Western Mountaineering: Antelope MF vs Apache MF – most versatile?

Summer can mean different things depending on where you backpack (ie – It gets in the 20’s regularly in WRR, but might only get to 70 in the Southeast).  As far as versatile , without knowing more about the conditions you hike in and making some assumptions, I suggest the Apache is more versatile bag.  A 20* bag is generally what I recommend for a bag if you can only have one, and the Apache is close enough where I think that still applies.  Be aware that the Apache is a narrow bag, which isn’t a bad thing if you are slim (actually it can be a really good thing if you are slim), but it limits bundling up to push it below it’s temperature rating.

Where will the bag be used most (geographically)?

What kind of average temps can be expected?

What’s hour height/weight/chest size?

Yes a couple more details, I explore in Ontario Canada, let’s say I might experience at most 70F lows in summer, maybe 20’s F or 10’s F lows in spring/fall. Average temps when I would go out may be 30F – 50’s F. I’m 5’7″ 140 lbs. Chest size is 38″. I slept in a Summerlite 6′ and felt fine in terms of dimensions. I was cold at 40F, however, so I am thinking I sleep cold. I was using a Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Xlite.

OK, that helps immensely.

I currently have  Ultralite and Versalite (these are essentially the Antelope and Apache without MF shells).

If you were comfortable in the fit of a Summerlite, then you’ll have no issue with the Apache. I wouldn’t allow one experience to dictate to me whether I “sleep cold.” A thin CC pad  (Evazote) over the Neoair would make a difference.

Among others, I’ve also had an Antelope. The Antelope will work well for you, and its 62″ chest girth is helpful for layering clothes in colder temps. However, for me, the Antelope is a bit too warm for summer use. IMO, most folks wanting a single bag buy “too much” bag (too warm) and end up regretting it.

In your shoes I’d get the Apache.

Whatever you get, order it from Hermit’s Hut and get the free overfill…

Bradmacmt – The Summerlite and the Apache are not the same bags – I think you are thinking of the Ultralite and the Apache – they are more comparable.

The Summerlite is a 19oz 32* bag with 10oz of fill.  The MF bag it is most similar too is the Caribou MF which is a 21oz 35* bag with 10oz of fill (it’s also much wider than the Summerlite and sewn thru vs baffled)

The Ultralite is a 29oz 20* bag with 16oz of fill.   The Apache MF is a 33oz 15* bag with 19oz of fill.  Both are the same width.

The Versalite is a 32oz 10* bag with 20oz of fill.  The Antelope MF is a 39oz 5* bag with 26oz of fill

For your uses I would say either the Apache or Versalite may be the best bags.

Bradmacmt – The Summerlite and the Apache are not the same bags – I think you are thinking of the Ultralite and the Apache

You are exactly right… it’s early here in Montana and I need more caffeine!

I edited my post.

Indeed, I read “Summerlite” and thought “Ultralite.”

I have and Ultralite and Versalite.

The Antelope and Versalite are essentially the same, nitpicking aside. I’ve had both, and what one will do, the other will do.

Whatever you get, order it from Hermit’s Hut and get the free overfill…

Thanks guys, do you think the overfill could be worse for versatility if it makes it harder to shift the down to the bottom in warmer temps?

Interesting – I’ve owned a Ultralite (~’03 Pre “Super”) and Summerlite (’05) and was considering an Antelope MF with overfill as a 0* bag at one point.  I ended up finding a great deal on a MH Phantom 0 so I never got the Antelope, and Sold both my WM bags around ’10 when I changed to quilts, but they were both excellent bags.  Splitting hairs, but I found the Summerlite to be a ~35*+ bag – I thought the Ultralite was spot on at 20*.  While both were “Extremelite” shells, they were obviously different fabric (they must have changed between years).

Thanks guys, do you think the overfill could be worse for versatility if it makes it harder to shift the down to the bottom in warmer temps?

We’ve had 7 WM bags at our house going back to 1992, and have had overfill in all of them. Quite the contrary, I find overfill makes them more versatile, and certainly can’t hurt longevity.

A quick comment on “ warmth “

As we all know, it’s all relative

For example, i’ve slept comfortably ,into the low to mid 20s , in a tent, in my Summerlite

i have a versalite that I love, however haven’t used in in years..

In your shoes I’d get the Apache.

In in case you missed my edit…

Got the edit, thanks.

Do you think the microfiber is a good choice over the ExtremLite bags?

Do you think the microfiber is a good choice over the ExtremLite bags?

The MF is a bit of a throwback, but is definitely more rugged than the fabrics on the Extremelite series, and does repel moisture better. For your wet climate, I think I’d go w/ MF.

A 6″ loft down bag with 15*F rating is the “universal standard” backpacking sleeping bag IME. I don’t think you can go wrong with the Apache.