I've been blessed to enjoy over 50 years of hiking, climbing and camping in the Rockies of Colorado and Wyoming. In my videos, I take you on my cold weather camping excursions and review the high end gear and field tested procedures I use to make these solo adventures safe, comfortable and rewarding. My hope is that you find my channel both informative and entertaining. Enjoy!
I ordered a pair of 100% overfilled GooseFeet Gear Down booties on 17 July. They were delivered today, 5 August. I ordered a custom made pair of 8.5 oz overfilled , baffled Pants on 27 Nov 2023. They were delivered on 10 January 2024.. The point being Ben is busy year-round, more so in winter than in summer, nevertheless, he's keeping busy. Best to order some pants NOW rather than waiting till cold weather arrives. Warm Regards from Reno, Nevada.
I just found your channel and I really appreciate all of the work you put into your videos! Didn't know this thing existed and I am always curious about the temperature in winter camping too! I'm going to order a couple of these. Thanks!
Very informative video, I like it despite the camera angle. I wonder if You ever tried, and if so, what you think about NEMO spoon shape bags? I'm a side slipper, and I'm looking for something comfortable but not a quilt.
You know, I have never tried a spoon bag. Looking at the design of them never made sense to me for the style of side sleeping I do. I favor the "can opener" position. I don't need the wide footbox, but I do need the most room for my top knee that when in position, falls at about mid thigh on the bag, which in the spoon bags seems to be right where they start necking down. I think that they would work great for someone who tends to run from the knee down at night. While that isn't me, it may work great for other side sleeping styles than mine. But, like I say, I've never tried one. I would like to hear feedback from those who have. Thanks for watching, and I will do a follow up video that better frames my demonstrations on this. Matt
Again you know quality, along with my bristlecone and the lxw exped I'm sleeping very, very well in camp. R value, bristlecone and four corners winter camping makes me happy.
Hi, How do you go about getting your bags overstuffed? I emailed their customer service and asked but they did not get back to me. Sending a $700.00 bag blindly to a manufacturer that does not outline the process on their website is a bit concerning. Please let me know and thank you for the video's. :)
@jamesbrittain9564 Hey, you are so welcome! So if you google "Western Mountaineering repair form." Click on that and it will download the form to your device or desktop. Print that out, fill it out, and send it to them with your bag. Their mailing address is on the form. I've had several overfilled and the turn around time was always about 2 weeks or so. This should help. Ya, I hear you about the risk, but use the form and everything should go smoothly for you. Thanks for watching, and good luck! Matt
Great information, thanks! I’ve been looking at the Megalite 6’6” model being that I’m 6’6” myself. Seems like all their tall bags state 78.7” as the maximum length. Does this mean I’ll be at the extreme limit of the bag length, or is that a comfort measurement? Thanks.
@Rum_barrel It will be close. I'm 5'10 1/2" and have a 6' Sycamore. When I lay on my side with my bottom leg straight, my toes sometimes touch the bottom of the bag. The Terralite at 25F is offered in a 7' model. For me, I prefer a little room down there. If you tend to sleep on your back with your toes pointing up, then you should have just enough room in a 6' 6" bag. The Badger and the Kodiak are also offered in 7' as well. Not sure why the Megalite isn't available in the 7' version. I have a friend who is 6'7" and suffers through with a 6'6" Mountain Hardware bag. Not ideal. If you are OK with little to no wiggle room in length, then the 6'6" model could work for you. I wish you luck in your decision making process. Thanks for watching! Matt
I have this bag and use it as my main summer bag in the Washington Cascades (camping at 4K-7K). It is a great bag, but in my experience as cold sleeper, even though it is rated to 25, once you are below freezing it can be a bit larder to control drafts since it doesn't have a neck baffle like my other WM Bags (Versatile and Kodiak) do,. I've felt the cold coming down my neck/shoulders even though my lower torso and legs are toasty warm. So if you are planning on taking this below freezing and you arent a warm sleeper you will need a puffy or down balaclava on, that has been my experience. I view this more of a quilt that can close up for more warmth. If I expect my nights to get below freezing I bring my Versalite to have more draft protection.
