Katabatic Flex – Regular vs Wide

Let’s try this again – sorry for the formatting issues.
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Hey All.

I know the specs (below) and the have read the FAQ on sizing (which suggest Wide for shoulder circumference > 50/52 for Elite and Flex respectively).

Looking at my measurements and those specs it’s pretty clear Wide would best fit me in the Elite series but the Flex is a little less clear.

I’ve tried on WM Megalite/Alpinlite and am pretty much swimming in those (they list those as 65″ / 56″ / 39″ in the Long that I tried).

I guess I’m concerned about the Shoulders and the Feet on the Flex.

Anyone around my size have comments about Regular vs Wide?

Flex
54 (63) /47 / 40 – Reg
58 (67) / 51 /44 – Wide

Elite
52 (61) / 42 / 38
58 (67) / 48 / 43

Me*
54 / 46 / 40

Height: Just under 6′ (maybe 5′ 11.5″)
Weight: 210-215
Shoulder Circumference*: 54′
Hip Circumference*: 46′ (36 Pants)
Foot Circumference*: 40′ (12US Shoes)

Sleeping Position: Back and Side. Never Stomach.

* As best as I’m able to measure – not a seamstress

Thanks,

John

I have an Elite bag in wide and a Flex bag in the regular length.  At your size I would move to the wide version of both for better shoulder coverage.  I am 5’9″ 170lbs with a shoulder girth of 52″ and hip girth of 41″.  I have size 11.5 feet.   As a side sleeper, I have a bigger problem with the hip girth and the regular width Flex only gives up 1″ to the wide Elite bag.  The wide Elite has a super roomy foot box at 44″, but it sometimes seems a bit too big for colder temps and with the Flex at 40″ it’s about right for me.

i don’t lock the quilt to the pad which would help with coverage.  I also sleep on a large Xtherm which helps as well.  If you are on a regular width pad I would definitely get the wide Flex or wide Elite.

Wow, thanks John.

Yeah, the foot box on the Wide @ 43/44 is one of the things that seems oversized to me.

You don’t find the shoulder width of you wide Elite @ 58 (67) too roomy?

I do have a regular pad – sort of – Sea to Summit Comfort Plus @ 21.5″ and Z Lite Sol @ 20″. I’ve been giving some thought to an insulated pad so I don’t need to carry the extra weight of 2 when the temp drops down.

I think wide is best for me bc regular would be a little tight in the shoulders and hips but why do you say definitely wide on a regular pad?

Thanks,

John

My flex is the regular width and my Elite is a wide.  The regular width Flex works well for me with a wide pad and ok with a standard width pad.  The Flex is also a bit wider right at the top than the wide Elite but 4 inches narrower at the shoulder and just 1 inch at the hip.  My sleeping style – which includes lots of tossing and turning – is mostly on my side in a semi fetal position with my arms pulled up and hands under my chin on my chest.  This makes my shoulder circumference larger but the Flex is enough.  I really like the 3D shape of the Elite bags and how it just wraps around me, but the versatility of the Flex is a nice trade off.

Since you are right on the border of their recommended regular width to wide, I would take the small weight penalty and enjoy a better night’s sleep.  You can also move more down from the sides of the wide to the center of the quilt to gain warmth on colder nights.

Thank you, John! That information is helpful.