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WM Highlite vs Summerlite


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  • #1226724
    Frank Perkins
    Member

    @fperkins

    Locale: North East

    Looking at the specs for the 6' bags on WM website, shouldn't the weight difference be 1 ounce? What am I missing?

    Why is the Summerlite 3 ounces heavier if it only has 1 ounce more fill and is exactly the same size? Wouldn't it be one ounce?

    #1416066
    Don Wilson
    BPL Member

    @don-1-2-2

    Locale: Koyukuk River, Alaska

    The Summerlite has baffles, while the Highlite uses sewn through construction. This will add weight and also warmth to the Summerlite. In my experience, the Summerlite is quite warm – an excellent bag. THough I have no experience with the Highlight.

    Don

    #1416067
    Andrew Richard
    Member

    @fairweather8588

    Locale: The Desert

    the Highlite has a 1/2 length zipper. If I had to buy another mummy, Id go for the Summerlite. The full zipper is more useful, IMO.
    The point is moot, however if you use a quilt. (pros/cons to each but I now highly recommend quilts.)

    #1416070
    Robert C
    BPL Member

    @beenay25

    Locale: Midwest

    As people have said, the full zipper and the baffled construction of the Summerlite add weight, warmth, and convenience. With a full zipper, you can be more comfortable on 45-55 degree nights where you need some sort of insulation, but zipping yourself up into a mummy bag would be hot and sweaty.

    My Summerlite (reg. length) weighs 20 ounces, not 19 ounces as claimed. However, I have owned several other items by Western Mountaineering (including a Flight vest, Flight jacket, and a Versalite Super) and they're all about 1-2.5 ounces over the claimed weights. As a Summerlite user, I think a 16 ounce mummy bag rated to 35 degrees is appealing, despite the 1/2 length zipper, but given my experiences, I doubt I would actually get one that weighs exactly 16 ounces.

    #1416087
    David Neumann
    BPL Member

    @idahomtman

    Locale: Southern Oregon Coast

    I've owned a WM Highlite and it was a very high quality bag but the 1/2 zipper was a weakness as was the sewn-thru construction. I had a difficult time keeping the zipper from opening during the night. The Summerlite looks like a much better bag, however I purchased a Montbell Superstretch Down Hugger #5 which weighs 18 ounces and has the full length zipper plus the stretch design allows much greater freedom of movement.

    I have to echo what was said above, though, that a quilt might be the best option. I purchased a Nunatak Arc Specialist and could not be more pleased. So far, it has provided the most comfortable sleeping accommodations yet.

    #1416114
    Eric Blumensaadt
    BPL Member

    @danepacker

    Locale: Mojave Desert

    I have a heavier W.M. Megalite. It's baffled (except lengthwise, at the side opposite the zipper) and has a full length zipper. I love it. The lack of a lengthwise baffle separating top & bottom means I can shift down from top to bottom as the temperature dictates. I've slept warm in that bag (in a T.T. Contrail)at a breezy 22F with only light polyester long johns & socks.

    But, this summer in Paria Canyon, Utah I used it as a quilt, zipped all the way open, foot of the bag hooked over the foot of my full length UL Thermarest mattress. Worked great and was VERY comfortable.

    So get that full length zipper no matter what bag you get. It's worth its weight in versatility.

    Eric

    #1416122
    Frank Perkins
    Member

    @fperkins

    Locale: North East

    Thanks for the advice everyone. I'm still not ready to go with a quilt and really need to know myself more before I take my UL to another step. Draft protection and a full length zipper are two features I did not consider seriously and now I think they are a must have so I think I'm going with the Summerlite.

    Worst case is I sell it used and try something new :-)

    #1416144
    Brad Rogers
    BPL Member

    @mocs123

    Locale: Southeast Tennessee

    I have owned both but now just have the Summerlite. Both are good bags, but the full length zipper makes the Summerlite more versatile.

    The Highlite has

    1 oz less fill
    1/2 length zipper
    sewn though construction
    no draft tube

    #1416157
    Bob Bankhead
    BPL Member

    @wandering_bob

    Locale: Oregon, USA

    Have the best of both worlds – bag and/or quilt. Look at the WM Sycamore MF (formerly the Hooded Aspen). It's a semi-rectangular bag with a full side zip AND a full foot zip. Maximum ventilation possibilities. Opens to make a down quilt. I've used it several years on the PCT and in the Sierras. LOVE IT. It cover the wife and me when we go together, or just me solo.

    Microfiber shell gives added wind and water protection

    25° rated for only 32 ounces

    At least go see one before you buy the Summerlite.
    http://www.westernmountaineering.com/index.cfm?section=Products&page=Sleeping%20Bags&cat=Microfiber%20Series&viewpost=2&ContentId=21

    Wandering Bob

    #1416158
    Franco Darioli
    Spectator

    @franco

    Locale: Gauche, CU.

