Western Mountaineering Alpinlite Sleeping Bag Review
This sleeping bag is an Ultralite, down filled sleeping bag, which has received many accolades for being one of the best in the category of 3-season Ultralight bags. It consistently is voted as a fantastic sleeping bag by people with far more experience than us, but that wasn't going to stop us from giving our own review.
This bag is used for primarily for backpacking trips, and was the sleeping bag of choice for the trip on the Overland Track (read about the Overland Track here). But, it’s also a good choice for those cold winter nights we experience when in the Outback when we are car camping.
So what do we like about this bag?
Comfort
This bag, like the Marmot Plasma 15, feels luxurious. The bag is made of top piece is a 20 denier, 10 filament, 380 thread count rip stop. The inside and bottom are made of 20 denier taffeta.
It has well spaced baffles which allows the heat to be trapped evenly throughout the bag.
The mummy shape is a bit of a narrow cut, and that means it’s not going to suit every shape, and for some people, I have read it’s a snug fit. Works well for us, but something worth considering.
It does come in 3 sizes – but all of the mummy shape, so do check the measurements and get the Alpinlite best suited to your figure (especially girth).
Where weight is important to you, the Alpinlite weighs between 878-935g (depending on the size of bag you get). This is frequently a backpackers choice for alpine hiking (warmth and weight make it hard to beat).
It has well spaced baffles which allows the heat to be trapped evenly throughout the bag.
The mummy shape is a bit of a narrow cut, and that means it’s not going to suit every shape, and for some people, I have read it’s a snug fit. Works well for us, but something worth considering.
It does come in 3 sizes – but all of the mummy shape, so do check the measurements and get the Alpinlite best suited to your figure (especially girth).
Where weight is important to you, the Alpinlite weighs between 878-935g (depending on the size of bag you get). This is frequently a backpackers choice for alpine hiking (warmth and weight make it hard to beat).
Warmth
For us in Australia, this sleeping bag will certainly be adequate for most winter camping situations.
It’s rated for -7 degrees Celsius.
With its 850+ European goose down, the quality of filling is the best.
There is a neck baffle, which will help keep all that warm air in the bag, where it’s needed and keep the cold air out.
I have never felt the cold when using this bag. With its full zipper down its side, you might find yourself unzipping it to cool down when you start to warm up. Because of the warmth, this bag only comes camping with us when we know temps will be very low (for warm sleepers). For cold sleepers, the bag will get more use regardless of the temperature!
It’s rated for -7 degrees Celsius.
With its 850+ European goose down, the quality of filling is the best.
There is a neck baffle, which will help keep all that warm air in the bag, where it’s needed and keep the cold air out.
I have never felt the cold when using this bag. With its full zipper down its side, you might find yourself unzipping it to cool down when you start to warm up. Because of the warmth, this bag only comes camping with us when we know temps will be very low (for warm sleepers). For cold sleepers, the bag will get more use regardless of the temperature!
What we like about the Alpinlite
The zipper has a strong protective seam, meaning that no lining ever gets snagged. The zip on the Alpinite works well each and every time.
Comes with a large stuff sack for storing the bag when not in use (important to use this stuff sack to keep the loft in the bag fluffy and not compressed).
Comes with a large stuff sack for storing the bag when not in use (important to use this stuff sack to keep the loft in the bag fluffy and not compressed).
What we don't like about this sleeping bag
Actually - we couldn't find much to dislike. We have had no problems at all with this bag. It performs just as described and in the temps it is meant to work in.
Price
The Western Mountaineering Alpinlite comes with a price that matches its prestige and quality.
In Australia, the price is around $580. Purchasing from overseas is tricky. This is one of many outdoor manufacturers who have restrictions on where they will send their gear. Do look around and see if you can find a retailer who will be able to send to Australia or maybe via Ebay but based on some of my searches, there is only around $100 difference (and then you have to factor in postage).
Want to read about another down filled sleeping bag suitable for camping and backpacking? Read our review on the Marmot Plasma 15 sleeping bag.
Read more about the Alpinlite at Western Mountaineering Home Page
In Australia, the price is around $580. Purchasing from overseas is tricky. This is one of many outdoor manufacturers who have restrictions on where they will send their gear. Do look around and see if you can find a retailer who will be able to send to Australia or maybe via Ebay but based on some of my searches, there is only around $100 difference (and then you have to factor in postage).
Want to read about another down filled sleeping bag suitable for camping and backpacking? Read our review on the Marmot Plasma 15 sleeping bag.
Read more about the Alpinlite at Western Mountaineering Home Page