the bag met my pad, and around my face, did it wet out. The top of the bag remained mostly dry even having 3 or 4 inches of snow on it. So there's that, FWIW. I don't want to feel like I am sleeping in a trash bag either. That is a big reason why I'll never buy a WM VBL Hotsack.
Great review. I have the Sycamore MF, but would love the Sequoia MF next. Also curious to know if you use them on their own, or do you sometimes use them combined with other things? For example, a synthetic quilt over the down sleeping bag, or a sleeping bag liner inside it? I have an Appalachian Gear Company alpaca wool sleeping bag liner, and they claim it can add about 15f to a sleep system (so the Sycamore would go from 25F to 10F - or an overfilled one from 20F to 5F). Have not tested it yet. Also have a Rab silk sleeping bag liner which apparently adds a little bit of warmth too, and might mean I don't have to wash the sleeping bag so often. I'd love to test all of them together on a really cold night and see how low the Sycamore can go (Rab silk liner, AGC alpaca wool liner, Sycamore MF overfilled, and then a synthetic quilt on top).
Because I have several WM bags, I have rarely needed to augment or supplement the bag I am using. I usually bring a couple of bags with me because I have that luxury. However, I do have "Other Things" that I use when the conditions drop well below the forcast. On a trip a few years back, I brought the Sycamore and my Mitylite for 5 days in Wyoming in the spring. Forecast lows were in the 23F to 40F range. When I arrived, the gate was locked and the snow was drifting several feet high and I was unable to secure a descent place to camp. I decided to return to Colorado dropping into North Park, Walden area. I secured a campsite and set up in an ice storm. It was very cold. I managed to get a cell signal and the local forcast had lows at single digits. By the grace of God, I just happened to have my new Sequoia in the 4Runner because I was going to take it to my Shipper's to send back for overfill. It was 4F the first night, -5F the second night. That second night was pushing the bag for sure, I was right on the edge of comfort/chilled in the early morning hours. I could have used the Sycamore in conjunction with the Mitylite though had I not had the Sequoia with. I am not real sure why, but I have never wanted to own a bag liner. Maybe it is the bag within a bag redundancy. I always wear clean, dry Merino Wool socks, base layer, and balaclava. My "other things" consist of, down socks, down pants, down jacket and down balaclava. I always have 2 of each of these items with me, with the second set a size larger than the first. While this usually ensures comfort, I do have additional Merino Wool Balaclavas and neck gaiters as well an additional down balaclava, and Expedition Down Booties. I have tweeked my system over time and now feel confident I always have what I need to stay warm. It is really fun to test the bags with other augments to see how low I can go in temperature. It sounds like you like that as well. It is an invaluable experience to learning what your sleeping bag is able to do for you. As I state in the video, for me, the lack of a down collar in the Sycamore is the one thing that keeps me from pushing it a lot lower than 25F. If you do pull the trigger on the Sequoia, that down collar is awesome. Also, the MF bags loft taller than the GWS bags. Much lighter fabric, way more breathable that the GWS. If you watch my Sequoia GWS review and compare it to other Creator's Sequoia MF reviews, you can visibly see the loft is greater in the MF bags. That extra loft is offset by the fact that the Microfiber fabric is so breathable that it doesn't hold the heat in the bag as well as the Windstopper fabric. I am getting long winded. Sorry. Would love to hear how your WM adventures go from here. Take care, Matt
Those are great ideas and I do have plans for videos. Honestly, I've been dealing with a medical issue that has kept me down for some time. I am getting better so you should see content coming out soon. Thanks for sticking with me!
Have you thrown the Kodiak in as an option as well? Lighter than the Sequoia, roomier than the Versatile with an extra 5 degrees of comfort. As if it isn't a tough decision already! Good luck, I would love to hear what you end up going with, take care, Matt
Thanks! I was only just starting to look at the Kodiak as an option. I'm going to be using this sleeping bag for Canadian fall weather mostly. I was fine with the mummy option, but I did find it kind of uncomfortable to sleep with in a jungle expedition hennessy hammock. . . Even tho it's asym!
