If you enjoyed this video, please consider buying me a coffee :) www.buymeacoffee.com/adventuresandreams You can buy this amazing sleeping bag here (paid link): amzn.to/3WwGLju
I dream of one day being able to have a sleeping bag like this, but I think I'll keep dreaming, because for the price it's almost impossible for me to achieve this, congratulations on the video!
Thank you for watching my video. I'm glad you liked it :) I totally understand that a sleeping bag like this is a huge financial commitment. Believe me, it took me a while until I committed to it. At first, I was using my two 3-season bags in the winter. It was more than warm enough, but they were too bulky for backpacking. I was just car-camping at the time. There are other bags that cost a bit less but may be more bulky or less warm. It depends on where and when you might go camping, what sleeping pad you have, the tent, and other gear. I do hope that your dream comes true one day, though. :)
Thank you so much for watching and for your comment. I want to review gear only if I have tested it extensively. You can't know how well it works if you're unpacking it for the first time or taking it on one trip. I've posted a few reviews by now, but that rule will always remain the same. :)
It’s a great choice for sure. It’s so cozy inside and has extra space for clothes, water, and batteries. Let me know how you like it, and thank you for watching my video :)
@@adventuresandreams I follow also Erik Normark. He slept with lynx in Sweden Lapland at very cold weather. I have a feeling that I can trust this sleeping bag. I have already WM alpinlite. I have used it when nights are around -3 to +3 celsius.
Thanks for the first rate review. I owned the GWS version of the Lynx for years and can attest to it's insane warmth. I sold it to my son so it is still in house. I used the money to help purchase a Bristlecone which is my current WM -10F bag. Western Mountaineering is the best! Enjoy, and be safe!
It's great to see your name on both a Shorts video and this one. Thank you for watching and for your comments! :) Yes, I'm so very happy with the Lynx and can't wait to use it again as soon as I return home from my trip to Germany. They are worth every penny.
Thank you! Yeah, I've been pretty happy with my winter camping this year. There are beautiful locations in the Cascades for sure. :) You can find the trip videos on my channel if you're interested :D
I have the Western mountaineering Apache GWS, The MegaLite and the Bison GWS. I use the Apache bag the most and using the WM Hotsack VBL I've slept fine down to -18. The Bison bag is an absolute beast of a bag and I wouldn't even think about using it unless the temps were below -30. I slept in -42 with the Bison and the bag was still a bit too warm for me but I'm not complaining it just means I rarely get to use it. The MegaLite is a hard one for me to pigeon hole. It only weighs 1lb8oz and compresses down to nothing and will handle 0 to -2 but isn't a cold weather bag. I find when it's warm enough for the MegaLite a wool blanket can do the same job for me but at least the ML compresses much smaller than a wool blanket. I'm really impressed with the loft in your bag because you said before you have yet to wash it and using it like you do since 2019 it is really impressive how well it has held up. It looks new and thats a testament to how well you care for it. Really enjoyed this. Cheers.
Thanks so much for watching this video as well, and your comment. I checked out both of your bags online. The bison is a beast for sure! I can imagine that you can't really use it unless it's truly could. My Lynx MF is a good medium option for most temperatures that I expect to encounter in the winter. I do love the Apache as well. If I had known about this brand a few years ago, I probably would have gotten a MegaLite bag too. I might still do in the future, but my North Face bag is still in such an amazing condition that I have no reason to get a new one. Many years ago, I used a fleece bag as my super summer bag down in Georgia and Florida, but honestly, it also doesn't compress well, just like your wool blanket, and it's rather bulky. You just can't beat a light and good down bag or blanket. We just learn over the years and spend the extra money... Yeah, the loft of both of my bags is still top. I can't really say that I take extra care of them other than only keeping them in the tent and changing into other clothes at night to sleep in. I hope I never have to try and wash them. It's always true: You get what you pay for, and it's the same for these sleeping bags. They were not cheap, but they will last forever. Thanks again for watching. Also, I really love your channel name :)
@@adventuresandreams The compressed pack size of the MegaLite is ridiculous. I use a 6 or8L(cant recall the exact size) Sealine compression sack and I can fit the sleeping bag in my Fjallraven smocks back pocket(it is a large pocket but it fits).....BTW the drone shots are really impressive.
