Western Mountaineering
Alpinlite Sleeping Bag: 20F Down

$685.00 - $730.00

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Why We Like The Alpinlite 20 Down Sleeping Bag

Climbing or traversing technical pitches with a massive load dangling behind you is a bad way to go through life. We recommend the Western Mountaineering Alpinlite 20-Degree Down Sleeping Bag for alpine climbers and weight-obsessed backpackers who demand top-shelf quality and bottom-line weight savings.

We love how its 850-fill down insulation boasts one of the highest quality loft-to-weight ratios around, meaning it's surprisingly warm for how little it weighs. Western Mountaineering wrapped this insulation around a highly breathable shell to keep the down light and lofty when you're sleeping in a tent under a rainstorm.

Details

Ultralight sleeping bag designed for alpinists and backpackers
Breathable shell fabric keeps down lofty
850-fill down provides a high warmth-to-weight ratio
Continuous baffles and a down-filled collar prevent cold drafts
Wider shoulder girth allows for extra layering in cold environments
Western Mountaineering bags are made in the USA
Item #WES0041

Material: [face fabric] ExtremeLite, [lining] nylon taffeta
Insulation: 850+ fill down
Shape: mummy
Zipper: full-length YKK #5
Max User Height: 5ft 6in, 6ft, 6ft 6in, 7ft
Shoulder Circumference: [5ft, 6in] 63in, [6ft] 64in, [6ft 6in, 7ft] 65in
Hip Circumference: [6ft] 55in, [5ft 6in, 6ft 6in, 7ft] 56in
Foot Circumference: [5ft 6in, 6ft, 6ft 6in, 7ft] 39in
Bag Length: 5ft 6in, 6ft, 6ft 6in, 7ft
Draft Tube: yes
Pockets: none
Pad Retainer: no
Fill Weight: [5ft 6in] 1lb 1oz, [6ft] 1lb 3oz, [6ft 6in] 1lb 5oz, [7ft] 1lb 7oz
Degree: 20 F
European Norm/ISO Comfort Rating: 25F
European Norm/ISO Lower Limit Rating: 14F
Storage Sack: yes
Stuff Sack: yes
Stuff Size: [5ft 6in] 7 x 13in, [6ft, 6ft 6in, 7ft] 8 x 15in
Claimed Weight: [5ft 6in] 1lb 13oz, [6ft] 1lb 15oz, [6ft 6in] 2lb 1oz, [7ft] 2lb 4oz
Activity: backpacking, alpine
Manufacturer Warranty: lifetime

Reviews

Q&A

What do you think about this product?

Overall Rating

2.5 based on 3 ratings

Review Summary

1 Stars - 1 reviews

2 Stars - 1 reviews

3 Stars - 0 reviews

4 Stars - 0 reviews

5 Stars - 1 reviews

Fits True To Size

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1 out of 5 stars

October 30, 2021

A bag of cold disappointment

Familiarity:: I've put it through the wringer
Size Bought:: 10.5
Height:: 5' 10"
Weight:: 180

I had been dreaming of getting the "ultimate" of sleeping bag brands for more than a decade, and after much deliberation and research, I finally pulled the trigger on the Alpinlite. My very first night backpacking with it, the tent zipper snagged the outer fabric and ripped a hole in it (an indication of how delicate the shell fabric is). I nearly sobbed. I was able to return the bag, and I purchased another of the same bag. When I recieved the new bag, I immediately noticed it wasn't as lofty as the first bag I had, especially in the chest area. This concerned me, but I decided to try it out anyway. I used it on a weeklong trip in the Wind Rivers, and I was cold and uncomfortable every night. And oddly enough, my legs and feet were somewhat warm enough, but my upper body was freezing. The first night the temperature was 39° (I had a thermometer in my tent), and I was cold all night. The following few nights were in the low 40's, and I was uncomfortable enough that I didn't sleep well. I used this bag for 6 nights, and not once was I comfortable. For reference, the pad I used was the Nemo Astro Lite insulated, with a temperature rating of 15°-25° F (Nemo didn't use an R-value for this pad. Also, I've used this pad for years and have never been cold with it). Each night I wore thick, warm socks, long thermal midweight underwear, and a beanie. This is the same combination that I've used for years with my previous bag (a Marmot Pinnacle) and I've never been as cold as I was in this bag. I even tried shifting more down to the top baffles of the bag, but it didn't help. I also noticed there were many spots where there was no down, and I could essentially see through the shell material. So, I either got a lemon, or Western Mountaineering's quality control sucks (I weighed the bag on a gram scale and it was under spec, which indicates it was under filled). Or, this bag doesn't live up to the WM hype. Either way - and most of all - I'm really extra ticked I dropped $600 on a stupid bag that doesn't keep me warm. Oh, and one more gripe: this bag has a tiny hood. I like to use a pillow stuffed in the bag's hood, but the hood is too small for it to work well. So, don't believe the hype, steer clear and save your coin. You'll thank me you did. Side note: dealing with Backcountry is the worst. I returned the bag and was expecting a refund, but they would only issue store credit (and never notified me). Chatting with their "woke", millennial "Gearheads" - who refer to you as "dude" or "man" - is an excruciatingly painful and time-consuming ordeal. Thanks, Backcountry, but no thanks. I don't want to purchase anything from you. Oh wait, I have to because you're holding my money and are forcing me to. If I were you, I'd get off this site right now. Alex, they issued me store credit, which is different than a refund, especially when I don't want to buy anything from Backcountry. Ever. Also, I had no idea I recieved any store credit because they never emailed me and the mobile site doesn't show any credits anywhere. P.S., my disdain for Backcountry has no bearing on my review for this bag - it truly is a one-star bag (at least the one I recieved).