That is a good question. I mean obviously Western Mountaineering will overfill their products at the factory but only their products. I know that there are people who do down gear modifications. I.E.- overfill, add neck baffles, etc. but I personally have yet to seek them out. Perhaps another viewer can help out. If you find someone, let me know. I know there is a need for these services.
Nice video. I have the Ponderosa which is very similar to the Sequoia (both have 7" loft) except the Sequoia has a hood and draft collar. I use a Katabatic Crestone down hood with my Ponderosa, but miss not having the draft collar and have been cold as I often feel cold air when I toss and turn. I am looking for something that can take me into colder temps and am wondering about the Sequoia or a Bristecone. The former seems similar to what I already have (same loft) and the latter may be overkill for my needs.
That's funny. the Ponderosa is the next bag I want, that I absolutely don't need, I already have a Badger at 15F. I will have to check out the Katabatic Crestone down hood. I use a Goosefeet Gear double filled down Balaclava in my Mitylite. Actually I use it in all my bags. It helps me to side sleep easier. The Sequoia, Kodiak and Ponderosa all have 7" of loft. Yet vary 15 degrees. Interesting how size plays such a big part in efficiency. The Bristlecone one the other hand is crazy huge. -15 F I was very warm and comfortable. Have fun and thanks for watching!
Trying to decide between the sequoia and bristlecone. (I don't want to buy both, lol!) Most of my winter camping is at 0F. Occasionally up in the boundary waters it might get VERY cold (-30F). At those temps, I would add clothing, a liner and/or a synthetic quilt on top of either bag probably. If you were me - would you get the sequoia and save packable size/weight and plus it up when needed or just get the bristlecone and vent it when needed?
If moisture and humidity are an issue, the Bristlecone may not be the right choice at any temperature, not being available in the Gore Windstopper. However, with both bags having the microfiber outershell, the differences are reduced to temperature and weight. the Bristlecone weighs 12 oz. more than the Sequoia. It is also 15 degrees warmer. If most of my camping was at 0F, I would go with the Bristlecone. Merely for the safety net. If you can afford the extra cost and weight, I'd give myself the extra insurance. My 2 cents.
howdy Matt, love your expertise on the sleeping bags. Odd question, do you think this would fit 150 pound skinny guy like myself with a 50 to 60 pound golden retriever? I have a winter bag for my dog, but it would be more thermally efficient and lighter weight if we could combine our bag and just sleep together. Plus, he loves to snuggle in after a long day in the backcountry. I know Western mountaineering has the internal dimensions on their website, but I’m just not sure how to model this without trying the bag in person. Thanks.
Wow! An exciting logistical physics question! While I might be a little bigger than you, my youngest son is about 5' 11", 145 - 150 lbs. I also have a 55lb pointer/husky mix, as well as the bag in question. My dog is white, and shedding right now, however, let me see if I can do some type of test so I can give you some real feedback. My initial thought, is that it would be very tight. The concern would be compressing the down from the inside pressure. A personal concern, for me, while I love my dog, I would be "scared sh**less" about sharp, dirty claws on the inside of my Sequoia! (I love my Sequoia as well!) Perhaps a durable bag liner could help with that concern. I will pull it out this weekend, and let you know back here in this thread what I learn. Thanks for watching! Matt
Man, when I try to visualize that, I don't think I could pull it off. The 66" circumference at the shoulders would be really tight. I'm not saying it's impossible, just that I would try to find something bigger that is still down filled. You might browse Cabela's, L.L. Bean, Eddie Bauer, see if they have something larger that is still light and compressible. I guess you could buy a big stuffed animal and take it with you to your local WM dealer and do some hands on testing that way! I'm joking, but it could work. I wish I could help you further. I'm always here to bounce ideas off of. I hope you find a workable solution. Sounds like you 2 have a great bond in the outdoors. That is awesome Man! Take care, Matt
@@mattsmountainmadness I really appreciate you taking the time to reply in such detail, Matt! Upon seeing your new video, I realize the Bristlecone is larger in circumference than the Sequoia. My current bag is approx 63/64" and an extra 5" MIGHT do the trick. I supposed I'll have to either try one in person or sew my own model with something no-stretch. Also, I don't know how on earth my dog can breathe down there, but he doesn't seem bothered by it. My only concern is the moisture from his breath. I wonder if that'll wet out the bag over the course of days or if our body heat will push it out. Usually we get at least some sun so maybe not such an issue to try drying the bag every few days.