@@boutthere3374 6-8 L?? That's crazy. I would love to see those sleeping bags in person someday. Ha, yeah, I found so many great uses for the drone. It was an investment that was well worth it. :)
Thank you, Andrea, for your outstanding video review of your MF Lynx. Also, I like the name of your channel 😊 If you don’t mind, I have some questions for you about your use of the Lynx. For background, I am a 5'6" tall man and have been using a short (5'6") Western Mountaineering Ultralite 20F bag with factory overfill on top of a full-length Ridgerest on top of an XTherm mattress. In long underwear, hiking socks, and balaclava, I am chilly at 25F with this system. I think that makes me a "cold sleeper." So, I have been thinking about getting a warmer bag to use in colder temperatures and was considering a MF Lynx. As with the Ultralite, I probably would order factory overfill to stabilize the down/prevent cold spots. My thinking is that because the Lynx is rated to -10F, it probably would keep me comfortable with my sleeping pads and minimal clothing to at least 10F. That probably would be my limit for cold-weather camping anyway. I might then keep using my Ultralite for temperatures above 40F and the Lynx for temperatures below 40F. So, my questions for you are: 1. How tall are you and what is the length of your Lynx? 2. You mention somewhere that your other bag is a Blue Kazoo 20F. For what range of temperatures do you use your Blue Kazoo and for what range do you use your Lynx? 3. How does the microfiber shell on the Lynx do with condensation with and without a tent? 4. Have you noticed cold spots at any point using the Lynx? 5. What clothing do you typically wear in the Lynx at which temperatures? Thanks for any help!
Thank you so much for watching and your interest in this bag, William. I'm super happy to answer your questions. That's why I started this channel: to inspire people and keep them safe out there with tips and gear :) First of all, I'm most definitely also a cold sleeper, so I can relate to what you feel. My question to you is what sleeping pads do you have. It makes a HUGE difference. I have the Therm-A-Rest XTerm NeoAir, and the warmth reflects back at me while the cold from the ground reflects away from my body. I use it all year round and swear by it. Here is my review of the older version if you are interested. The new version is even better. th-cam.com/video/5ONysndtHoE/w-d-xo.html One thing you should check with your sleeping pad is what R-Value it has. The higher the value, the warmer it is. I would use one that is below 5 or 6 for camping in the winter. But the sleeping bag makes a huge difference too, so let me get to your questions now. 1. I'm just a little less than 5.6" as well. I'm pretty sure that I bought the 6-foot version of the bag. 2. I use the Blue Kazoo only when it's warmer than about 35º or so. Although it's rated to go below freezing, it's too cold for me. I take the Lynx for temperatures around freezing and lower. Although I can't say what the lowest temperature was so far, I have not been cold with that sleeping bag yet. It might have been in the single digits (Fahrenheit). 3. Condensation from the breath always builds on top of the sleeping bag, but it has not been a problem. It doesn't seem to affect the warmth in any way. I've only used it once without a tent, but it was slightly above freezing on that trip, and there was no condensation. 4. I'm a pretty skinny person, so the Lynx is a bit on the wide side for me. If there are any cold spots, it's not because of the filling but because the bag is simply a little bit too wide for me, but that can be fixed easily with clothing that you can keep warm in your sleeping bag. It has never been a problem for me, especially when I completely close it up with the inner and outer drawstring. That way no cold air can get into it. I should also mention that I bought it as is without extra filling. It's a truly warm bag, and I don't think it's necessary. If anything, you could also use a liner for more warmth or put extra clothes on. 5. If it's really cold, maybe 10º or so, then I wear two thermal pants inside the sleeping bag, a normal long-sleeve shirt, a thermal long-sleeve shirt, and a fleece jacket. I always have a light down jacket as well and use it as a backup if it's ever necessary. This is more the case for the Blue Kazoo, though, not the Lynx. I also wear the hood of my thermal shirt and the fleece jacket and wear a scarf of some kind. If it's warmer, then I only wear one shirt layer and one thermal pants layer. Sometimes I still use the fleece jacket if I get a little chilly. I really love thermal clothing. They make a huge difference when camping in the colder time of the year. I think that covered all of your questions so far. Let me know if my answers helped you and if you have more questions. :)
