Western Mountaineering UltraLite

We found the most recent tests of the Western Mountaineering UltraLite at Climbing.com, where it's compared with seven other ultralight sleeping bags. Charles Lindsey provides even more detail in his 2002 comparison review of ten high-end sleeping bags. The Gear Guide at Outside Magazine recommends the Western Mountaineering UltraLite as the best year-round sleeping bag, and two long user-reviews at BackpackGearTest.org are equally enthusiastic. Another single-product review at SectionHiker.com is useful because of its illustrations.

Reviews praise the top-ranked Western Mountaineering mummy-style down sleeping bag for its exceptional light weight (1 lb. 10 oz.) and superior construction. It compresses for packing better than a sleeping bag with synthetic fill, and though down loses most of its warmth when wet, the Western Mountaineering UltraLite has a water-repellent but breathable cover. A full-length two-way zipper makes it easy to ventilate on warmer nights – or to pair for a double sleeping bag. It's made in the United States, and a lifetime guarantee covers any defects. If light weight matters less than saving money, consider another mummy-style bag that's made with synthetic fill: The North Face Cat's Meow (*est. $150), which weighs about a pound more.