Seth

2 out of 5 stars

February 27, 2021

Good to 40 degrees at best

Familiarity:: I've used it several times

I purchased this bag about 5 years ago don't get out as much as I would like but when I get a chance I go no matter what the temp, first time used bag early season bow hunting temp got around 35 F. nearly froze to death had to get up in middle of night get dressed go for a hike to warm up, took sleeping bag back to store manager said he would take bag back. I explained my situation with it that my back froze. He'd showed me that the bag has no baffles and you have to shake the down to the proper place, so I tried that with a little better result. Seems to me bag has great fill in toe box, neck curtain and head with very little on torso area. I use bag in 4 season tent with heater now and as long as I run heater all night long I'm comfortable.

Richard H

5 out of 5 stars

July 4, 2020

King of the Mountain

Familiarity:: I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions

The needs of the backpacker are many, and often unreasonable. This bag weighs 2 pounds and for comparison some other things that weigh about 2 lbs include a small bag of rice, maybe a carton of milk, a desk lamp. For that little weight you get what is in my opinion, the best sleeping bag on the market. What makes this bag stand out? First off, the brand name carries all the accolades and associations it deserves. The sourcing (ethical sourcing with audits twice a year), water repellency, and hands on/in house processes are second to absolutely none. My bag's even signed by the person who stitched it (thank you by the way). The 850-fill down (a conservative estimate) kicks in like a human tortilla sized toaster oven. It is a 2lb space heater. Up to the draft tube and cinchable collar, this is a cloud of down designed to make sleeping while camping nicer than a night in your own bed. I don't think it would be possible for me to wake up grouchy or unsociable after a night's sleep in this so this is a gift to your camping buddies too! The only downside is the willpower I have to muster up to leave my portable sleep machine. It's the little details that make this feel as if your best friend made it given unlimited time and resources. The 20 degree rating is conservative for one thing. I run warm but I was very comfy in this bag at 7 degrees with the right liner and sleeping pad (PS please invest in your whole sleep system). The zipper simply does not catch. I had to do some research on the abilities of the benefits of a continuous baffle and I thought WM's site put it best "On a warm night slide down below you for less insulation, and on a cold night slide more to the top for warmer sleep!" Works just as advertised based on a warm California trip and a cold Oregon one. I camp quite a bit but I’ve only owned one sleeping bag before the Alpinlite. I dealt with many of the downfalls of a cheap sleeping bag - made with synthetic material rather than down so it couldn't pack as well and weighed more than it should. The zipper caught. Poor warmth compared to the temperature rating. I've tried out and borrowed at least a half dozen other bags without being blown away by any since that one gave out. After much, much, probably too much research I decided on the Alpinlite as a buy once, cry once panacea to my outdoor needs. My inaugural trip with this bag was a 2 day trip up to King's Peak. This gift to lovers of the outdoors was toasty, wide, and like the embodiment of a warm hug. It hardly takes up any space in my pack and the weight is negligible. I knew immediately I had made the right purchase. The price tag will undoubtedly throw people off, as it did me initially. I can say I've gotten my money's worth and more though. The quality of sleep, warmth, and the care that went into construction are simply outstanding. This is the bag I’ll be using for many years to come. Update a year later: still going strong! This bag is my best friend in the times of covid. No signs or wear and no regreats.