View Full Version : Wm Antelope Vs Wm Versalite
nitewalker
11-17-2009, 11:25
im on the prowl for a new sleeping bag and i am looking to get one around the o* to 10* range. my two options that interest me are the antelope and the versalite with overfill. on the antelope they have the gore windstoper 540.00$ and the microfiber 450.00$. is the windstoper bag worth the extra 90.00$ or not? i suppose if im looking for a warm bag then the windstoper would be the smarter way to go. the antelope weighs in at 2lb 7ozs if not mistaken. this leads me to the versalite with overfill. it will weigh 2lb 3oz with overfill and may be rated better then the 10* given to the bag with reg fill...i guess my real dilema is i cant make up my mind and i need some help. i would hope a few people on WB have thes bags and are willing to help me make an informed decision. i have studied the info available on the websites that sell the bag but knowledge from experienced people goes alot further then specs......thanks all, nitewalker
I have the versalite and my brother has the antelope. I think the antelope is overkill for likely hiking - You really going out in below 10* weather? I doubt I ever will so I got the regular fill versalite figuring that if I got caught in colder weather, I'd add a hot water bottle or two. I got a pic of the both of them on my desk - they are so puffed up they look like a pair of lifeboats.
juma
nitewalker
11-17-2009, 13:49
I have the versalite and my brother has the antelope. I think the antelope is overkill for likely hiking - You really going out in below 10* weather? I doubt I ever will so I got the regular fill versalite figuring that if I got caught in colder weather, I'd add a hot water bottle or two. I got a pic of the both of them on my desk - they are so puffed up they look like a pair of lifeboats.
juma
thanks juma! that is the stuff i would like to hear. the reason i am geting the bag is so i can do some winter hiking in temps around the 10* range and be lite and comfy. i need to ask is the antelope the gore windstoper or is it the microfiber bag??.....thanks again, nitewalker:D
bigcranky
11-17-2009, 13:50
I got the Antelope for winter hiking. Great bag, very warm into the single digits at night in a shelter (no tent.) Not sure what to tell you about the choice between that and the Versalite. I don't think the Windstopper is a good idea; winter bags need to breathe as much as possible to allow your perspiration to move through the bag and evaporate. But that's just MHO.
I have the WM Antelope and I can say that you won't get cold in it unless Hades really does freeze over. It's a typical WM product -- very well made, light weight, etc. But that said, I'm not 100% sure that I needed it. I had a WM Ultralight that wasn't working for me at all, and the problem was that it was a 59" shoulder girth, which is too tight for me. On cold nights when I had the thing zipped all the way up, my shoulders were wide enough so that it stretched the bag and thus compressed the fill, rendering much of the insulative down useless. The WM Antelope is a comfortable 63". In retrospect, I probably could have gotten away with a 20-degree bag with greater shoulder dimensions. The lesson to be drawn is make 100% sure that a sleeping bag is big enough for you -- if it's stretched, it loses a ton of insulative capacity.
I bought the Antelope because I typically hike in the late fall. I use a WM Summerlite for hiking in the late spring/summer.
Another point about the Antelope is that it's big -- 9 X 18 in the stuff sack, if I'm not mistaken. It will fit horizontally at the bottom of my Osprey 65 pack, but it won't fit that way in my ULA Circuit -- if I haul it in the stuff sack, it must be placed in the pack vertically which is kinda weird to me.
In rereading, if it sounds like I'm a gearhead, I'm not. I have 2 bags and 2 packs, which is one more of each than I need, but all the other krap I have isn't duplicated.
nitewalker
11-17-2009, 13:56
I got the Antelope for winter hiking. Great bag, very warm into the single digits at night in a shelter (no tent.) Not sure what to tell you about the choice between that and the Versalite. I don't think the Windstopper is a good idea; winter bags need to breathe as much as possible to allow your perspiration to move through the bag and evaporate. But that's just MHO.
