WM Highlite

Not what you are asking but I would suggest looking at the Summerlite .

For the extra 3 oz you get a warmer and more versatile bag (full N5 two way zip , baffles)

I had the HighLite, did not like the cool spots and the short zip. I don’t remember the zip pulling apart.

I’ve owned one before.  I didn’t have any problems with the zipper, though it was small and delicate.  When WM released the Summerlite in fall of 2005, I sold the Highlight and bought a Summerlite.

Thanks all,

I should have mentioned I owned a Summerlite before and it was great. I now have a FF Hummingbird that is my deep 3 season bag. I want a bag to use when it is fairly warm out, and the Hummingbird will be overkill. I am looking for very small and light for this one.

For warmer weather, there are lighter and more packable options than WM, but likely not as durable. For example the STS Spark series packs VERY small (something larger than a 1L bottle) and is VERY light (around 12oz for a 40F bag.) 7D fabric and small zippers make the weight. But, for a warm season bag, you cannot get smaller. I was serious considering it for summer use only. My daughter bought one and it worked well, but again, it is fairly delicate. This is the price you pay for SUL/UL bags.

.

I have a HIghlite that I mostly use for desert trips.  I wish the zipper was bit longer and it will come apart when zipped all the way down but like any zipper it is easy to restart like a jacket zipper except in the middle of the night in the dark sometimes.  I have taken it down to 20 degrees but mostly it is great for 30 degrees and up.

I used one for a number of years.  A bit tight but warm down to freezing for me in long base layers and a warm hat.   Pushed it into the 20’s with puffy, wind pants and everything else not damp or wet.

No problem with the zipper and more than robust enough.  I have an Astralite and it feels delicate and requires more careful use and attention until I have some more experience with 7d fabric

ble

“I have been comparing this to the FF Vireo, or the Katabatic Chisos. I am after something suitable to the mid 30’s, and 16 oz or less. Small and light is very important here.”

I’ve had the Highlite down to 19 degrees in the Sierra, during a freak low pressure system that came through and caught me unprepared. I made it through the night, barely, by putting all my clothing, including rain gear, on.  The point being that if you are carrying normal insulative clothing layers,  and have a decent sleeping pad, you should be fine down to the mid 30s.  I used the extreme example only to illustrate the point.

I have nearly a couple hundred nights in a Chisos and it would be my top choice.  Robust fabric, no zipper, and conservatively rated.

I’ve had one for a lot of years now. It is rather snug. I think I’d look at the mega lite or caribou over it if you were set on a bag. Chisos is great if you are ok with a quilt.