@@JulienKozak Man, you are in uncharted waters there. However, I am sure that there are a multitude of others out there who are in the same spot as you are, wanting to keep their best friends at there side outdoors at night. I would think your pup would roast! But dogs are like us, we are all different. Let me know what you come up with if you could, take care, Matt
Im thinking about buying the Puma GWS but my only concern is if its going to be too warm at something like -10-20°C. Do you know about it? Because here in finland -30°C is pretty rare but it does happen sometimes
My Son owns the Puma, however I don't believe he has used it in those warm of conditions. However, I can share with you that I have spent several nights in my Cypress GWS a -34C bag around 5F (-15C) and don't recall being uncomfortable. At those frigid temperatures, I found that a little unzipping goes a long way. The Puma also is quite spacious for an Expedition bag and can trap cold air coming in through the open zippers. I wouldn't think that you would have much difficulty regulating heat on warmer nights. Like I said in the video, I used a -15F (-25C?) bag for 20 years and nothing else. I did just fine with it. but when it got down to -27C, I was very grateful it could handle it. So, there you go, I hope that helps! Have fun and be safe out there!
I really wish the Bristlecone was available in the GWS. I prefer the waterproofness and the robust feel of the fabric. That said, the MF of the Bristlecone works just fine for 99 percent of the time. It is only when I sleep cowboy style in snowstorms that the fabric falls short. And I only do that occasionally for fun. I originally purchased the Lynx at -10 just because of the GWS. I later sold it and purchased the Bristlecone for the roominess and temperature rating. My advice to you is, if you want the extra 15 degrees of warmth over the Sequoia, then get the Beistlecone. Unless you are sleeping uncovered in rain and snow, the MF fabric should serve you just fine. The MF breaths better and lofts faster. It is a tough choice. I have been pleased with the performance of my 2 MF bags. But, if I had my way, all of my bags would be GWS. I own both the Sequoia GWS and the Bristlecone MF. If it is going to be below zero, I take Bristlecone, I slept comfortably at -15F in a snowstorm in that bag. It wet out a little, but the down wasn't compromised. Good luck in you decision making, take care, Matt
@@TheTrailDancer I'd have to say the Kodiak MF. Light, roomy, breaths really well and highly compressible. I have a review on my channel of the GWS version of the Kodiak. The MF version is 7 oz. lighter. It is a solid zero and below bag for my son, as I can attest. An overfilled Sequoia is another option. I slept comfortably in it at -4F before I had it overfilled. They are both very spacious bags with the Sequoia winning out with the semi rectangular design. Food for thought... Thanks for watching, Matt
@@mattsmountainmadnessBoth the MF and GWS are 20 Denier. But the GWS is definitely tougher and more puncture resistant - in addition to the much greater water resistance. That adds to the durability which is important for such an expensive bag. But I also wonder if the GWS breaks down or delaminates over time. It doesn't seem like you have experienced this in spite of being a long time user of GWS bags. The MF fabric seems more like the modern type of fabric you'd expect to see in a warm but lightweight compressible bag for backpacking. But the GWS could not have the greater wind, water, and puncture resistance it does without also weighing somewhat more than MF and being not quite as compressible.
@@SvenVelopeter I know that many years ago Western Mountaineering did have some issues with delamination with the previous iteration of Gore fabric Dri Loft. I haven't heard of any issues with the GWS. After they bond the PTFE film to the face fabric, the result is a 30 denier thickness. But that is what makes it feel so tough....a thin slab of Teflon....if you will. But, it makes the bag about 7 oz. heavier than a Microfiber model, and less compressible. I love both fabrics but, if I was backpacking, I would have to think long and hard about whether or not I want to go with the GWS over the MF.