thanks bcranky! so you think the windstoper may be a negative issue when it comes to breathability. sure throw another wrench into my decision, thanks..lol.....peace, nitewalker:D
bulldog49
11-17-2009, 14:48
thanks bcranky! so you think the windstoper may be a negative issue when it comes to breathability. sure throw another wrench into my decision, thanks..lol.....peace, nitewalker:D
bcranky is wrong. I have the windstopper Antelope and it breathes just fine. It is a bit heavier, but also a bit warmer, than the MF version. Most importantly, the reason I got it was for the added protection from damp weather.
bulldog49
11-17-2009, 15:11
Just to add: I've had my Antelope for 12 years. It's far and away the best piece of gear I have ever purchased. I mostly winter hike and it still keeps me warm in windy single digit conditions. I will never buy anything other than a WM bag, you just can't find better brand. :sun
nitewalker
11-17-2009, 18:17
bcranky is wrong. I have the windstopper Antelope and it breathes just fine. It is a bit heavier, but also a bit warmer, than the MF version. Most importantly, the reason I got it was for the added protection from damp weather.
thanks bulldog! so if i get the antelope will it stand up against some frost if i decided to sleep out with no shelter of any type? in other words rite under the stars. or should i ask how well will it stand up under conditions similar to above??:-? thanks, nitewalker:D
bigcranky
11-17-2009, 18:26
The standard microfiber shell will stand up just fine to frost. Mine has been covered in frost on a cold morning, no worries.
Bulldog, the Windstopper fabric has a membrane, which by definition will be less breathable than just the fabric alone. That said, I had no idea WM offered such a fabric, and have no experience with their particular implementation. But my experience with other down bags with various fabrics (Goretex, Pertex Endurance, etc.) would lead me to choose the standard microfiber (which has been great.)
nitewalker
11-17-2009, 19:31
here is some info on the makeup of western mountaineering bags....
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About | Product Details http://www.westernmountaineering.com/images/dot_clear.gif
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Materials
http://www.westernmountaineering.com/images/elements_yellowbar.gif Select a link for more information:
Why We Choose Down (http://www.westernmountaineering.com/index.cfm?section=About&page=Product%20Details&viewpost=2&ContentId=4#1)
Fill Power Testing (http://www.westernmountaineering.com/index.cfm?section=About&page=Product%20Details&viewpost=2&ContentId=4#2)
850 Plus Fill Power Goose Down (http://www.westernmountaineering.com/index.cfm?section=About&page=Product%20Details&viewpost=2&ContentId=4#3)
Microlite XP™ (http://www.westernmountaineering.com/index.cfm?section=About&page=Product%20Details&viewpost=2&ContentId=4#4)
What Is Microfiber? (http://www.westernmountaineering.com/index.cfm?section=About&page=Product%20Details&viewpost=2&ContentId=4#5)
Gore Windstopper™ 830 Fabric (http://www.westernmountaineering.com/index.cfm?section=About&page=Product%20Details&viewpost=2&ContentId=4#6)
Extremelite™ Fabrics (http://www.westernmountaineering.com/index.cfm?section=About&page=Product%20Details&viewpost=2&ContentId=4#7)
YKK Zippers (http://www.westernmountaineering.com/index.cfm?section=About&page=Product%20Details&viewpost=2&ContentId=4#8)
Baffle Material (http://www.westernmountaineering.com/index.cfm?section=About&page=Product%20Details&viewpost=2&ContentId=4#9)
Water Repellent Treatments (http://www.westernmountaineering.com/index.cfm?section=About&page=Product%20Details&viewpost=2&ContentId=4#10)
Abrasion Resistant Taffeta (http://www.westernmountaineering.com/index.cfm?section=About&page=Product%20Details&viewpost=2&ContentId=4#11)
Why We Choose Down
Since our beginning, Western Mountaineering has always felt that high fill power goose down is the best insulation material available. This natural fiber, while highly variable in nature, provides more warmth per ounce than any other material. Down's unique structure is responsible for its tremendous ability to trap warm air. Its filaments are divided and sub-divided to reach out into its surroundings to create a dead air space that slows the movement of warm air. By its very nature, a down filled sleeping bag is as much as 35% lighter than its synthetic counterparts. It is more compressible than synthetic insulations and provides the most warmth with the least bulk. Down also is known to have the greatest longevity, and it will outlast any other insulation by 3 to 5 times, making it the most economical choice after its initial investment. Down sleeping bags drape luxuriously over the body and ensure good coverage and warm contact. There is nothing else like down.
