[pct-l] What's the better sleeping bag?

[terry_norton at iname.com (Terry Norton)]

Hi Brian,

I will break out of lurker mode to express my opinion on the manufactures.  I own 2 Western Mtng bags and one Feathered Friends bag.  All are of the highest quality construction.

One of the WM bags (-20F) shipped with a cord lock floating around in the down around shoulder level.  I had it fixed at a local shop for $5 which was less that the shipping for warranty service.  The used a WM HighLite for the summer portion of an AT thuhike as well as bike touring these days.  It is an incredible bag.  

There is something magic about Western Mountaineering down.

The FF Hummingbird was slightly customized.  The process took 8 weeks from order until the bag arrived.  Unfortunately, the bag was not correct.  Solving problems with the bag took two additional trips to FF and about 3 months.  On the final trip, the bag took over 6 weeks before it was returned.  The bag is wonderful, but the problems associated with getting it correct were disappointing.  If you want a FF bag, I would recommend ordering it with a minimum of custom features.  (Did anyone else need to add 2 ounces of down?  I am a warm sleeper and thought the bag was cold for the temp rating.)

Personally, I would choose an off the shelf Western Mountaineering bag if I didn't absolutely need something custom from Feathered Friends.

cheers,
terry

----- Original Message -----
From: "Brian Weber" <pies_con_queso@yahoo.com>
 
> 
> I've narrowed it down, and I'm not afraid to shell out the dough for the 
> ultra-light bag. What's your experience/preference?
> 
> Western Mountaineering Ultralite
> 
> or
> 
> Feathered Friends Hummingbird
> 
> I've tried on the WM, and it fit like a glove. Feathered Friends does do 
> custom fits, though. It seems my decision, although it's splitting hairs at 
> this point, has been narrowed down to the fabric quality. FF describes their 
> fabric choices and components in great detail. They tote Nextec "Epic" fabric 
> as being highly breathable while also being water resistant. WM just says 
> they use Pertex Quantum, which is obscenely light and finely woven.
> 
> Any thoughts?
> 
> 		
>
-------------------------------------------
Terry Norton
Boulder, Colorado