Haha! ....OK. My wife, (bless her heart) thought she would do me a favor and wash my sleeping bag while I was at work....She put it in the dryer. It was an unrecognizable mess. that was 20 years ago. I still don't laugh about it. but, this helps! Thanks for watching, and have fun out there! Matt
@@mattsmountainmadness She was just trying to help. At least you got many years of great use out of it. And it led you to discover the awesomeness of Western Mountaineering bags.
You get what you pay for. I have never been cold in a WM sleeping bag. If you take care of them they will last many years or forever. I have now switched to quilts because I have become a long distance backpacker and weight is everything. Take care
Well said. Thanks for sharing your experience and enjoy your treks!
own the western mountaineering astralite 26° quilt that I absolutely love. super light and warm.
I bought one of their bags about 30 years ago. Still have it still use it.
That is a testimony to just how good these bags really are. Thanks for sharing your experience. Take care, Matt
Thanks for the review for the longest time no one has done a review on this bag. Can’t wait to get mine
You are so welcome! You are going to love it!
Did you ever pick up the bag, if so, how do you like it? I know I want a WM bag, I just don’t know which one. I’m not a fan of mummy bags, so gravitating towards the semi rectangular. I’m 6’, 210 pounds, leaner muscular build, I like to have room to move around and side sleep my knees bent up. Your thoughts!?
Another great bag you got there Matt, been looking at the Western mountaineering Apache gore windstopper,for winter use,we get more damp rainy weather where I live.Keep my Versalite for spring /Autumn, thanks for the video 👍👍🇬🇧🇬🇧
That Sounds like a great plan Ian. The Apache would give you another 5 degrees of warmth over your Versalite, plus weather protection from the Gore Windstopper fabric. Sounds like the perfect one two punch to stay warm and dry 365 on all of your GB camping adventures, Enjoy!
I ordered a Sequoia MF as well as the Bristlecone MF because I felt there would be too large of a temp gap btw my Sea to Summit 5F bag (which is closer to 25/30 for comfort) and the Bristecone which is far warmer. At home I didn't notice much diff btw the perceived warmth of the Sequoia and my S2S bag aside from Sequoia being a narrower bag (albeit longer). But I tried it out on a night where lows got down to 33.5F and it was still quite warm wearing just thin leggings and a tshirt w/long sleeve shirt on top. I had to sleep with the foot box open, the middle zipper opened, and the top zipper only partially zipped to not be too hot. I found it to be a good balance between plenty of room to comfortably move while also being reasonably efficient. So the 18F comfort rating (according to WM) seems spot on. It would have to be about mid 20'sF for me to want to have it zipped all the way. I noticed a tiny amount of dampness on the bag from condensation transfer from the tent but it was minimal and it seemed totally dry by the time I packed up late morning.
That's great Sven! Sounds like the 3 bags will cover you through anything. I have a question, where are you finding Western Mountaineering's comfort ratings? You are not the only viewer who has quoted me WM comfort numbers. I would really appreciate knowing where this data comes from. Thanks, Matt
@@mattsmountainmadness I've replied twice to this question and it's not showing for some reason. Just google WM Frequently Asked Questions and scroll down to temp ratings and you'll see the comfort rating chart of WM.
Western Mountaineering says the comfort temp rating of the Sequoia GWS is 14F, while the MF version is 18F. And the GWS weighs 6 oz more. I wonder if I would rather have the Sequoia in GWS instead of MF. I could see wanting to try open air cowboy camping at some point. It it were raining, I would certainly only do it under a tarp and probably for a snowstorm as well. I just know that there is a lot of cold rainy damp weather in the Fall/Winter/Spring in the Northeast. So I wonder if the GWS might be wiser to keep from absorbing any moisture from tent condensation. Assuming I set up a large waterproof tarp to sleep under, I wonder if the MF fabric could stay reasonably dry during prolonged heavy rain, while sleeping outside a tent. I do tend to worry that I would find the GWS fabric to not be breathable enough for me. And breathability is even more important in humid conditions. But assuming I have a robust tarp setup, do you think an MF fabric bag could be used to camp outside a tent without getting too damp during heavy prolonged rain? I would probably be more inclined to only cowboy camp during dry nights anyway. On dry nights, the tarp would be more to block wind, falling debris from trees, and privacy, than to block rain.