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Fill Power Testing
http://www.westernmountaineering.com/db_images/about/filltest.jpgTo perform a certified test, a sample of down is sent to an independent laboratory. There the sample is placed in a large screened box and allowed to condition for 5 days before being tested. During this time the sample is stirred, mixed, and blown with a warm hair dryer. This conditioning is intended to stabilize the sample so that consistent results may be obtained. Then a 1 ounce sample is drawn and placed into a measuring cylinder. A piston weighted to 68.4 grams is placed on top of the down and when it comes to rest the volume of the down is measured in cubic inches. In spite of 5 days of conditioning, the laboratory will publish their results with a plus or minus 5% error. This is a full 10% range and for an 850 fill test, results in an 80 point variance! Furthermore, conditioning actually improves the sample by drying and blowing out dust and other small particles while the down at the factory remains unconditioned! This is what we mean by an Optimistic fill power rather than a Practical fill power rating. If two bags have the same internal volume, the bag with more loft will be warmer.
If two bags have the same loft, the bag with the smaller internal volume will be more efficient and warmer. If two bags have the same loft and internal volume, but one has a lot more down fill by weight, then check the density of down inside the chambers and the fill power claimed by the manufacturer. Well filled down chambers provide better down control.
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850 Plus Fill Power Goose Down
Western Mountaineering uses the highest lofting premium goose down available for all of our sleeping bags. Our fill power claim of 850 Plus is meant to be a realistic estimate given the variability of the product and the nature of fill power test methods. In reality, our certified tests most often are higher than what we claim. This is because the certified test methods provide the most optimistic fill power rating and do not represent what is being put into your sleeping bag. Recently, these testing methods for fill power changed again making the fill power ratings even higher. Now, each sample of down will receive a tumble dry before it is given several days to loft up in a perfectly controlled environment. During that time it is enhanced by using a blow dryer to boost loft. Your sleeping bag will never receive that kind of treatment, and this is why we claim a more practical fill power. Rest assured, we use only the finest goose down available.
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Microlite XP™
http://www.westernmountaineering.com/db_images/about/Microlite-XP-Logo.jpgOur new 20 Denier MicroLite XP™ microfiber reduces the total weights of the bags in this series by 15 to 20 percent! It is the highest threadcount fabric we have ever used with over 400 threads per square inch. We have worked closely with our supplier to develop this new fabric which is highly water resistant, highly breathable, and very light weight. Its hard to imagine a more impressive combination of performance characteristics in a shell fabric.
http://www.westernmountaineering.com/db_images/icon_top.gif (http://www.westernmountaineering.com/index.cfm?section=About&page=Product%20Details&viewpost=2&ContentId=4#top)
What Is Microfiber?
http://www.westernmountaineering.com/db_images/about/microfiber.jpgA microfiber fabric is very water resistant because of its combination of high thread count and makeup of dense yarns. Each micofiber yarn has many more filaments than a normal nylon or polyester yarn of equivalent size. Woven into high thread count material, it becomes a fabric that really keeps wind and water out. Since there is no coating or laminate on the material, it is highly breathable. The fabric construction is responsible for weather proofness, it's not something that can wear off, wash out or delaminate. This is the most technologically advanced non-laminated weather resistant fabric available. Look for bags with a microfiber shell if you expect some contact with moisture.