    Same as Andrew. I have the Highlite, would prefer the Summerlite but use a quilt.
    Franco

    #1416268
    Frank Perkins
    Member

    @fperkins

    Locale: North East

    So if were to go with a bag, it's the Summerlite. However, I was researching quilts and I can't find the benefit in weight savings of a quilt

    WM Summerlite:
    Size: 6'
    Rating: 32
    Shoulder: 59
    Fill Weight: 9
    Total weight: 19

    Nuntak Specialist:
    Size: 5' 10"
    Rating: 32
    Shoulder: 55
    Fill Weight: 8
    Total weight: 16

    Specialist Modified to 6' with 1 ounce over fill gives us:
    Size: 6' [add one ounce for 2 inches]
    Rating: <32?
    Shoulder: 55
    Fill Weight: 9 [add one ounce]
    Total weight: 18

    Summerlite vs Specialist
    Weight: Specialist but only one ounce
    Temp rating: ~same
    Shoulder: Summerlite has 4 inches more room.
    Hood: No hood on Specialist

    If you consider the hood to be at least 1 ounce, the weights are pretty much identical. However, you have the issue with potential drafts with a quilt. I'm not seeing the benefit of using a quilt over a bag in this case. What am I not seeing? I thought quilts allowed you to sleep on your side easier, but the shoulder room seems to be less on a Specialist… wouldn't there be more room in a Summerlite?

    #1416271
    Dave Heiss
    BPL Member

    @daveheiss

    Locale: Pacific Northwest

    I looked at both the WM Highlite and Summerlite last year, and both are great bags, but I chose the WM Caribou MF due to the full zip and extra circumference. I'm 6'2" and 180 lbs, so I could have handled the more confining Highlite or Summerlite, but the Caribou is a warm, versatile bag and I really enjoy having the extra wiggle room.

    The construction quality is superb, but that's what WM is known for.

    #1416284
    John S.
    BPL Member

    @jshann

    Frank, users of the variable girth nunatak bags can change the internal dimensions so they can wear loftier clothing inside, thereby making that bag more versatile (using the same bag into lower temps)

    There are pros and cons of each. It's a personal thing.

    Arguements against the variable girth bag are that they may have to use a bivy to stop drafts. Also, if they chose the nunatak hood, it weighs 4 oz. making it more heavy than your summerlite.

    #1416368
    John Haley
    Member

    @quoddy

    Locale: New York/Vermont Border

    I had planned on using a Summerlite on my thru of the CT this year. I finally got the chance to actually try one since I'm 6'1" and wanted to see if I'd fit into a 6' model. I did just barely fit lengthwise, but although I'm fairly slim it was way too tight to be comfortable. It looks like I'll be adding yet another MB Superstretch (a #4) to my collection.

    #1416428
    Jake
    BPL Member

    @trekmore

    Locale: Colorado

    Megalite: I have it, the 6'6" version. Slept in it in AZ a few weeks back, it was around 18 at night. I was on 2 pads (3/4" therm+closed cell) in a mesh body tent. I have used it many other times and it works great, that is just about the coldest I have used it in.
    Had fleece pants, and silk top, fleece jacket on… I was a "bit cold" added a my hiking pants and passed out… (warm).

    Great bag- the 6' was "tight" length wise for me, I am 6'. So I went with the the 6'6". A place in Boulder, CO has them in stock, so I could try them. The Mega was also wider I think, and I toss and turn all night, so I thought that was best… I love the bag… Even if you can not find that bag to try, find some bags with the same shoulder width and see how they feel to get an idea!

    – Jake

    #1416444
    Frank Perkins
    Member

    @fperkins

    Locale: North East

    The only problem with the Megalite is that it's 7-10 ounces heavier than what I'm considering buying. I should mention I already have a WM Ultralite Super and I was looking for a lighter and smaller bag to take when the season is warmer. I think I may be leaning toward a quilt now and pair it with a cocoon hoody or MB UL down inner parka.

    1/23: I have ordered a Nunatak Arc Specialist made for 6'

    #1416622
    Brian Lewis
    Member

    @brianle

    Locale: Pacific NW

    Similar experience with my summerlite; I got it in June 2006, and used it a lot over the last two hiking seasons and still love it. I too have tried it at somewhat cold temps; camped directly on snow once in the upper 20's F in a tarptent and various clothes on; this works, depending very much on your metabolism, clothes worn, sleeping pad system, etc.

    I agree with others that a full-length zipper is worth while — it's nice to be able to fully unzip this and use it like a blanket, or just keep the footbox zipped.