@SvenVelopeter Ah, the MF, GWS conundrum. The GWS has a colder comfort rating than the MF simply because no air can escape through the outer shell. The MF bags seem to loft a little taller though. If you watch my Bristlecone vs. Lynx video, you can see how quickly the MF on the Bristlecone begins to wet out just being on top of the snow.
I don't have much experience dealing with high humidity in cold conditions simply because out west here, it is so dry. I understand your concern about moisture inside the GWS. I haven't experienced it, but some folks do. If you are considering the MF, do know that it can't stand up to any precipitation for any length of time. It sounds like the likelihood of you subjecting yourself to those conditions are slim though. While I enjoy the security and weatherproofness of the GWS, 95 percent of the time I don't need it.
At the end of the day, you still have a tough decision to make. I hope my thoughts here are helpful but, they may make it even more difficult for you. Let me know, if you could, what you ultimately go with. I would love to hear about it. Good luck! Matt
@@mattsmountainmadness Thanks for this thoughtful and nuanced reply Matt. The thing that worries me about GWS is the prospect of it feeling like sleeping in a plastic bag. I want warmth but I dislike the feeling of a thick rain coat when it's humid and warm. Remember when the Bond girl in Goldfinger dies from suffocation by being covered in gold paint? I don't want to feel like that. You have also said you rarely sweat - which is a lot easier when you're in the dry alpine climate of the Rockies. I certainly do sweat during sleep so if air does not escape easily, then I worry my body moisture will get trapped inside. I won't be able to dry it in the sun on grey rainy days. If I cowboy camp, it will likely only be on dry nights and likely with a tarp to protect from tree debris above - as well as the odd unexpected rain squall. The lighter weight and packability of the Microfiber is a nice feature since Sequoia is already a heavy bag and in the 6'6" model. Similar to you, the vast majority of the time I use the Sequoia, I would expect to be inside a tent and my Nemo Kunai has exceptionally good ventilation for a 4-season tent since it features 4 zippered mesh panels. This should greatly limit the amount of condensation I experience even on cold rainy nights. So I think I could still try cowboy camping with the MF version outside of my tent but probably under a tarp on cold dry nights. But a tent would seem to be my typical use case so the MF. Ultimately, I think I will sleep better in the softer more breathable MF Fabric.
@@SvenVelopeter That make sense. The Bond girl reference painted a vivid picture of uncomfortable agony. MF sounds like the right material for your applications. When I got snowed on in my Bristlecone MF at -10F, only the perimeter where the bag met my pad, and around my face, did it wet out. The top of the bag remained mostly dry even having 3 or 4 inches of snow on it. So there's that, FWIW. I don't want to feel like I am sleeping in a trash bag either. That is a big reason why I'll never buy a WM VBL Hotsack.
Great review. I have the Sycamore MF, but would love the Sequoia MF next. Also curious to know if you use them on their own, or do you sometimes use them combined with other things? For example, a synthetic quilt over the down sleeping bag, or a sleeping bag liner inside it? I have an Appalachian Gear Company alpaca wool sleeping bag liner, and they claim it can add about 15f to a sleep system (so the Sycamore would go from 25F to 10F - or an overfilled one from 20F to 5F). Have not tested it yet. Also have a Rab silk sleeping bag liner which apparently adds a little bit of warmth too, and might mean I don't have to wash the sleeping bag so often. I'd love to test all of them together on a really cold night and see how low the Sycamore can go (Rab silk liner, AGC alpaca wool liner, Sycamore MF overfilled, and then a synthetic quilt on top).