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Gore Windstopper™ 830 Fabric
http://www.westernmountaineering.com/db_images/about/Gore-Gore%20Windstopper.gifOur Gore Windstopper™ fabric, manufactured by W.L. Gore and Associates, is the most weather resistant/breathable fabric available and provides the ultimate protection against moisture and condensation. The face fabric is a 273 thread count 30 denier fabric that weighs 1.1 ounces per square yard. This is the lightest and most compressible Gore Windstopper™ fabric available and the one with the softest hand. After laminating, it's finished weight is about 1.7 oz. per yard. The breathability of the Gore Windstopper™ membrane reduces the threat of condensation while remaining plenty water resistant for the needs of a sleeping bag. Use Gore Windstopper™ sleeping bags in damp or extreme conditions to prevent moisture from reducing down performance. Some winter conditions may require the use of the Hot Sac™ vapor barrier liner to provide the most optimum performance.
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Extremelite™ Fabrics
http://www.westernmountaineering.com/db_images/about/pertex-quan.gifOur search never ends for the lightest weight downproof fabrics to feature in our special use ExtremeLite™ bags. For these bags we have worked with suppliers to develop extremely high thread count fabrics with ultra http://www.westernmountaineering.com/db_images/about/fabrics.jpglightweight yarns not seen in the sleeping bag market before. These fabrics are constructed from yarns that are 20 denier or finer with up to a 380 thread count. Our ExtremeLite™ series features 7 speciality bags that range from 14 ounces to 2 pounds total weight! These bags are designed for special applications where compressed volume and weight are critical factors. Although some durability is sacrificed with these lighter fabrics, our ExtremeLite™ bags are perfect for the lightweight specialist. Our lightest weight jackets and vests also feature a very lightweight shell fabric. These materials weigh less than 1 oz. per square yard, allowing us to make some of the lightest insulated garments you will find. Extra care should be taken to avoid tearing or abrasion damage to products made with these specialized lightweight fabrics.
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YKK Zippers
We use a #5 YKK coil zipper with two dual direction pulls and locking head. This zipper is lighter weight and less bulky than the old #7 zipper. The coil construction has a less abrasive surface in the event of zipper snags and provides years of trouble free operation.
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Baffle Material
Pre-cut no-see-um netting is what we use for all internal baffles. This material is firm to prevent distortion, but flexible enough to insure compressibility. It is extremely lightweight and durable.
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Water Repellent Treatments
All of our fabrics are finished with a DWR, (Durable Water Repellent) that is rated as 80/20. This is an industry measure of durability that suggests that 80% DWR is retained after 20 washings. In reality this rating is for laboratory test procedure only and is not realistic for home washing.
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Abrasion Resistant Taffeta
We use a more durable fabric at the foot sections of our three expedition Gore Windstopper™ bags. This material is woven with heavier yarns so the inside of your bag is protected when you store gear or boot liners at the foot of your bag. The Gore Gore Windstopper logo is a registered trademark of W.L. Gore & Associates. Inc.
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Thanks for starting this thread Nitewalker - Very timely. I'm currently reconsidering my sleeping bag lineup. The 5 * WM Antelope MF, 10 * WM Versalite, and 20* WM Ultralite all in the long version along with 0 * MontBell Spiral Down Hugger(long) and Feathered Friends 20 * Hummingbird(customized) are all bags I'm carefully considering to be added to a 4 yr old 15 * Marmot Helium and 35 * WM Highlite. I spend 150- 200+ nights per yr. in a sleeping bag.
That's what I'm doing. Now about you. I think it would help you if you could get more specific about how often you plan on camping in temps at 5* and slightly below that temp. It might also help to know what kind of shelter you are most likely to use. Sleeping in an enclosed tent is going to add some warmth. Sleeping under a tarp or in a hammock is probably going to rob you of some warmth. Adding a bivy or a cocoon liner is going to add up to 10 * of warmth. Sleeping with an extra layer can add to your warmth. Typically, while hiking in the U.S., I spend 75 % or more of my nights cowboy or bivy camping. All these things, and some others, play a role for me in what temp rated bag I choose.
