Feathered Friends Rock Wren

John,

Don't worry, you are going to receive more advice that you can digest with a post like that (which is great, that's what the forum is for).

I enthusiastically recommend Feathered Friends, which makes top-quality bags. I seriously considered a Winter Wren, but opted instead for a Great Auk (similar model with no arm holes and a pad sleeve; ask FF about it) and I really like it. I sleep cold and bought some overfill and 800 fill down and am glad I did, but those choices depend on how you sleep and the temperatures you expect. With a Wren I would probably have opted fror eVENT or Nano, which are more waterproof (and probably lighter) than EPIC. A Wren can be worn around camp and is more likely to get drenched than a bag that's used only in a shelter.
At FF's prices you might consider a Nunatak quilt (www.nunatakusa.com), especially a Back Country Blanket, which I consider my most versatile bag.
Keep us posted on what you decide.

To add to the ultimate line of sleep bags that include FF and Nunatak, also look into:

1) Western Mountaineering bags – a huge fan.
2) Also you may want to look into Montbell's spiral hugger line (less expensive)

Thanks for the quick replies!

Elena Lee:

I'd looked at the MB Spiral Huggers a bit, but while they sounded quite comfy I'd heard it theorized that the stretch baffles can create some cold spots, not to mention that FF and WM tend to be a bit more consistent with their fill. None of this is first-hand experience, just what I've picked up from forum lurking. Then again, I've also heard them described as some of the most comfortable bags out there.

Not trying to be a snob-I'm still sure I'd love an MB SSDH! I'm just a student right now so I'm trying to slowly save up for the single best-fitting piece of gear I can in each category. Figuring it'll be cheaper in the long run than repeated upgrading :)

The Western Mountaineering bags are definitely something I'm considering as well.

Richard Lyon:

Really good point on the greater need (utility?) for water-proofing on the Wren than other bags, not something I had considered.

I actually hadn't looked at Nunatak before, and the quilt sounds intriguing. I know it's impossible to have an all-purpose bag without sacrificing a little in each area, but the BCB seems an excellent compromise for 3-season use.

As a quilt (and from the pictures on the link) am I correct in assuming there's no hood? It sounds like there's a drawstring to cinch up the ends, just wondering where my head goes!

Since I live in North Carolina, going to school in the cooler mountain climate but summering in the (very) warm Piedmont I'd actually been looking for bags warm enough for chilly fall nights with full length zippers to use as a quilt when it was too warm for a full bag. This looks like a lighter alternative since it's using Velcro closures instead.

…but out of curiosity, where's your profile picture from Elena? Looks great!

I own a Rock Wren, and think it's a nifty bag. Got it in the mid-90s or so, w/a PTFE (WPB fabric) shell; can't remember if it was overfilled or not, but think it was. I bought it w/the idea of using it as a liner bag in deep winter and for cooking/camp chores, and as a summer bag to let me get the coffee and oats on in the AM.

I've found that the style is not very practical for me, in the sense that trying to wear it around camp is kind of a pain, and it seems like the bag is generally in the way. Staying in the tent, cooking, ok… too much bag in the way while packing up, too much "skirt" walking around. But all in all, I do like the bag. Since I bought my WM Summerlite, though, the Rock Wren stays at home to save me an extra half-pound.

IIRC, a couple of forum members have Nunatak Rakus, which are similar to the Rock Wren (except adding sleeves). You might get some other opinions on versatility of the style.

John, If you decide on Nunatak be aware that Tom Halpin (owner) encourages customization – extra length, width, special features. Talk to him about your style and needs before you order. I love Nunatak quilts but they are very narrow at the shoulders, so I get several inches more width (and extra down for my cold sleeping). Pricy but worth it. Feathered Friends will customize too.

And I second the recommendation for Western Mountaineering.

John, realized that I owe you an answer: No, the BCB has no hood. Like all the arc concept bags, insulation for your head and shoulders comes a jacket or hat or hood. By the way, I reviewed the BCB for BackpackGearTest.org if you are interested in more details.

If you wan't to go to REI and drop the Feathered Friends bag, you can essentially try out each bag you are interested in until you find one that suits your needs. You see, if you are a member, there is a No-Questions-Asked refund policy. It may sound immoral, but you are still putting your money back in to the store.

I have a Mont Bell Super Stretch Down 800 # 2 and it works great, no cold spots like the spiral.

.. which one (as i recently changed pictures)? the ocean is the Pacific ocean part of Olympics NP on Washington state's coast (Cape Alava).

i haven't had any montbell bags, but have 3 WM bags which are great (i'm a cold sleeper). you are right about making a good investment in a sleeping bag.