Because I have several WM bags, I have rarely needed to augment or supplement the bag I am using. I usually bring a couple of bags with me because I have that luxury. However, I do have "Other Things" that I use when the conditions drop well below the forcast. On a trip a few years back, I brought the Sycamore and my Mitylite for 5 days in Wyoming in the spring. Forecast lows were in the 23F to 40F range. When I arrived, the gate was locked and the snow was drifting several feet high and I was unable to secure a descent place to camp. I decided to return to Colorado dropping into North Park, Walden area. I secured a campsite and set up in an ice storm. It was very cold. I managed to get a cell signal and the local forcast had lows at single digits. By the grace of God, I just happened to have my new Sequoia in the 4Runner because I was going to take it to my Shipper's to send back for overfill. It was 4F the first night, -5F the second night. That second night was pushing the bag for sure, I was right on the edge of comfort/chilled in the early morning hours. I could have used the Sycamore in conjunction with the Mitylite though had I not had the Sequoia with.
I am not real sure why, but I have never wanted to own a bag liner. Maybe it is the bag within a bag redundancy. I always wear clean, dry Merino Wool socks, base layer, and balaclava. My "other things" consist of, down socks, down pants, down jacket and down balaclava. I always have 2 of each of these items with me, with the second set a size larger than the first. While this usually ensures comfort, I do have additional Merino Wool Balaclavas and neck gaiters as well an additional down balaclava, and Expedition Down Booties. I have tweeked my system over time and now feel confident I always have what I need to stay warm. It is really fun to test the bags with other augments to see how low I can go in temperature. It sounds like you like that as well. It is an invaluable experience to learning what your sleeping bag is able to do for you.
As I state in the video, for me, the lack of a down collar in the Sycamore is the one thing that keeps me from pushing it a lot lower than 25F. If you do pull the trigger on the Sequoia, that down collar is awesome. Also, the MF bags loft taller than the GWS bags. Much lighter fabric, way more breathable that the GWS. If you watch my Sequoia GWS review and compare it to other Creator's Sequoia MF reviews, you can visibly see the loft is greater in the MF bags. That extra loft is offset by the fact that the Microfiber fabric is so breathable that it doesn't hold the heat in the bag as well as the Windstopper fabric. I am getting long winded. Sorry. Would love to hear how your WM adventures go from here. Take care, Matt
Hi there, Matt.... -> what are you up to these days? What about starting a series of episodes about 'preferred field setup' on tents, cots, 'n stuff?
Those are great ideas and I do have plans for videos. Honestly, I've been dealing with a medical issue that has kept me down for some time. I am getting better so you should see content coming out soon. Thanks for sticking with me!
@@mattsmountainmadness I will, dude - I will - may the Almighty grant you a speedy recovery, and robust health.... you rock man... !
Thank you so much .
I've been torn between the versalite and the sequoia. I sleep in a hammock but do portages. Tough choice!
Hmmm......
Have you thrown the Kodiak in as an option as well? Lighter than the Sequoia, roomier than the Versatile with an extra 5 degrees of comfort. As if it isn't a tough decision already! Good luck, I would love to hear what you end up going with, take care, Matt
Thanks! I was only just starting to look at the Kodiak as an option. I'm going to be using this sleeping bag for Canadian fall weather mostly. I was fine with the mummy option, but I did find it kind of uncomfortable to sleep with in a jungle expedition hennessy hammock. . . Even tho it's asym!
Hey Matt is there a place that you can send your quilts and bags to have refilled or repaired.
That is a good question. I mean obviously Western Mountaineering will overfill their products at the factory but only their products. I know that there are people who do down gear modifications. I.E.- overfill, add neck baffles, etc. but I personally have yet to seek them out. Perhaps another viewer can help out. If you find someone, let me know. I know there is a need for these services.
Nice video. I have the Ponderosa which is very similar to the Sequoia (both have 7" loft) except the Sequoia has a hood and draft collar. I use a Katabatic Crestone down hood with my Ponderosa, but miss not having the draft collar and have been cold as I often feel cold air when I toss and turn. I am looking for something that can take me into colder temps and am wondering about the Sequoia or a Bristecone. The former seems similar to what I already have (same loft) and the latter may be overkill for my needs.