@@adventuresandreams Thanks, Andrea, for getting right back to me! Yes, I have the newer version of the XTherm: I just watched your video on the older version and read all of the comments, which again taught me a lot, then added my own comment. The bottom line is that, while the XTherm certainly has helped, I definitely need a warmer bag as well―either that, or to wear more clothes to sleep, which I do not want to do. To your responses: 1. I am debating whether to go with the 6' version on my next bag purchase. From the fit of your hood when cinched down, I kind of thought that your bag was considerably longer than you are tall. However, I have read complaints from people with longer bags that they also are colder from having to heat up the empty space. That, and I don't like it when the bag brushes against the wall of my tent as that can collect condensation. 2. As for your use of the Blue Kazoo and Lynx, that makes perfect sense to me. If you are looking for an excellent, affordable theromometer to fine-tune your temperature ratings, I would recommend the one that I have, the ThermoDrop, which is on a half-price sale right now: www.thermoworks.com/thermodrop/. Note that I do not receive any commission from them for this recommendation. 3. Good to know about the condensation not being a problem for you. Did you ever consider getting the version of the Lynx with the Gore WINDSTOPPER fabric? I have heard that, while it can prevent condensation from entering from outside the bag, it can trap vapor from your body on the inside of the bag, which is why I hesitate to get that option. 4. Good to know also about the extra space, as I might use it to keep my fuel canister warm and to keep my water filter from freezing. Do you do that? 5. And thank you for sharing about your clothing options! I find it helpful for making bag decisions to know both the kinds of sleeping pads used, with the R-Value, as well as what the users wear, since that of course affects the temperature as well. I was hoping that you would say that you don't need a lot of extra clothing in the Lynx, but it sounds like that is not the case. I imagine that if I wore my light down jacket in my Ultralight 20F on my last outing, I might not have felt the chill, and maybe that's the way to go for temps in the 40Fs... but I still need a warmer winter bag. What do you wear on your feet in the bag(s)? Some have recommended goose down socks/booties, but the last time, at 25F, my feet were not cold, so I don't think I need them, just wool socks. Thanks again, Andrea!
@@williamobrien2541 Hi William, great to hear from you again so soon :) Thank you for the thermometer recommendation. It seems like a neat little device that doesn't weigh much. I have this one here (it's an affiliate link) that I bring fairly often but don't use nearly enough. amzn.to/3tqHtEM I think I just get so caught up in doing my things in the camp that I don't remember to check the temperature or wind. When I first looked at a winter sleeping bag and stumbled on Western Mountaineering, I also considered the Gore WINDSTOPPER version, but if I remember correctly, it was more expensive in the end. I don't use the sleeping bag without the tent much, so it really hasn't been necessary. What kind of camping are you doing? What tent do you have, or perhaps you build snow caves or build your own shelters? All that could determine which version is best for you. I can't speak to the topic of the vapor getting trapped, but knowing how GORE-TEX gear kind of breaths but still keeps you a bit hot, the bag might do the same thing. That is definitely not the problem with the Lynx. If you have a good winter tent, then I don't think it's necessary to get anything so specific with the Gore and WINDSTOPER layer. I completely forgot to mention a trick that always helped me to stay warm in my sleeping bag before I had my good winter bag. I boil water and put it in my Nalgene bottle. I do not fill it to the rim and tighten it well. This bottle goes into my sleeping bag and keeps me super toasty! You can test it at home first to ensure your bottle doesn't leak, but I never had a problem with it. It stays warm for several hours and makes a huge difference. And you have water to use for your tea or coffee in the morning that's not frozen :) As for my feet, I currently use super fuzzy synthetic socks that my parents bought for me. They are very warm, but if I were to buy something for myself, I would definitely go with wool socks that are soft, like Alpaca socks. My current winter boots are not super warm, so I always end up with cold feet that take a while to warm up. For that reason, I always wear a pair of normal socks, then my warm socks on top. I stuff hand warmers in between these two, which finally warms up my feet. These hand warmers stay warm all night, and I put them in my boots the next morning to warm them up a bit. When in the tent, I also use down tent booties to keep my feet warm. They are a bit of a luxury item but are always worth it for me. This is what I use (affiliate link) amzn.to/43m1Uz2 You were also asking about the gas canisters in the sleeping bag. I do that sometimes when it's really cold. I also keep all batteries and power banks in the sleeping bag, but I put them in a zip-lock bag to keep any moisture from them. But to get back to the clothing for a second, yes, I always start with more clothes in the sleeping bag, but sometimes I have to shed them at night when it gets too warm. The 20ºF bag is not enough in the winter, even with a down jacket. It's absolutely worth buying a winter sleeping bag if you plan on camping out there. When I first started, before I wanted to commit to such an expensive purchase, I layered two sleeping bags to test if I like sleeping outside in the winter. I had a synthetic bag on the inside and my Blue Kazoo on the outside. I was super warm with this combo, but I could only go car camping this way because the setup is too bulky and heavy. I'm linking another video to check out if you want. It's a beginner guide to winter camping, which I created a while back. As I said, I do want to make an updated version with several videos instead of this long one :) th-cam.com/video/fPQY6QWgaHg/w-d-xo.html I think that covers your questions. Let me know if I missed anything.
