WM Caribou or Summerlite?

I'm partial to the Summerlite because of the baffle construction. We are the same weight and height so I know the fit will work (I own a summerlite). I have a Mitylite and when a cool wild blows across the bag the sewn through constructions allow more air exchange than the baffles do.

I was in the same spot last year. I went with the Caribou for the girth and the MicroLite XP. Slept in my Contrail for the first time last week. Woke up in a cloud so plenty of condensation (which would have happened regardless of the shelter of course). The little that dripped onto the bag just beaded and rolled right off. I'm happy with the Caribou Contrail combination (and the alliteration :-)

My husband, son and I also all chose the Caribou for it's girth.
I hate tight fitting bags, my husband is 6'2" with very broad shoulders, and my son is quickly heading to my husband's height, so we figured we'd buy once fro our son instead one now and one in a year.
We are all very happy with the bag- on our first outing we had snow, sleet and the wind blew like crazy our first night out- we were in a tent but very warm.
With just baselayers, we all slept very comfortably. My husband and I both get cold very easily. I think it got down around freezing. There was ice in a bowl the next am.

I'm a big fan of the Summerlite.

It's hard to say what hasn't been said before. It's likely the best 32º bag on the market. Full featured. Light. WM quality.

So if any condensation gets on the Summerlite is it done for? It seem like the Caribou has a better fabric for single wall shelters but the sewn through construction might make the bag cooler in windy situations. Where I live in Southern California it can be very foggy at night but it can also be very windy at times. Any more insight?

The Summerlite uses Extremelite fabric, the Caribou uses Microfiber.

From my experience, the Summerlite is a great mild/warm weather bag but it sometimes gets damp in extremely humid conditions, such as with a single wall shelter in rain with no breeze. I have not noticed full wetting out, just damp. A little sunlight dries it out quick.

Now, my WM Apache has Microfiber. Extremelite is nice for SUL but Microfiber seems to be a more durable fabric, resists moisture better, and breaths better from what I have read. The fabric is slightly heavier and bulkier though. I have only spent a few nights in the Apache so far in temps ranging from 25 to 35 degrees in mild humidity so cannot provide much more experience.

I have read that the Summerlite was EN tested to 36*F, it is just comfortable with a 2.5R pad at 40*F for me (and I am a cold sleeper). Not sure how the Caribou would do. Having the full baffles of the Summerlite is nice as the down can be moved around. Sometimes I shake it all from the bottom to the top so it is a little warmer as long as I don't roll around too much.

I'm a summerlite user and I've been trying to convert to a quilt to shave some ounces, but can't find a good substitute.

I love this bag, the baffle system allows me to push all the down from the bottom of my bag to the top to keep me warmer and give a "top bag" kind of thing going on.

I've taken it as low as 20 and was warm while I wore all my clothing. Didn't wake up at all. The fabric is thin and does get wet from dew, but if you just sleep in with the sun shining, it'll be dry and good to go.

I truly believe this is a versatile bag and I'm almost 6' and the dimensions of the regular fit me nice and snug. I personally like the feeling of being snug so the size doesn't bother me.

Have you considered quilts, like the katabatic or JRB? They may be the same price but can be lighter and more efficient.

Katabatic makes most excellent quilts. Aaron used a WM Summerlite for most of his stuff, IIRC, before making quilts. As luxurious as Western Mountaineering.

Nunatak does a very fine job as well. Everything is custom order, which is great, but causes long lead times (they also stay very busy). You'll pay a little more, but many find it worth it.

This is kind of freaky– I was looking at these exact same 2 bags last night for my husband, who is also 6'2, 175 lbs.! (25th anniversary present). I like the slight additional warmth of the Caribou, but the lighter weight of the Summerlite….