Personally, although the Antelope GWS (Gore Wind Stopper) will provide the greastest warmth I wouldn't go about it going that route. I would rather get a Antelope MF and avoid the cost, versatilty, and steep unchangeable wt penalties by going with my 7 oz UL WR Momentum bivy, if need be, to extend the temp rating, and to go even further, add my 4 oz silk liner to increase the temp rating. And remember the bivy and liner change other characteristics of my sleep system that go beyond just increasing the temp rating. Beyond that I would add clothing to stay warm. Then it reaches the pt where it's time to go to a colder rated temp bag. This way I could keep some money in my pocket, to probably be spent on other gear, and have greater flexibility in tweaking the range of my temp rating, sleeping system wt., and WR windproofing characteristics of my sleeping bag.
If you are just looking for a straight up comparison between the WM Versalite and WM Antelope MF it seems to me a 5 * temp difference isn't all that much of a temp difference in sleeping bags. I think that difference is even less if you add 3 oz overfill to the Versalite. In an 3 oz overfilled Versalite(reg) what's the temp rating? Maybe 8*? If I was you I would be asking myself, "what serves me better - 8 * 2 lbs. 3 oz 23 oz fill wt Versalite or 5 * 2 lbs 7 oz 26 oz fill wt Antelope MF? Now it mostly comes down to do re mi. Unless you're in the habit of buying many closely temp rated sleeping bags I think you also have to keep an eye on how your new sleeping bag fits in with the other sleeping bags you have. Hope some of what I said helps and hasn't got your head even dizzier! As complicated as all this may initially sound consider yourself fortunate that Western Mountaineering at least has accurate temp ratings!
nitewalker
11-17-2009, 20:12
Thanks for starting this thread Nitewalker - Very timely. I'm currently reconsidering my sleeping bag lineup. The 5 * WM Antelope MF, 10 * WM Versalite, and 20* WM Ultralite all in the long version along with 0 * MontBell Spiral Down Hugger(long) and Feathered Friends 20 * Hummingbird(customized) are all bags I'm carefully considering to be added to a 4 yr old 15 * Marmot Helium and 35 * WM Highlite. I spend 150- 200+ nights per yr. in a sleeping bag.
That's what I'm doing. Now about you. I think it would help you if you could get more specific about how often you plan on camping in temps at 5* and slightly below that temp. It might also help to know what kind of shelter you are most likely to use. Sleeping in an enclosed tent is going to add some warmth. Sleeping under a tarp or in a hammock is probably going to rob you of some warmth. Adding a bivy or a cocoon liner is going to add up to 10 * of warmth. Sleeping with an extra layer can add to your warmth. Typically, while hiking in the U.S., I spend 75 % or more of my nights cowboy or bivy camping. All these things, and some others, play a role for me in what temp rated bag I choose.
Personally, although the Antelope GWS (Gore Wind Stopper) will provide the greastest warmth I wouldn't go about it going that route. I would rather get a Antelope MF and avoid the cost, versatilty, and steep unchangeable wt penalties by going with my 7 oz UL WR Momentum bivy, if need be, to extend the temp rating, and to go even further, add my 4 oz silk liner to increase the temp rating. And remember the bivy and liner change other characteristics of my sleep system that go beyond just increasing the temp rating. Beyond that I would add clothing to stay warm. Then it reaches the pt where it's time to go to a colder rated temp bag. This way I could keep some money in my pocket, to probably be spent on other gear, and have greater flexibility in tweaking the range of my temp rating, sleeping system wt., and WR windproofing characteristics of my sleeping bag.
If you are just looking for a straight up comparison between the WM Versalite and WM Antelope MF it seems to me a 5 * temp difference isn't all that much of a temp difference in sleeping bags. I think that difference is even less if you add 3 oz overfill to the Versalite. In an 3 oz overfilled Versalite(reg) what's the temp rating? Maybe 8*? If I was you I would be asking myself, "what serves me better - 8 * 2 lbs. 3 oz 23 oz fill wt Versalite or 5 * 2 lbs 7 oz 26 oz fill wt Antelope MF? Now it mostly comes down to do re mi. Unless you're in the habit of buying many closely temp rated sleeping bags I think you also have to keep an eye on how your new sleeping bag fits in with the other sleeping bags you have. Hope some of what I said helps and hasn't got your head even dizzier! As complicated as all this may initially sound consider yourself fortunate that Western Mountaineering at least has accurate temp ratings!