Hi there. Thank you so much for watching my video. The coldest temperature I've used this sleeping bag in was 3ºF / -16ºC. I was totally comfortable, but as always, I used thermal pants, warm socks, a thermal long-sleeve shirt, and a fleece jacket to sleep. I'm a very cold sleeper in general, but I've never once been cold in this bag so far. You really can't go wrong with it. :)
First time backpacker here, looking to get his first winter gear system :). Would you say Hilleberg Allak 2, Thermarest XTherm and Lynx MF would be fine for winters in the Alps (Italy, France, Austria, Slovenia)? Would this be an overkill when it gets to Spring/fall? Lotsa greets from Croatia 🤗
Hi Alexander. Thanks for watching :) That’s awesome that you’re getting ready to camp in the winter. The gear you mentioned is a great choice for sure. I use the XTherm on all of my trips, even in the summer, because it’s so comfortable. I LOVE it. If you didn’t see it already, I also have a review on the older version. I bought the new one now, and it’s even better. The sleeping bag is great for winter, of course, but also for fall and spring when the temperatures might be a bit below freezing. If it’s much above freezing, it would get too warm. I think it has one of the best weight to warmth ratios on the market. And the tent is a great choice as well. I don’t have the Allak 2, but any red or black label Hilleberg tent will keep you safe. This would be an awesome setup. Did you see my winter camping beginners guide by any chance? It’s a bit older but super valid. I’m hoping to create a new winter camping series, but life is crazy busy at the moment. But check out this video if you’re interested. There are lots of good tips for winter camping and gear. The Complete Beginners Guide To Winter Camping th-cam.com/video/fPQY6QWgaHg/w-d-xo.html Please let me know if you have any other questions, also about camping in the winter itself. I may take a couple of days to respond because I will be on the road the next two days, but I will answer you for sure. Let me know what gear you end up buying and how well it works. Greetings from Florida at the moment to you in Croatia! :)
Thanks for such a great and speedy reply, much appreciated! I'm checking out your recommended beginners video and in the meantime - it seems I must decide between the Lynx and something "colder" like an Alpinlite. I might email Western mountaineeding and see what they have to say. I'm stil unsure if it is possible to get a, say, -5C bag and "push it" via more clothing and the tent; I suppose these two must add a couple of degrees, no? @@adventuresandreams
@@alexander.starbuck you’re welcome! I love talking about gear. :D I’m not sure if you could push a minus 5 degree bag enough to stay warm. I’m a cold sleeper. My “normal “ sleeping bag for spring-fall is -10°C, but I never use it if it’s below freezing. It’s honestly worth it to invest in a warm bag for the winter to be safe and warm. The tent helps a lot, and also the sleeping pad, but it’s not enough in my opinion. I’m not sure what other sleeping bags Western Mountaineering has, but I bet they would help you make a choice. I seem to remember a chart with all of their options, but I only have my phone right now, and no time to look for it :D
@@adventuresandreams quando dormo nel sacco a pelo a mummia mi sento come se vago nell'universo..mi sento nella placenta di mia madre, mi sembra come se io nel mondo malato non esistessi più ma esisto solo dentro il sacco..protetto da tutte le cose brutte del mondo♥️♥️♥️
@@adventuresandreams hai tradotto benissimo☺️sono contento che provi le stesse mie sensazioni quando dormi nel sacco a pelo.. è vero non c'è cosa più bella al mondo❤️sembra di stare dentro una soffice nuvola❤️
Hi there, thanks for watching my video :) Yeah, velcro has its good and bad sides. It doesn't bother me too much on this sleeping bag, but my lighter 3-season bag always scratches me, and my clothes get caught on the velcro. I've been meaning to create a patch on top of it to prevent this from happening. I should create a quick "how to" video about that. :)
If you enjoyed this video, please consider buying me a coffee :) www.buymeacoffee.com/adventuresandreams
You can buy this amazing sleeping bag here (paid link): amzn.to/3WwGLju
I dream of one day being able to have a sleeping bag like this, but I think I'll keep dreaming, because for the price it's almost impossible for me to achieve this, congratulations on the video!
Thank you for watching my video. I'm glad you liked it :)
I totally understand that a sleeping bag like this is a huge financial commitment. Believe me, it took me a while until I committed to it. At first, I was using my two 3-season bags in the winter. It was more than warm enough, but they were too bulky for backpacking. I was just car-camping at the time. There are other bags that cost a bit less but may be more bulky or less warm. It depends on where and when you might go camping, what sleeping pad you have, the tent, and other gear.
