Sleeping Bag Fabric Durability

[Tiny Tim]

I am looking to purchase a new 10-20 degree bag for backcountry hunting. I have narrowed it down to a couple choices in the Western Mountaineering and Feathered Friends lines. I am not terribly hard on my equipment, but there is a vast difference between "car camping", a through hike, and a back country hunt with all the associated gear. I'd like to stay near 2lbs, but likely be in the 2lb 3-6oz range.

My question is, for back country hunts, how much do the 10-12 Denier fabrics used in the ExtremeLite/Ultralight bags sacrifice durability over the more standard 20 Denier fabrics used in the Microfiber and FF standard bags? Is the weight difference worth the price difference ($100-$150 for 2oz weight reduction) in their respective lines?

As always, I appreciate any advice/shared experiences.

 

[BillLarson]

Whats wrong with a mil surplus bag and cover..... thousands have been made tested and used.....

 

[Tiny Tim]

Whats wrong with a mil surplus bag and cover..... thousands have been made tested and used.....

Never considered them. Seem heavy and difficult to find specs.

 

[BillLarson]

Never considered them. Seem heavy and difficult to find specs.

Well...... thousands of men were glad to have them....

 

[1wildcatfan]

Well...... thousands of men were glad to have them....

They didn't have choices other than to use what was issued, or not use it.

 

[BillLarson]

They didn't have choices other than to use what was issued, or not use it.

They were produced as required specs dictated....... careful requirements......used all over the world..... rather than take the word of an advertisement or opinion from a few......

 

[Dean2]

Military spec is often over built and heavier as a result. It is good, robust gear, but weight is generally the penalty. Guns, clothing, boots, all exhibit this same trade off. Hummers were a heck of a vehicle for military use, but weight, width and fuel mileage made them less than suitable for civilian use.

So to answer your question, the lighter material is not as robust as the thicker stuff, but of course is lighter. If you are packing it on your back, the weight matters, if you are going in on horse or ATV, I would pick the thicker material.

Most of the thinner coverings stand up just fine to normal use. If you are going to be using them where abrasion is an issue, that is where you will see the problem. Other than rub spots, which can be patched, they stand up fine to most everything else.

 

[Theringworm]

I own the Feathered Friends Swallow 20 UL and the Western Mountaineering Summerlite (32 degrees). The Summerlite was a purchase of desperation as my spouse showed up on our trip without packing her sleeping bag. The Summerlite was the best option at the store for the time of year we needed it for. Having said that, I do not regret at all buying it. It's my favorite of the two bags mainly because of that softer outer shell. Both have been on many backpacking and hunting trips over the years. Neither shell has ever torn, frayed or been an issue. Yes, the Extremelite series shells feel thin and delicate, but they are very soft and have held up to my use. Sure, you can tell the shell on the Feathered Friends is thicker thus likely being more durable. Other things to consider would be times of year/temps/weather that may sway you one way or the other. I use my Summerlite for late Spring, Summer and early Fall. All other seasons I run the Swallow.

All that said, you are talking about a 2-6 ounce weight penalty at most and a marginal extra 1-2" packed length if you went with a WM MF shell compared to the Extremelite shell. The Feathered friends is about the same weight as the WM Extremelight but has the thicker shell.

I would call WM and speak with them directly. They are super helpful.

 

[BillLarson]

Military spec is often over built and heavier as a result. It is good, robust gear, but weight is generally the penalty. Guns, clothing, boots, all exhibit this same trade off. Hummers were a heck of a vehicle for military use, but weight, width and fuel mileage made them less than suitable for civilian use.

So to answer your question, the lighter material is not as robust as the thicker stuff, but of course is lighter. If you are packing it on your back, the weight matters, if you are going in on horse or ATV, I would pick the thicker material.

Most of the thinner coverings stand up just fine to normal use. If you are going to be using them where abrasion is an issue, that is where you will see the problem. Other than rub spots, which can be patched, they stand up fine to most everything else.

Yes they are heavier.....well built for a reason...... I have slept outside in 2` of snow in no. Wis. sno-shoeing..... open air....we each built a small lean to to direct heat..... neither of us got up to stoke the fire.... stayed curled up all nite.....

 

[Koda_]

I am looking to purchase a new 10-20 degree bag for backcountry hunting. I have narrowed it down to a couple choices in the Western Mountaineering and Feathered Friends lines. I am not terribly hard on my equipment, but there is a vast difference between "car camping", a through hike, and a back country hunt with all the associated gear. I'd like to stay near 2lbs, but likely be in the 2lb 3-6oz range.

My question is, for back country hunts, how much do the 10-12 Denier fabrics used in the ExtremeLite/Ultralight bags sacrifice durability over the more standard 20 Denier fabrics used in the Microfiber and FF standard bags? Is the weight difference worth the price difference ($100-$150 for 2oz weight reduction) in their respective lines?

As always, I appreciate any advice/shared experiences.

I have years of experience with UL sleeping bags and UL backpacking gear and the weight savings is worth it.

Its not like we use sleeping bags on the direct ground, they go on a sleeping pad on a ground cloth or tent bottom. When not in use they go in a stuff compression sack where they are even more protected.

The UL fabrics are durable, keep them clean and they will last years of hard use, they are worth the high price. Whatever you get dont go over 3lbs, its worth the price.

 

[dfanonymous]

Yes they are heavier.....well built for a reason...... I have slept outside in 2` of snow in no. Wis. sno-shoeing..... open air....we each built a small lean to to direct heat..... neither of us got up to stoke the fire.... stayed curled up all nite.....

Any rated for winter conditions are about 3.5 lbs because of the synthetic requirements for a standard size, which is not UL like the OP is talking about.

The other problem is military stuff, at least the modern gear is used in systems. The test ratings was done with military layers, in a military shelter, for men that are physically capable of humping the weight. (Not glad to have them, it sucks walking up a mountain in snow shoes with over 100 lbs pack on. )

Not only do you need the systems but you would probably want the training that goes with it to know what goes with what to make it to ___ degrees F.

 

[Tiny Tim]

I have years of experience with UL sleeping bags and UL backpacking gear and the weight savings is worth it.

Its not like we use sleeping bags on the direct ground, they go on a sleeping pad on a ground cloth or tent bottom. When not in use they go in a stuff compression sack where they are even more protected.

The UL fabrics are durable, keep them clean and they will last years of hard use, they are worth the high price. Whatever you get dont go over 3lbs, its worth the price.

Agree with all stated. No problems in your pack? Do you always put it in a compression sack?

I am honestly looking that direction but it's a tidy sum and am seeking experienced advice.

Thank you.

 

[Tiny Tim]

I would call WM and speak with them directly. They are super helpful.

I did call once and the guy I talked to wasn't particularly helpful. Felt like I was talking to the dude from Fast Times at Ridgemont High.

Playing with numbers along with specific bag models, you're exactly right, about a 6oz max savings. It's not apples to apples. More like apples to hybrid apples.

 

[1wildcatfan]

I have two Mont Bell bags. Really like them.