dogwood your welcome!!
you asked me about myself,well im a gearhead just looking to upgrade to the best setup possible. when will i use the bag? mostly all my winter treks around ct, mass, r.i., n.h. and where ever else needed..
this may sound nuts but what you said is 100% the thought process i had. i just needed someone else to point it out for me. in my mind i eliminated the GWS and am heavily leaning toward the MF after reading more about each material. im going to stay away from the versalite for the reasoni am looking for a warmer bag and i should not sacrafice warmth and comfort for a bag that is 4 ozs lighter after th overfill..so the MF antelope it will be. i have one more question. im 5ft 5in athletic build ,should i get the 5ft 6in bag or get the slightly larger bag? how tight do they fit?
peace and happy hiking!!:D
.....I have the windstopper Antelope and it breathes just fine. It is a bit heavier, but also a bit warmer, than the MF version. Most importantly, the reason I got it was for the added protection from damp weather... Bulldog
And, that's the main reason I would expect most to opt for the GWS version.
thanks bulldog! so if i get the antelope will it stand up against some frost if i decided to sleep out with no shelter of any type? in other words rite under the stars. or should i ask how well will it stand up under conditions similar to above?? - Nitewalker
Yes, but Bulldog also has the Antelope GWS version not the lighter Antelope MF version. IMO, the GWS adds quite a bit more wt than the Antelope MF version, so aside from the Antelop GWS being a warmer bag than the Antelope MF, yes, it will do a better job of protecting the down. Now ask yourself Nitewalker, "how often am I going to be exposing my sleeping bag to damp conditions and could I possibly protect the down using other less expensive more versatile ways?" Not saying this is right for you, but I would rather have a lighter wt Antelope MF and protect the down from wet conditions by spending those nights under my 7 oz Spinnaker tarp or under slightly damp(not full rain) conditions with just my 7 oz WR bivy. You could do something similar by spending those wet or damp nights in a tent or hammock instead of sleeping out under the stars. This way I save the wt. and cost of GWS and I have the option of having a bag that doesn't need GWS if I'm planning a hike where there is little chance of rain. OPTIONS!
Besides, just from the stand pt of protecting the down from frost, I agree with bigcranky, the MicroFiber fabric does a decent job of doing that.
...well im a gearhead just looking to upgrade to the best setup possible.... WM is a GREAT choice! IMO, you're on the right track!
when will i use the bag? mostly all my winter treks around ct, mass, r.i., n.h. and where ever else needed..
Based on what you said here you need the 5 * bag or possibly even one with a lower temp rating! It can certainly get down below 0* in those states in winter!
this may sound nuts but what you said is 100% the thought process i had. i just needed someone else to point it out for me. in my mind i eliminated the GWS and am heavily leaning toward the MF after reading more about each material. im going to stay away from the versalite for the reasoni am looking for a warmer bag and....
.....i should not sacrafice warmth and comfort for a bag that is 4 ozs lighter after th overfill.... that's thinking wisely! For winter camping these factors are SOOO important! We sometimes get spoiled by our UL 3 season thru-hiking set-ups that we mistakenly believe we can get away with those wts during winter! NAH! The hiking conditions change! The priorities change!
...the MF antelope it will be. i have one more question. im 5ft 5in athletic build ,should i get the 5ft 6in bag or get the slightly larger bag? how tight do they fit?
I can't tell you that. Both the reg and short lengths have the same 62" chest girth. Try out the short bag first. How does it feel as far as length with the hood up and you wearing what you might be expected to wear out on the trail? Buy from an outfitter that easily accepts returns. If the 5'6" short version is too short replace it with the 6'0" reg version. Just remember that in the winter we sometimes wear bulkier clothing in our sleeping bags.
Nitewalker,
I have a Versalite and really like it, but cannot compare it with another bag, but I would think that if you're in a tent ( i know you said you might sleep under the stars some) you wouldn't need the windstopper. As far as the length, I'd spring for the longer size so you can store stuff in there with you on a frigid night.