I do hope that your dream comes true one day, though. :)
Thank you for sharing! It's always nice to see long-term reviews of products as opposed to "first impression" reviews that flood the market.
Thank you so much for watching and for your comment. I want to review gear only if I have tested it extensively. You can't know how well it works if you're unpacking it for the first time or taking it on one trip. I've posted a few reviews by now, but that rule will always remain the same. :)
I think I am going to buy this lynx for Finland's winter sleeping bag.
It’s a great choice for sure. It’s so cozy inside and has extra space for clothes, water, and batteries. Let me know how you like it, and thank you for watching my video :)
@@adventuresandreams I follow also Erik Normark. He slept with lynx in Sweden Lapland at very cold weather. I have a feeling that I can trust this sleeping bag. I have already WM alpinlite. I have used it when nights are around -3 to +3 celsius.
Thanks for the first rate review. I owned the GWS version of the Lynx for years and can attest to it's insane warmth. I sold it to my son so it is still in house. I used the money to help purchase a
Bristlecone which is my current WM -10F bag. Western Mountaineering is the best! Enjoy, and be safe!
It's great to see your name on both a Shorts video and this one. Thank you for watching and for your comments! :) Yes, I'm so very happy with the Lynx and can't wait to use it again as soon as I return home from my trip to Germany. They are worth every penny.
Thank you for showing it packed into the bag and its a 20L No one has shown that.
You’re very welcome. Thank you for watching! :) Are you planning a trip with this sleeping bag anytime soon?
@@adventuresandreams yeah very soon.
Perfect winter down sleeping bag.😊
It really is! :)
Nice review, wonderful winter scenery 👍 Thank you for sharing 👍
Thank you! Yeah, I've been pretty happy with my winter camping this year. There are beautiful locations in the Cascades for sure. :) You can find the trip videos on my channel if you're interested :D
I have the Western mountaineering Apache GWS, The MegaLite and the Bison GWS. I use the Apache bag the most and using the WM Hotsack VBL I've slept fine down to -18. The Bison bag is an absolute beast of a bag and I wouldn't even think about using it unless the temps were below -30. I slept in -42 with the Bison and the bag was still a bit too warm for me but I'm not complaining it just means I rarely get to use it. The MegaLite is a hard one for me to pigeon hole. It only weighs 1lb8oz and compresses down to nothing and will handle 0 to -2 but isn't a cold weather bag. I find when it's warm enough for the MegaLite a wool blanket can do the same job for me but at least the ML compresses much smaller than a wool blanket. I'm really impressed with the loft in your bag because you said before you have yet to wash it and using it like you do since 2019 it is really impressive how well it has held up. It looks new and thats a testament to how well you care for it. Really enjoyed this. Cheers.
Thanks so much for watching this video as well, and your comment. I checked out both of your bags online. The bison is a beast for sure! I can imagine that you can't really use it unless it's truly could. My Lynx MF is a good medium option for most temperatures that I expect to encounter in the winter.
I do love the Apache as well. If I had known about this brand a few years ago, I probably would have gotten a MegaLite bag too. I might still do in the future, but my North Face bag is still in such an amazing condition that I have no reason to get a new one.
Many years ago, I used a fleece bag as my super summer bag down in Georgia and Florida, but honestly, it also doesn't compress well, just like your wool blanket, and it's rather bulky. You just can't beat a light and good down bag or blanket. We just learn over the years and spend the extra money...
Yeah, the loft of both of my bags is still top. I can't really say that I take extra care of them other than only keeping them in the tent and changing into other clothes at night to sleep in. I hope I never have to try and wash them. It's always true: You get what you pay for, and it's the same for these sleeping bags. They were not cheap, but they will last forever.
Thanks again for watching. Also, I really love your channel name :)
@@adventuresandreams The compressed pack size of the MegaLite is ridiculous. I use a 6 or8L(cant recall the exact size) Sealine compression sack and I can fit the sleeping bag in my Fjallraven smocks back pocket(it is a large pocket but it fits).....BTW the drone shots are really impressive.
@@boutthere3374 6-8 L?? That's crazy. I would love to see those sleeping bags in person someday.
Ha, yeah, I found so many great uses for the drone. It was an investment that was well worth it. :)
Thank you, Andrea, for your outstanding video review of your MF Lynx.
Also, I like the name of your channel 😊
If you don’t mind, I have some questions for you about your use of the Lynx.
For background, I am a 5'6" tall man and have been using a short (5'6") Western Mountaineering Ultralite 20F bag with factory overfill on top of a full-length Ridgerest on top of an XTherm mattress.