That's funny. the Ponderosa is the next bag I want, that I absolutely don't need, I already have a Badger at 15F. I will have to check out the Katabatic Crestone down hood. I use a Goosefeet Gear double filled down Balaclava in my Mitylite. Actually I use it in all my bags. It helps me to side sleep easier. The Sequoia, Kodiak and Ponderosa all have 7" of loft. Yet vary 15 degrees. Interesting how size plays such a big part in efficiency. The Bristlecone one the other hand is crazy huge. -15 F I was very warm and comfortable. Have fun and thanks for watching!
I am very happy with my 6'-6" , microfiber Kodiak bag. WM is the best!
Right on, There you go.
Trying to decide between the sequoia and bristlecone. (I don't want to buy both, lol!) Most of my winter camping is at 0F. Occasionally up in the boundary waters it might get VERY cold (-30F). At those temps, I would add clothing, a liner and/or a synthetic quilt on top of either bag probably. If you were me - would you get the sequoia and save packable size/weight and plus it up when needed or just get the bristlecone and vent it when needed?
If moisture and humidity are an issue, the Bristlecone may not be the right choice at any temperature, not being available in the Gore Windstopper. However, with both bags having the microfiber outershell, the differences are reduced to temperature and weight. the Bristlecone weighs 12 oz. more than the Sequoia. It is also 15 degrees warmer. If most of my camping was at 0F, I would go with the Bristlecone. Merely for the safety net. If you can afford the extra cost and weight, I'd give myself the extra insurance. My 2 cents.
howdy Matt, love your expertise on the sleeping bags. Odd question, do you think this would fit 150 pound skinny guy like myself with a 50 to 60 pound golden retriever? I have a winter bag for my dog, but it would be more thermally efficient and lighter weight if we could combine our bag and just sleep together. Plus, he loves to snuggle in after a long day in the backcountry. I know Western mountaineering has the internal dimensions on their website, but I’m just not sure how to model this without trying the bag in person. Thanks.
Wow! An exciting logistical physics question! While I might be a little bigger than you, my youngest son is about 5' 11", 145 - 150 lbs. I also have a 55lb pointer/husky mix, as well as the bag in question. My dog is white, and shedding right now, however, let me see if I can do some type of test so I can give you some real feedback. My initial thought, is that it would be very tight. The concern would be compressing the down from the inside pressure. A personal concern, for me, while I love my dog, I would be "scared sh**less" about sharp, dirty claws on the inside of my Sequoia! (I love my Sequoia as well!) Perhaps a durable bag liner could help with that concern. I will pull it out this weekend, and let you know back here in this thread what I learn. Thanks for watching! Matt
Man, when I try to visualize that, I don't think I could pull it off. The 66" circumference at the shoulders would be really tight.
I'm not saying it's impossible, just that I would try to find something bigger that is still down filled. You might browse Cabela's, L.L. Bean, Eddie Bauer, see if they have something larger that is still light and compressible. I guess you could buy a big stuffed animal and take it with you to your local WM dealer and do some hands on testing that way! I'm joking, but it could work. I wish I could help you further. I'm always here to bounce ideas off of. I hope you find a workable solution. Sounds like you 2 have a great bond in the outdoors. That is awesome Man! Take care, Matt
@@mattsmountainmadness I really appreciate you taking the time to reply in such detail, Matt! Upon seeing your new video, I realize the Bristlecone is larger in circumference than the Sequoia. My current bag is approx 63/64" and an extra 5" MIGHT do the trick. I supposed I'll have to either try one in person or sew my own model with something no-stretch. Also, I don't know how on earth my dog can breathe down there, but he doesn't seem bothered by it. My only concern is the moisture from his breath. I wonder if that'll wet out the bag over the course of days or if our body heat will push it out. Usually we get at least some sun so maybe not such an issue to try drying the bag every few days.
@@JulienKozak Man, you are in uncharted waters there. However, I am sure that there are a multitude of others out there who are in the same spot as you are, wanting to keep their best friends at there side outdoors at night. I would think your pup would roast! But dogs are like us, we are all different. Let me know what you come up with if you could, take care, Matt
This bag looks awesome.
May i ask what boots you are wearing in this video?
