What would you get for your 'top cover'?

**Lupus** · 12-07-2012, 00:12

Ok, odds are this Christmas I will find myself with enough money to get one of the following sleeping bags (I need a sleeping bag for versatility instead of a TQ):

A Mountain Hardwear Phantom 32* for $259

or

A Western Mountaineering Summerlite 32* for $330

If I get the Mountain Hardware, then I still have $100 left to spend on other gear I need, like a quality Tarp (although I think my wife is getting me the MacCat Tarp of my choice for Christmas), or some other gear essentials, perhaps the materials for a DIY down UQ.

If it were your choice, which would you get and why?

**breyman** · 12-07-2012, 00:16

Western Mountaineering. All the way. Like other gear, spending a little more at beginning goes a long way. Their quality is best in the business, in my opinion.

I'd get it for the quality and the fact that their temp ratings are usually conservative and weights light.

**pgibson** · 12-07-2012, 00:35

If I were buying a bag it would be a Western Mountaineering. Sold them for a few years at a gear shop and nothing else on the shelf even came close....as much a cottage vendor as there is in main stream gear, and the quality is reflected in their bags.

**stalker42** · 12-07-2012, 01:03

Is it THAT much better to make it worth all that cash? Its a 32 degree bag that seems like alot of money to me. What make it worth 250 more than say a Kelty 20 degree down bag?

**breyman** · 12-07-2012, 01:11

Originally Posted by stalker42

Is it THAT much better to make it worth all that cash? Its a 32 degree bag that seems like alot of money to me. What make it worth 250 more than say a Kelty 20 degree down bag?

In the end it can be a bit subjective, I suppose. Why buy a Ferrari over a Toyota? They both get you to the same place.

There are a few specific benefits, though:
- Made and sold in the USA.
- Lighter.
- As (or maybe even more) warm.
- Higher build quality. It'll last longer.

If you camp a few times a year, it probably isn't worth it. But, the more I use gear over the years the more I appreciate having quality, light, durable gear that I can fully trust to get the job done.

**MAD777** · 12-07-2012, 06:24

You get what you pay for with Western Mountaineering. All my bags are W.M. and I consider them a good value. Their temperature ratings are conservative unlike most others that are highly optimistic. By the time you buy another brand's 20* bag to compare to a W.M. 32* bag, the other brand will weigh twice as much. This would be fine for car camping, but not backpacking.

**SwinginIt** · 12-07-2012, 07:01

Western Mountaineering. Period.

**Brute1100** · 12-07-2012, 08:48

Not to throw a wrench but go lite has a topquilt for sale alot cheaper than those, its 700 down I believe... Something like $120 or so if my memory is right but its only 40*

**rickycodie** · 12-07-2012, 09:00

I love my go lite top quilt. I've found it to be good past the 20° mark too, but i sleep warm. If we are talking about the same model then it's around $200, 1.2lbs, packs down to about the length of my size 12 shoes, and is very comfy.

**Two Tents** · 12-07-2012, 09:17

Of those two choices I'd go with the WM. Great quality and it will most likely get you to the temperature it is rated for. More money but worth it IMO.