In long underwear, hiking socks, and balaclava, I am chilly at 25F with this system. I think that makes me a "cold sleeper."
So, I have been thinking about getting a warmer bag to use in colder temperatures and was considering a MF Lynx. As with the Ultralite, I probably would order factory overfill to stabilize the down/prevent cold spots.
My thinking is that because the Lynx is rated to -10F, it probably would keep me comfortable with my sleeping pads and minimal clothing to at least 10F. That probably would be my limit for cold-weather camping anyway.
I might then keep using my Ultralite for temperatures above 40F and the Lynx for temperatures below 40F.
So, my questions for you are:
1. How tall are you and what is the length of your Lynx?
2. You mention somewhere that your other bag is a Blue Kazoo 20F. For what range of temperatures do you use your Blue Kazoo and for what range do you use your Lynx?
3. How does the microfiber shell on the Lynx do with condensation with and without a tent?
4. Have you noticed cold spots at any point using the Lynx?
5. What clothing do you typically wear in the Lynx at which temperatures?
Thanks for any help!
Thank you so much for watching and your interest in this bag, William. I'm super happy to answer your questions. That's why I started this channel: to inspire people and keep them safe out there with tips and gear :)
First of all, I'm most definitely also a cold sleeper, so I can relate to what you feel. My question to you is what sleeping pads do you have. It makes a HUGE difference. I have the Therm-A-Rest XTerm NeoAir, and the warmth reflects back at me while the cold from the ground reflects away from my body. I use it all year round and swear by it. Here is my review of the older version if you are interested. The new version is even better. th-cam.com/video/5ONysndtHoE/w-d-xo.html
One thing you should check with your sleeping pad is what R-Value it has. The higher the value, the warmer it is. I would use one that is below 5 or 6 for camping in the winter.
But the sleeping bag makes a huge difference too, so let me get to your questions now.
1. I'm just a little less than 5.6" as well. I'm pretty sure that I bought the 6-foot version of the bag.
2. I use the Blue Kazoo only when it's warmer than about 35º or so. Although it's rated to go below freezing, it's too cold for me. I take the Lynx for temperatures around freezing and lower. Although I can't say what the lowest temperature was so far, I have not been cold with that sleeping bag yet. It might have been in the single digits (Fahrenheit).
3. Condensation from the breath always builds on top of the sleeping bag, but it has not been a problem. It doesn't seem to affect the warmth in any way. I've only used it once without a tent, but it was slightly above freezing on that trip, and there was no condensation.
4. I'm a pretty skinny person, so the Lynx is a bit on the wide side for me. If there are any cold spots, it's not because of the filling but because the bag is simply a little bit too wide for me, but that can be fixed easily with clothing that you can keep warm in your sleeping bag. It has never been a problem for me, especially when I completely close it up with the inner and outer drawstring. That way no cold air can get into it. I should also mention that I bought it as is without extra filling. It's a truly warm bag, and I don't think it's necessary. If anything, you could also use a liner for more warmth or put extra clothes on.
5. If it's really cold, maybe 10º or so, then I wear two thermal pants inside the sleeping bag, a normal long-sleeve shirt, a thermal long-sleeve shirt, and a fleece jacket. I always have a light down jacket as well and use it as a backup if it's ever necessary. This is more the case for the Blue Kazoo, though, not the Lynx. I also wear the hood of my thermal shirt and the fleece jacket and wear a scarf of some kind. If it's warmer, then I only wear one shirt layer and one thermal pants layer. Sometimes I still use the fleece jacket if I get a little chilly. I really love thermal clothing. They make a huge difference when camping in the colder time of the year.
I think that covered all of your questions so far. Let me know if my answers helped you and if you have more questions. :)
@@adventuresandreams Thanks, Andrea, for getting right back to me!
Yes, I have the newer version of the XTherm: I just watched your video on the older version and read all of the comments, which again taught me a lot, then added my own comment. The bottom line is that, while the XTherm certainly has helped, I definitely need a warmer bag as well―either that, or to wear more clothes to sleep, which I do not want to do.
To your responses:
1. I am debating whether to go with the 6' version on my next bag purchase. From the fit of your hood when cinched down, I kind of thought that your bag was considerably longer than you are tall. However, I have read complaints from people with longer bags that they also are colder from having to heat up the empty space. That, and I don't like it when the bag brushes against the wall of my tent as that can collect condensation.
2. As for your use of the Blue Kazoo and Lynx, that makes perfect sense to me. If you are looking for an excellent, affordable theromometer to fine-tune your temperature ratings, I would recommend the one that I have, the ThermoDrop, which is on a half-price sale right now: www.thermoworks.com/thermodrop/. Note that I do not receive any commission from them for this recommendation.