Im thinking about buying the Puma GWS but my only concern is if its going to be too warm at something like -10-20°C. Do you know about it? Because here in finland -30°C is pretty rare but it does happen sometimes
My Son owns the Puma, however I don't believe he has used it in those warm of conditions. However, I can share with you that I have spent several nights in my Cypress GWS a -34C bag around 5F (-15C) and don't recall being uncomfortable. At those frigid temperatures, I found that a little unzipping goes a long way. The Puma also is quite spacious for an Expedition bag and can trap cold air coming in through the open zippers. I wouldn't think that you would have much difficulty regulating heat on warmer nights. Like I said in the video, I used a -15F (-25C?) bag for 20 years and nothing else. I did just fine with it. but when it got down to -27C, I was very grateful it could handle it. So, there you go, I hope that helps! Have fun and be safe out there!
is the GSW worth it? I have been debating between the Sequoia and the Bristlecone MF... thoughts for normal use in the winter?
I really wish the Bristlecone was available in the GWS. I prefer the waterproofness and the robust feel of the fabric. That said, the MF of the Bristlecone works just fine for 99 percent of the time. It is only when I sleep cowboy style in snowstorms that the fabric falls short. And I only do that occasionally for fun. I originally purchased the Lynx at -10 just because of the GWS. I later sold it and purchased the Bristlecone for the roominess and temperature rating. My advice to you is, if you want the extra 15 degrees of warmth over the Sequoia, then get the Beistlecone. Unless you are sleeping uncovered in rain and snow, the MF fabric should serve you just fine. The MF breaths better and lofts faster. It is a tough choice. I have been pleased with the performance of my 2 MF bags. But, if I had my way, all of my bags would be GWS. I own both the Sequoia GWS and the Bristlecone MF. If it is going to be below zero, I take Bristlecone, I slept comfortably at -15F in a snowstorm in that bag. It wet out a little, but the down wasn't compromised. Good luck in you decision making, take care, Matt
@@mattsmountainmadness The GWS doesn't pack down that well right?
What is your favorite Zero D bag (in tent use) from WM?
@@TheTrailDancer I'd have to say the Kodiak MF. Light, roomy, breaths really well and highly compressible. I have a review on my channel of the GWS version of the Kodiak. The MF version is 7 oz. lighter. It is a solid zero and below bag for my son, as I can attest. An overfilled Sequoia is another option. I slept comfortably in it at -4F before I had it overfilled. They are both very spacious bags with the Sequoia winning out with the semi rectangular design. Food for thought... Thanks for watching, Matt
@@mattsmountainmadnessBoth the MF and GWS are 20 Denier. But the GWS is definitely tougher and more puncture resistant - in addition to the much greater water resistance. That adds to the durability which is important for such an expensive bag. But I also wonder if the GWS breaks down or delaminates over time. It doesn't seem like you have experienced this in spite of being a long time user of GWS bags. The MF fabric seems more like the modern type of fabric you'd expect to see in a warm but lightweight compressible bag for backpacking. But the GWS could not have the greater wind, water, and puncture resistance it does without also weighing somewhat more than MF and being not quite as compressible.
@@SvenVelopeter I know that many years ago Western Mountaineering did have some issues with delamination with the previous iteration of Gore fabric Dri Loft. I haven't heard of any issues with the GWS. After they bond the PTFE film to the face fabric, the result is a 30 denier thickness. But that is what makes it feel so tough....a thin slab of Teflon....if you will. But, it makes the bag about 7 oz. heavier than a Microfiber model, and less compressible. I love both fabrics but, if I was backpacking, I would have to think long and hard about whether or not I want to go with the GWS over the MF.
Now I want to know the unfortunate story of the ibex that you won't talk about.
Haha! ....OK. My wife, (bless her heart) thought she would do me a favor and wash my sleeping bag while I was at work....She put it in the dryer. It was an unrecognizable mess. that was 20 years ago. I still don't laugh about it. but, this helps! Thanks for watching, and have fun out there! Matt
@@mattsmountainmadness She was just trying to help. At least you got many years of great use out of it. And it led you to discover the awesomeness of Western Mountaineering bags.
@@SvenVelopeter You are absolutely right. Excellent way for me to look at it. Thank you!