WM megalite or Montbell U.L SS #3

I bought American. Sorry if that offends any of our members.

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I sleep cold. My WM Summerlite (narrower-cut version of Megalite) has taken me comfortably below freezing–much more conservatively rated than other bags/manufacturers. Although the MB gets favorable reviews, I also hear a number of so-so reviews. I've never heard of someone disappointed in anything about a WM bag.

Chris,
I have a new, never used WM Megalite, Long (for those over 6' tall) that I'm interested in selling.
If you are interested, contact me: m(dot)cooperman(at)csuohio.edu

Thanks,
Marty Cooperman

>Looking at WM megalite and MB UL SS #3, both in long. Price difference is + $40 for the WM bag. Which would you get?

Chris,

I own both and find the sizing similar. When compared side by side the WM has considerably more loft than the MB. Does this mean it's warmer? I would have said "yes" a year ago but these forums, and specifically Richard Nisley, have taught me that a certain amount of compression of down does not affect warmth. That said, if it's only a $40 difference I would get the WM without hesitation.

The MB outer shell is almost 7" wider when relaxed. The down fill is very similar but the additional width will affect the height of the loft in each baffle. The 'inner' shell is similar in width to the WM but of course stretches.

If you are narrow shouldered, get the WM. If you are not, get the MB.

Actually, I think some level of compression of down can actually make it MORE insulating.

Chris,

You might want to consider the newer Montbell Spiral Down #3 bag. I'm currently trying to pick between that bag and a WM Summerlite. Because it uses sewing techniques rather than the heavier stretch fabric to get its stretch, it weighs in at 20.5 oz in long (your size), half a pound lighter than the SS#3 and 5 oz lighter than the Megalite. It retails for $249, so it's cheaper than either. It doesn't stretch nearly as much as the SS, but the interior is still nearly as roomy as the Megalite. I'm 5'10" 175, and a side sleeper, and I can bring my knees all the way up to my chest inside the bag with no trouble. The only drawback (for me) is that it does not have a full-length zipper. The zipper stops about 26" from the bottom of the bag, or knee height for me. Which makes it hard to vent my feet, which get hot sometimes at night.

I have the U.L. S.S. #3 and I love it. It's very cozy and lets me stretch my legs out. I have never slept in the megalite so I can't compare, but I have nothing but good things to say about the mont-bell.

First, thanks to everyone for the excellent advice. A few of the things I like about this forum are the wide range of user experiences and willingness to offer advice, as well as the lack of "my bag's better than yours" heated religious fervor in discussions.

Joe – buying American is not offensive to me, it is a good idea. + for WM. This is simply my take, not meant to offend.

Nathaniel – I love the idea of SS and extra room is why I was looking at the megalite, even though I have a narrow build.

Brad – With prevailing wisdom that WM bags are rated conservatively and very high quality build… + WM.

I know many feel the same about MB, but it seems WM is the standard to which others are compared.

Martin – thanks for the offer and advice.

Casey – Great to hear from someone who has both. I've seen some of the discussion about Loft and warmth, and any concern over the MB bag would be about possible underfill, not effectiveness of the lower fill spec. As I understand it, their design maximizes warmth for given fill level.

James – thanks for the alternate possibility. I ordered just before seeing your post. :).

So, I found a great price on the WM Megalite long – $277 to my door. One in stock and the zip I prefer, so I was anxious to get the order in.

I fully expect I'll add a MB bag to my gear at some point. The SS idea is just too intriguing for me to not eventually try.

Thanks all!

I've been considering both bags for my 11 year old for this summer's hike. He is about 5' tall and slim (and sleeps cold). I'm probably leaning toward the Montbell UL SuperStretch primarily due to the slimmer cut. The spec's on the MB UL SS #1 regular show 53" at the shoulder, the WM shows 64".

All else being equal, isn't it generally better to have less space to try to heat up?

I think the foot of the MB bag can be cinched up so I may get a long (so I can use it also). Anybody here have any experience with that?

It is true that less space to heat up should equal warmer, other things being equal.

If your son sleeps cold, perhaps you'd be better looking at the WM Ultralite super, rated 20 degrees, which comes in short (5'6") length and is 59" wide at the shoulder.

I tried on a Montbell Super Stretch Down #3 in a store, and you can cinch up the bottom, I believe it shortened the bag by about 6". Montbell regular fit's 5'10", so subtract the 6" from that.

If you want a 6' bag he can grow into, the the Montbell SS with the cinch is a good flexible option.

@ John-
WM Summerlite is 59" at shoulder… And it is generally better to have less space to heat. The Summerlite is available in a 5'6" length. Might also check the WM Tamarack, 5' long, plenty o' loft, narrowish cut; it also makes a good elephant foot bag for adults.

Adding, you could easily accomplish the Montbell cinching on a WM by bringing using your own shock cord tied around the bottom of the bag.

James,
Yes, I think I need a 15 or 20 degree bag for him, was considering the MB #1 or maybe even a WM Versalite.

Don't forget feathered friends.
http://www.featheredfriends.com
Ali

Out of curiosity, what happens when the elastic goes bad in the Montbell bags? And don't say elastic doesn't go bad, because I have the underwear to prove it does…….

"I've been considering both bags for my 11 year old for this summer's hike. He is about 5' tall and slim (and sleeps cold). I'm probably leaning toward the Montbell UL SuperStretch primarily due to the slimmer cut. The spec's on the MB UL SS #1 regular show 53" at the shoulder, the WM shows 64"."

A top dollar bag for a kid? Please tell me he paying for it by cutting yards or something.

Robert,
Yes, he helps pay for his own gear. If we can find a 2 pound 15 or 20 degree bag for less, that would be fine with me.

Hiking and camping are his favorite activities, and he takes good care of his gear, so I'm more willing to get good quality for him.

I dunno about Montbell bags but my WM Megalite is just great, either as a mummy or a quilt when zipped open and the foot is hooked over the end of my full length Thermarest Lite or Neo-Air regular.

Eric