Black Sheep
11-17-2009, 22:39
I've had the Apache MF for 11 years now and have absolutely no complaints. It is a bit narrow, but very efficient and extremely light. Last year I bought the Kodiak in a MF as well, forgoing the GWS for the more breathable shell.
Look at it this way- there have been many mornings ( I have guided on and off for the last 10 years) when I've had a layer of frost on my bag from either dew/frost or respiration/ perspiration. With a microfiber shell, that perspiration actually makes it through the bag and onto the outside. Windstopper will limit that breathability (not entirely, but to be sure it is not as breathable as microfiber). Microfiber is also a very quick drying material. My bags are both dark colors and the dampness dries fairly completely before breakfast is finished when hung out in the sun.
Windstopper certainly has its place. If you are likely to spend lots of time in a snow shelter, sleep exclusively without a tent, or are on a longer expedition, windstopper is tough to beat. However, keep in mind that even on expeditions WM encourages the use of a vapor barrier to help maintain the integrity of the down- many bags lose 10+% of their loft over the course of an alpine expedition.
Hope this helps. As with any of these viewpoints, YMMV. Good luck.
Some good pts BlackSheep. I'm reading what some of you are writing about WM bags.
Bulldog has a WM bag for 12 yrs!
BlackSheep has a WM bag for 11 yrs!
I put at least 100 nights per yr on my WM Highlite! I've been doing so for 4 consecutive yrs. The bag still looks and lofts great!
Sure, WM might make an expensive bag but look at the yrs of dependable reliable service you get in a compressible light wt package with an accurate temp rating! When you can get that many yrs or nights of comfortable sleep with all the other great characteristics in a WM sleeping bag it doesn't seem all that expensive to me!
spirit4earth
11-18-2009, 11:00
i have a versalite with overfill--the weight with WM stuffsack is 2lbs 8oz.
Proud owner of the WM Antelope here, microfiber shell.
The purchase was a lifetime and survival investment. Survival meaning winter snowbound or injured.
Its a great 3 season bag, summer excluded.
Had it out down to 15* mountaintop degrees and was plenty comfy, just make sure you have adequate insulation under it, 1" foam or combo of foam and air, or insulated air.
thanks juma! that is the stuff i would like to hear. the reason i am geting the bag is so i can do some winter hiking in temps around the 10* range and be lite and comfy. i need to ask is the antelope the gore windstoper or is it the microfiber bag??.....thanks again, nitewalker:D
microfiber.
bulldog49
11-19-2009, 10:27
thanks bulldog! so if i get the antelope will it stand up against some frost if i decided to sleep out with no shelter of any type? in other words rite under the stars. or should i ask how well will it stand up under conditions similar to above??:-? thanks, nitewalker:D
It will do fine. I've woke up in shelters where snow or rain blew in and covered the bag. The outer shell was damp but the down was dry. This was the first down bag I purchased and I was a bit paranoid about the warnings of keeping a down bag dry, so I opted for the added protection of the dri-loft shell. That is a personal decison on whether the added couple ozs in wt is worth a few degrees additional warmth and added moisture protection. But I repeat there is no issue with breathability. However you decide, you can't go wrong with either bag.
nitewalker
11-20-2009, 09:27
im starting to lean back towards the GWS antelope. im geting the bag so i can use it in adverse conditions and have less wrry about the elements. so for that reason alone i should buy the bag that will work under the added stress. i plan on doing alot of small hikes without the protection of a shelter so this is the correct choice. weight really means nothing. i regularly carry 25lbs or more. i like to be comfortable when i hike. i like extra food, extra drink;), extra warmth and all my silly gadgets:eek:....i can sacrafice a shelter on these types of hikes.... this bag will not be for thru hiking...
thanks everyone for all the input, keep it coming because i still need to make a decision. give me your pros and cons in defense of your product.
thank you, nitewalker:D
humunuku
11-20-2009, 13:26
Windstopper/dryloft packs up a little bigger and is harder to get into a stuffsack - stuffing it in inside out makes it easier though. I have WM Antelope WS and two WM MF bags - they are all good.
