New Western Mountaineering Bags for Spring 2009?

I am not saying their aren't new versions coming out, but I don't see how they could improve them any. They already use the best down and shell materials available.

Possible but unlikely. WM usually announces such things on their home page well before they actually come to market.

Witness the new Flash (hooded) jacket.

Sales usually exclude WM – and a few other select manufacturers – who dictate pricing to suppliers. I suppose one could decide to stop carrying the WM line and just sell off any remaininig inventory at whatever price they wanted, but….

Keep it. Lightly used WM gear sells easily here if you decide you want something else.

I just wish WM could change out that bloody red color of the Summerlite. Yeah, I know, I know, nobody really looks at it, but still… [Sigh]

I have the Summerlite and I don't find it unattractive at all. It looks better than some other bags like the Mont-Bell Thermal Sheet and the Marmot Helium.

I do have some ugly gear though, my main pack is a very ugly Mountainsmtih Phantom, but it carries great and is going strong four years later.

Going on a tangent… I have the old MB Thermal Sheet — a much nicer color. Whoever changed it to the current dull lime green color should be taken out and shot.

My main pack is my beloved Mountainsmith Ghost — a "bronze" color that looks much better in real life than on the web.

We actually share a certain commonality with gear — at least with packs. :)

I work in the outdoor industry and have not seen or heard anything about new bags from Western.

I highly doubt there will be a total revision to their bag line. Possibly a few new models will be released at best. They already have a really solid line up, and do not need to produce anything new to keep ahead of their competition. Their product specs are some of the best in the industry.

I think due to the current economic situation, retailers are doing whatever they possibly can to move product. Even putting Western Mountaineering on sale. Look at all the buzz it generates on BPL when Western goes on sale somewhere. I am sure retailers sell quite a few Western bags when word gets out.

That being said I think this is an interesting time for buying gear online. Distribution is so broad online right now that you can find discounted products almost anywhere. With lots of small new shops opening up online the only way they can move product is to discount it. Its a battle out there to see who can offer the best price. Lets face it, most people will buy wherever they can find the lowest price. There is not as much loyalty to the retailer anymore.

Does anyone here still shop with their trusted retailer even if it costs more? How important is customer service and product knowledge, or does the shop with the lowest price always win?

– Kyle

Great insite Kyle, I buy from BPL, MLD, GG, Backcountrygear, REI and Mini Bull Designs. You have to admit BPL has a lot great products at a great price. I am more interested in quality over mass quantity.

I tend to think it might be end of the year inventory movement. I just wanted some reassurance.

Kyle:
I typically shop with retailers I trust first even at higher prices. If shops like Moosejaw or backcountry.com have something for a few bucks more, I will pay for the peace of mind and return policy. I have been on the phone with employees at both retailers and both have impressed me with customer service.

However, it is a trade off. As the price difference increases, the customer service premium becomes less valuable.

I agree with Adam.

If anyone missed it in Gear Deals alpenglow.com are offering cheap WM Summerlites, but the price has bumped around on their site from $202 to $219 over the last few days, they don't list whether it's a left or right zip, and they currently saying 8-10 days to ship.

I'm sorely tempted, but I've never heard of them and I'm a long way away if it goes pear shaped.

Now if one of the backcountry or campsaver were offering the same option I'd be all over it in a shot.

Rod