    Mine weighs 20.4 oz if you count in the supplied stuff sack.

    #1416781
    Jake
    BPL Member

    @trekmore

    Locale: Colorado

    You are right of course… the ML is heavier… I am not a fan of being constricted in a bag, so I specifically got the ML because of the extra 5" of shoulder space and 1" of foot space (over the SL and HL). For me that was a critical requirement. Clearly not the lightest option with weight being your only requirement!
    – If I go lighter, I will go with a quilt… I was skeptical at first, but folks here have won me over!
    – Jake

    #1417383
    Dylan Taylor
    Member

    @nevadas

    Locale: California Coast

    the full zip function is overrated IMO when dealing with bags of this rating. if its warm enough to have this light weight bag unzipped and opened, you probably dont need to be in a sleeping bag at all. i dont know, i had the WM caribou, which is the full zip version of the highlite, and ended up trading it b/c i couldnt justify the full length zip weight penalty. i always had it zipped up or opened to the waist only in warmer weather. i guess its regional too… if you do a lot of stuff in the desert or in high humidity, maybe thats more important, justifying the weight. for me, in the sierras, cascades, and the coast ranges i've never needed a full zip with a bag of this rating.

    generally, i'm pushing the temp rating when using this bag so of course, i will have it zipped up.

    #1417398
    Robert C
    BPL Member

    @beenay25

    Locale: Midwest

    Dylan, Good points, but I think the main appeal of the Summerlite is that it's a 30 degree lightweight bag that's highly versatile. You can use it closed up, but if you wanted to use it unzipped, in quilt-mode, this is also possible. This allows budget-minded people to splurge on a nice sleeping bag that works for either two configurations, instead of owning one half-zippered bag and one quilt, using whichever one depending on conditions…which would be considerably more expensive than just owning the Summerlite alone.

    I think you're right on that needing a mummy bag that fully unzips is a regional thing. I have had nights in my Summerlite where I used the bag as a quilt the first half of the night, then needed to zip it up fully for the second half of the night, and I've also had night in it where I've used it in either quilt configuration or fully zipped configuration the entire night. In the high deserts of the Southwest, May can host some hot daytime temperatures, but the air can get cooler pretty quickly at night, meaning that the full zip would be wasted for that circumstance. Each region and each time of the year I find myself using the bag a little differently.

    #1418414
    Dylan Taylor
    Member

    @nevadas

    Locale: California Coast

    nice point. i didnt realize the summerlite was a 30 degree bag. i was comparing the highlite to the caribou, both of which are 45 bag. i can see how with the lower rating on the summerlire and trying to only have one bag would lead you to go for the full zip.

    #1418415
    Matthew L.
    BPL Member

    @gungadin

    Locale: Pittsburgh, PA

    The WM Highlite and Caribou are thirty-five degree bags.

    #1418432
    Frank Deland
    Member

    @rambler

    Locale: On the AT in VA

    Dave: re zipper opening in the night. Find later bags to see how WM solved the problem. About two inches below the end of the top side of the zipper there is an added flap that has a piece of velcro on the end. It attaches to another small piece of velcro on the other side of the zipper right at the top. The effect of this is to prevent the two edges of the zipper at their ends from being pulled apart in the night. In other words, the zipper separates during the night because the ends just above the closed zipper are pulled apart causing the zipper to slide down and open. The velcro prevents the ends from being pulled apart.

    #1418444
    Dylan Taylor
    Member

    @nevadas

    Locale: California Coast

    nice catch… i did mean to say 35. no, really! interestingly enough, i just looked up the rating on the WM site for the summerlite and it is 32. thats kind of funny– an odd number. so it is rated 3 degrees warmer, has 2 oz more fill, and has a full zipper for a 3 oz weight penalty (compared to highlite). it also has a draft tube. on the other hand it is 50 bucks more.

    im not sure why im pointing all these things out…. im just bored at work and havent been out on the trail for like a month so im going into trail withdrawals.

    edit note:

    o wait, i remember why im saying that, the original post was asking why the 3 oz difference in the bags? according to WM site, its actually 2 oz difference in fill plus the draft tube and the full zip. not a bad exchange. WM is awesome. but if i can save 3 oz from my pack and 50 bucks in my pocket, i will; but it does sound like a nice bag.

    #1425154
    Frank Perkins
    Member

    @fperkins

    Locale: North East

    It took a few months, but I got my Arc Specialist 6' bag the other day. Looks great and the weight came in at 17.5 ounces. It looks like th straps are way too long and I think I can get it down to 17 ounces.

    I'm looking forward to trying it out, but just testing it on my living room floor, there is plenty of room for rolling around inside so I don't anticipate any drafting.

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