johnarthur39
11-22-2009, 20:49
I currently have two WM bags, a badger and a kodiak. I have gone with the MF shell on all three. I previously had a Dryloft Antelope. I liked the Antelope but didn't care for the dryloft shell. I found that it didn't breath as well as the microfiber shell, retained more dampness in the down and took longer to dry. I sold it and bought the Kodiak in the MF shell and two ounces of overfill. I went with the Kodiak as it is wider than the Antelope. I later bought the Badger for warmer conditions for the same reasons. I like the wider width.
nitewalker
11-23-2009, 12:03
I currently have two WM bags, a badger and a kodiak. I have gone with the MF shell on all three. I previously had a Dryloft Antelope. I liked the Antelope but didn't care for the dryloft shell. I found that it didn't breath as well as the microfiber shell, retained more dampness in the down and took longer to dry. I sold it and bought the Kodiak in the MF shell and two ounces of overfill. I went with the Kodiak as it is wider than the Antelope. I later bought the Badger for warmer conditions for the same reasons. I like the wider width.
thanks jon! i was wondering how the wind stoper bags would dry after becoming moist and your post confirms one of my fears. gws takes longer to dry than the mf bag when damp. im still pondering on what way to go. i may even beat up the bags i currently have and get the wm bag next season...thanks:D
nitewalker
11-25-2009, 09:36
well i have called at least 8 different dealers within 150 miles of where i live and they do not have the antelope mf at 5ft 6in , i also checked prices and came up with the conclusion these bags do not go on sale ever. the best i did was to get a dealer to give me 10 percent off if i buy two bags. now im tossing the notion around of buying two bags. a friend of mine mite be interested on buying one but he wants to scrape up the money 1st. i guess this will allow me to hold off on the purchase until he gets the loot....well for now i will still be using my ems mtn lt 0* and 20* bags for the winter or at least most of it.........peace
bigcranky
11-25-2009, 16:59
I would get the Regular bag, not the short. Having a few extra inches to stretch out, and to put things that you don't want frozen, is good. I put my camera, Aqua Mira, that sort of thing, down at the bottom of the bag.
WM bags don't usually go on sale. I got my Antelope on a closeout when the local outfitter stopped carrying that model, so it was, ahem, 40% off. Got my hiking partner to get one, too.
nitewalker
01-07-2010, 09:39
has anyone switced to a different stuff sack for the antelope mf bag? seems i could compress the bag a tad more but i would like to hear what some of you are doing before i go get another compresion sack... thanks , nitewalker
bigcranky
01-07-2010, 14:17
I use a Granite Gear compression sack. The sack that came with my Antelope was too long and skinny, and didn't fit well in my pack.
im on the prowl for a new sleeping bag and i am looking to get one around the o* to 10* range. my two options that interest me are the antelope and the versalite with overfill. on the antelope they have the gore windstoper 540.00$ and the microfiber 450.00$. is the windstoper bag worth the extra 90.00$ or not? i suppose if im looking for a warm bag then the windstoper would be the smarter way to go. the antelope weighs in at 2lb 7ozs if not mistaken. this leads me to the versalite with overfill. it will weigh 2lb 3oz with overfill and may be rated better then the 10* given to the bag with reg fill...i guess my real dilema is i cant make up my mind and i need some help. i would hope a few people on WB have thes bags and are willing to help me make an informed decision. i have studied the info available on the websites that sell the bag but knowledge from experienced people goes alot further then specs......thanks all, nitewalker
Hello Nitewalker. I've had both a WM Antelope Super w/Dl and overfill and currently have a Versalite with overfill (have had four WM bags and always get the overfill).
The Versalite is a bit lighter (mine weighs 2lbs 2ozs). Were I wanting a slightly "tougher" bag with a minor amount of extra weight I'd consider the Antelope with a micro-fiber shell. Forget the DL, not worth the expense.
At the end of the day, they're essentially the same bag.