3. Good to know about the condensation not being a problem for you. Did you ever consider getting the version of the Lynx with the Gore WINDSTOPPER fabric? I have heard that, while it can prevent condensation from entering from outside the bag, it can trap vapor from your body on the inside of the bag, which is why I hesitate to get that option.
4. Good to know also about the extra space, as I might use it to keep my fuel canister warm and to keep my water filter from freezing. Do you do that?
5. And thank you for sharing about your clothing options! I find it helpful for making bag decisions to know both the kinds of sleeping pads used, with the R-Value, as well as what the users wear, since that of course affects the temperature as well. I was hoping that you would say that you don't need a lot of extra clothing in the Lynx, but it sounds like that is not the case. I imagine that if I wore my light down jacket in my Ultralight 20F on my last outing, I might not have felt the chill, and maybe that's the way to go for temps in the 40Fs... but I still need a warmer winter bag. What do you wear on your feet in the bag(s)? Some have recommended goose down socks/booties, but the last time, at 25F, my feet were not cold, so I don't think I need them, just wool socks.
Thanks again, Andrea!
@@williamobrien2541 Hi William, great to hear from you again so soon :)
Thank you for the thermometer recommendation. It seems like a neat little device that doesn't weigh much. I have this one here (it's an affiliate link) that I bring fairly often but don't use nearly enough. amzn.to/3tqHtEM I think I just get so caught up in doing my things in the camp that I don't remember to check the temperature or wind.
When I first looked at a winter sleeping bag and stumbled on Western Mountaineering, I also considered the Gore WINDSTOPPER version, but if I remember correctly, it was more expensive in the end. I don't use the sleeping bag without the tent much, so it really hasn't been necessary. What kind of camping are you doing? What tent do you have, or perhaps you build snow caves or build your own shelters? All that could determine which version is best for you. I can't speak to the topic of the vapor getting trapped, but knowing how GORE-TEX gear kind of breaths but still keeps you a bit hot, the bag might do the same thing. That is definitely not the problem with the Lynx. If you have a good winter tent, then I don't think it's necessary to get anything so specific with the Gore and WINDSTOPER layer.
I completely forgot to mention a trick that always helped me to stay warm in my sleeping bag before I had my good winter bag. I boil water and put it in my Nalgene bottle. I do not fill it to the rim and tighten it well. This bottle goes into my sleeping bag and keeps me super toasty! You can test it at home first to ensure your bottle doesn't leak, but I never had a problem with it. It stays warm for several hours and makes a huge difference. And you have water to use for your tea or coffee in the morning that's not frozen :)
As for my feet, I currently use super fuzzy synthetic socks that my parents bought for me. They are very warm, but if I were to buy something for myself, I would definitely go with wool socks that are soft, like Alpaca socks.
My current winter boots are not super warm, so I always end up with cold feet that take a while to warm up. For that reason, I always wear a pair of normal socks, then my warm socks on top. I stuff hand warmers in between these two, which finally warms up my feet. These hand warmers stay warm all night, and I put them in my boots the next morning to warm them up a bit. When in the tent, I also use down tent booties to keep my feet warm. They are a bit of a luxury item but are always worth it for me. This is what I use (affiliate link) amzn.to/43m1Uz2
You were also asking about the gas canisters in the sleeping bag. I do that sometimes when it's really cold. I also keep all batteries and power banks in the sleeping bag, but I put them in a zip-lock bag to keep any moisture from them.
But to get back to the clothing for a second, yes, I always start with more clothes in the sleeping bag, but sometimes I have to shed them at night when it gets too warm. The 20ºF bag is not enough in the winter, even with a down jacket. It's absolutely worth buying a winter sleeping bag if you plan on camping out there. When I first started, before I wanted to commit to such an expensive purchase, I layered two sleeping bags to test if I like sleeping outside in the winter. I had a synthetic bag on the inside and my Blue Kazoo on the outside. I was super warm with this combo, but I could only go car camping this way because the setup is too bulky and heavy. I'm linking another video to check out if you want. It's a beginner guide to winter camping, which I created a while back. As I said, I do want to make an updated version with several videos instead of this long one :) th-cam.com/video/fPQY6QWgaHg/w-d-xo.html
I think that covers your questions. Let me know if I missed anything.
Curious ... what's the coldest temps you've used the bag in and been comfortable? Is it a pretty accurate temp rating?
