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Western Mountaineering vs. Feathered Friends
Posted:
Tue Oct 06, 2009 4:38 amby IagosGhost
I'm buying myself a new sleeping bag as a reward for finishing my officer training. I'm considering the WM Alpinlite and the Feathered Friends Swallow.
I just have a few questions:
1. Does the Swallow have a draft collar? I can't tell from the pictures or the description on the FF website.
2. How much does overfill affect the temperature rating in the WM bags? How much is a good amount?
3. Do either of these have a "trapezoidal" footbox?
4. Are either of these bags good for side-sleepers or those who move around a lot?
thanks for the input.
Posted:
Tue Oct 06, 2009 4:54 amby The Chief
I love my Alpinlite. Been using the shit outta of it for the past five seasons.
The Alpinlite is roomier and has 3 more oz of 800+ down than the Swallow at the same over-all weight,1lb 15oz...
64" shoulder girth for the WM vice 60" for the Swallow. Something to take into consideration and one major feature that sold me on the Alpinlite. Plus the extra 3 oz's of fill allows the Alpinlite to keep ya warm down to 10F deg easily.
Posted:
Tue Oct 06, 2009 9:28 pmby Wastral
Unlike WM. FF bags can be bought in any size you want. To either allow more room or for a warmer tighter fit. Check out their website. featheredfriends.com will have bags that are "roomy, normal, and tight" Just buy the model you want. Personally I would go with Feathered friends. Either is a fine choice.
Brian
twoshuzz wrote:I have bags by both manufacturers. WM- Highlite for summer, Badger for fall, spring and winter. FF- Widgeon for Exp and cold local winter, Snow Goose for Exp up high. All are fine bags that have served me well.
The FF Swallow does not come with a collar as FF does not offer them in their "light flight" series bags. The WM Alpinlite does come with collar. Both come with a single draft tube.
Can't speak on overfill as I've never requested it. Generally, overfill is done on a cost per ounce basis. Why overfill ?
None of my bags have a trap foot box. I would assume the same for the Swallow.
Generally speaking, WM bags run a bit roomier than FF. Such is the case with the Alpinlite/Swallow as Chief points out. In each series FF does offer at least one model in the larger size range of WM. The narrow cut allows them to use less fill. The more narrow the cut, the more efficient the bag.
One thing to keep in mind : The ultralight fabrics used by both (or any manu really) come at a cost in durability. They simply cannot take the beating that heavier materials can. Things like zipper snags, abrasive surfaces... can produce holes in the shell. They also don't take too kindly to sewing for repair. Take care of your bag, mind your p's and q's and it will perform well for many years.
Posted:
Wed Oct 07, 2009 5:22 pmby Guyzo
I have a FF bag. It's 15 years old and still works just fine.
You get what you pay for.
Posted:
Thu Oct 08, 2009 12:43 amby IagosGhost
I just found a screaming deal on the WM Alpinlite. 20% off! I couldn't pass it up. Woo hoo!
Re: Western Mountaineering vs. Feathered Friends
Posted:
Thu Oct 08, 2009 10:44 pmby 8kclimber
IagosGhost wrote:I'm buying myself a new sleeping bag as a reward for finishing my officer training. I'm considering the WM Alpinlite and the Feathered Friends Swallow.
I just have a few questions:
1. Does the Swallow have a draft collar? I can't tell from the pictures or the description on the FF website.
2. How much does overfill affect the temperature rating in the WM bags? How much is a good amount?
3. Do either of these have a "trapezoidal" footbox?
4. Are either of these bags good for side-sleepers or those who move around a lot?
thanks for the input.
No, the Swallow does not have a draft collar as it doesn't need one for the temp range it was designed for but you can have them add either a permeant one or a removable one that give you more versatility. 2 OZ of over fill in good for 5-10 degrees. FF bags can be made anyway to want them. Ib each temp range they have three standard width sizes. I believe the Swallow is 60" while the Swift is 64". I have one of each.
Posted:
Fri Oct 09, 2009 3:15 amby IagosGhost
spirit4earth wrote:IagosGhost wrote:I just found a screaming deal on the WM Alpinlite. 20% off! I couldn't pass it up. Woo hoo!
where did you find such a deal?
If you're in the St. Louis area I went to The Alpine Shop in Chesterfield. they also have a store in Kirkwood. The sign on the rack read "Labor Day Sale" so I don't know how much longer the sale would be on. I really lucked out because I went up to St. Louis on a whim and didn't expect to find or buy anything.
Posted:
Fri Oct 09, 2009 3:49 amby The Chief
Wastral wrote:Unlike WM. FF bags can be bought in any size you want.
Ahh....Wrong!
So can WM's Products.
WM will work with you on size and added fill...FACT!
I had two of my five WM bags specially made at no extra cost and added 5ozs of down to both for a mere $25.00.
IagosGhost
You won't regret your choice.
Posted:
Fri Oct 09, 2009 4:08 amby IagosGhost
Thanks, Chief.
Btw, how did you contact WM for your custom bags? I looked all over their website but couldn't find any contact info. I wanted to ask them some questions. Anyway, I'm happy with the bag so far. I haven't had a chance to test it yet, but this weekend it may see some action.
Posted:
Fri Oct 09, 2009 4:31 amby The Chief
twoshuzz wrote:IagosGhost wrote:Thanks, Chief.
Btw, how did you contact WM for your custom bags? I looked all over their website but couldn't find any contact info. I wanted to ask them some questions. Anyway, I'm happy with the bag so far. I haven't had a chance to test it yet, but this weekend it may see some action.
(408) - 287 - 8944
YUP!
Verified here...
http://www.westernmountaineering.com/de ... m?type=int
Posted:
Sat Oct 10, 2009 3:59 amby Wastral
Good to know!
+1
Brian
The Chief wrote:twoshuzz wrote:IagosGhost wrote:Thanks, Chief.
Btw, how did you contact WM for your custom bags? I looked all over their website but couldn't find any contact info. I wanted to ask them some questions. Anyway, I'm happy with the bag so far. I haven't had a chance to test it yet, but this weekend it may see some action.
(408) - 287 - 8944
YUP!
Verified here...
http://www.westernmountaineering.com/de ... m?type=int
Posted:
Thu Oct 22, 2009 12:19 pmby spiritualspatula
Okay, same premise (WM vs FF) but for jackets:
I'm looking at the Volant vs the Vapor.
I'm leaning towards Event for the Volant, but kinda waffling on that decision too.
The jacket will primarily be used for when I'm inactive on trips in Colorado.
Any input?
Posted:
Mon Oct 26, 2009 3:59 pmby IagosGhost
I went camping with the family this weekend. The temperature only fell to 37 degrees, but I wasn't too hot. I slept very well. In fact, I think I had the best night's sleep I've ever had. The only negative was that my legs got a little cold a few times. I was only wearing shorts and a t-shirt. I surmise that since I'm a side sleeper my legs may have compressed the down a little bit. When I camp in colder weather I'll wear a base layer. Hopefully I won't have any further problems. Overall, I loved the feeling of being wrapped in soft warmth. My bare feet were never cold, and my head felt toasty inside the hood. I'm looking forward to other great nights of sleep in this bag.
Posted:
Mon Oct 26, 2009 4:19 pmby The Chief
Glad to hear that you chose a good bag and are happily satisfied with it so far.
I personally believe you will find this bag a real jewel when you put it to the true test of lower temps in an Alpine setting.