Hi there. Thank you so much for watching my video. The coldest temperature I've used this sleeping bag in was 3ºF / -16ºC. I was totally comfortable, but as always, I used thermal pants, warm socks, a thermal long-sleeve shirt, and a fleece jacket to sleep. I'm a very cold sleeper in general, but I've never once been cold in this bag so far. You really can't go wrong with it. :)
First time backpacker here, looking to get his first winter gear system :). Would you say Hilleberg Allak 2, Thermarest XTherm and Lynx MF would be fine for winters in the Alps (Italy, France, Austria, Slovenia)? Would this be an overkill when it gets to Spring/fall? Lotsa greets from Croatia 🤗
Hi Alexander. Thanks for watching :) That’s awesome that you’re getting ready to camp in the winter. The gear you mentioned is a great choice for sure.
I use the XTherm on all of my trips, even in the summer, because it’s so comfortable. I LOVE it. If you didn’t see it already, I also have a review on the older version. I bought the new one now, and it’s even better.
The sleeping bag is great for winter, of course, but also for fall and spring when the temperatures might be a bit below freezing. If it’s much above freezing, it would get too warm. I think it has one of the best weight to warmth ratios on the market.
And the tent is a great choice as well. I don’t have the Allak 2, but any red or black label Hilleberg tent will keep you safe. This would be an awesome setup.
Did you see my winter camping beginners guide by any chance? It’s a bit older but super valid. I’m hoping to create a new winter camping series, but life is crazy busy at the moment. But check out this video if you’re interested. There are lots of good tips for winter camping and gear. The Complete Beginners Guide To Winter Camping
th-cam.com/video/fPQY6QWgaHg/w-d-xo.html
Please let me know if you have any other questions, also about camping in the winter itself. I may take a couple of days to respond because I will be on the road the next two days, but I will answer you for sure. Let me know what gear you end up buying and how well it works. Greetings from Florida at the moment to you in Croatia! :)
Thanks for such a great and speedy reply, much appreciated!
I'm checking out your recommended beginners video and in the meantime - it seems I must decide between the Lynx and something "colder" like an Alpinlite. I might email Western mountaineeding and see what they have to say.
I'm stil unsure if it is possible to get a, say, -5C bag and "push it" via more clothing and the tent; I suppose these two must add a couple of degrees, no? @@adventuresandreams
@@alexander.starbuck you’re welcome! I love talking about gear. :D I’m not sure if you could push a minus 5 degree bag enough to stay warm. I’m a cold sleeper. My “normal “ sleeping bag for spring-fall is -10°C, but I never use it if it’s below freezing. It’s honestly worth it to invest in a warm bag for the winter to be safe and warm. The tent helps a lot, and also the sleeping pad, but it’s not enough in my opinion. I’m not sure what other sleeping bags Western Mountaineering has, but I bet they would help you make a choice. I seem to remember a chart with all of their options, but I only have my phone right now, and no time to look for it :D
Great video thanks 👍👍🇬🇧🇬🇧
Thank you so much. I'm glad you liked it :)
È stupendo dormire all'aperto in un bel sacco a pelo❤️
Non c'è niente di meglio al mondo :)
@@adventuresandreams verissimo.. è stupendo ♥️💕💞💗💖❤️❤️
@@adventuresandreams quando dormo nel sacco a pelo a mummia mi sento come se vago nell'universo..mi sento nella placenta di mia madre, mi sembra come se io nel mondo malato non esistessi più ma esisto solo dentro il sacco..protetto da tutte le cose brutte del mondo♥️♥️♥️
So cosa vuoi dire. Sono in pace e mi addormento con un sorriso sul viso quando sono nel sacco a pelo. (Sto usando Goggle translate. Spero sia OK)
@@adventuresandreams hai tradotto benissimo☺️sono contento che provi le stesse mie sensazioni quando dormi nel sacco a pelo.. è vero non c'è cosa più bella al mondo❤️sembra di stare dentro una soffice nuvola❤️
Io dormo tutte le notti in un sacco simile a questo..marca "aschiasport"
Non avevo mai sentito parlare di questo marchio prima d'ora. Avete un link?
@@adventuresandreams si infatti non si trova nemmeno su internet questa marca..io lo comprai in un mercatino dell'usato qui a Roma
velcro.... it is a very bad design element .... always scratchy....
Hi there, thanks for watching my video :) Yeah, velcro has its good and bad sides. It doesn't bother me too much on this sleeping bag, but my lighter 3-season bag always scratches me, and my clothes get caught on the velcro. I've been meaning to create a patch on top of it to prevent this from happening. I should create a quick "how to" video about that. :)