I hear you loud and clear. I ended up going with the Sycamore for myself @25F. But, like the Terralite, it doesn't have the top collar. In my review of the Sycamore, I talk about that very issue. Even though I wear wool or down balaclavas and neck gaiters, as a side sleeper, I need to be able to isolate my body from my head and neck so that as I roll from side to side, I don't send drafts down into my core. Although I purchased the Sycamore, in hindsight, I wish I had purchased the Alder. No hood. Like my Mitylite, I could then have been able to isolate my head and neck from my body. If you have a few minutes, my Sycamore review, along with How to side sleep in a mummy bag, are videos that I try to point what you so aptly described. I've been mulling the idea of fabricating a down tube with Velcro attachments to solve the issue. I have actually just let the hood disappear underneath my neck, and used the lower draw cord to act as seal around my neck. Hey, thanks for sharing your experiences and watching my channel. Take care, Matt
Because Western Mountaineering only sells through their licensed distributors, it can be challenging to find the bag you want. They are all hand-made, so not all of the models are available at a given moment in time. The first suggestion is Amazon. They have a wide selection. After that, try Hermit's Hut, Back Country, and Moosejaw. These online companies usually have a large selection. If you still don't see what you are looking for, you can order one through any of their distributors. I suggest calling Hernit's Hut. They will order you what you want AND have it overfilled for free. Last time I ordered one custom built from them it took about 2 weeks. There are brick and morter retailers here in Colorado. Jax and REI are two of them. Hopefully this info will help you find the model you are looking for. Be forewarned, they are crazy expensive. Good luck on your quest, and thanks for watching my channel! Matt
My only WM bag. Got it for camping in February in northern NM, southern Co and southern Utah. People think I'm crazy for buying it. This bag is a beast. I get why it's not more popular but man what a great bag.
remember me from the comment section below the wm terralite down sleeping bag video? :) meanwhile i've slept in this bag some nights and here is my promised review: i just love my new sleeping bag! it is so cosy and roomy. glad i bought it after watching your video 😊. best regards and thank you!
Late last fall I looked at & consider this brand + several other brands of Down filled pants. I, happily settled on Goosefeet custom made, baffled, with 8.5oz of 850 down fill & paid a mere $265.00. I was asked for my waist measurement, thigh measurement, calf measurement & inseam measurement - truly custom made just for lil ole MEeee. No zippers although I had the option, at an added cost for a fly zipper, or zippers along the outside of each leg of varying lengths. Fabric option are 8D or 20D outer & inner fabrics in a variety of colors. GOOSEFEET CUSTOM MADE 850 Down filled pants are easily THE BEST VALUE ON THIS PLANET.. Well worth checking out! Color MEeee, the Michelin Man when I'm wearing 'em. Warm Regards from Reno, Nevada
@azclaimjumper I've filled out their form a couple of times to order them. If or when I purchase another pair of down pants, it is definitely going to be a customized, baffled, overfilled pair from GoosefeetGear. You are the only person I know that actually own them. Like you said, a great value, and likely the warmest out there. Thanks for your continued comments! Matt
@@mattsmountainmadness Everyone has a choice of 850 down fill from 2.5oz up to 8.5oz. The only down pants likely to be warmer are those 1000 down fill made by PHD, however, you'll pay several thousand dollars for 'em as they are a British company so you'll have import duties + shipping Kale Green was my color of choice.
I am familiar with PHD, however I have never had my hands on any of their products. They seem to be similar to WM in that they don't spend much money promoting their products. The lack of reviews, coupled with as you pointed out, the price, makes them a company that is easy for me to forget about. But for those living in the UK, it is likely a more viable option. But back to GooseFeetGear. I've been very happy with the products I own from Ben and Company over at GFG. You know all of their products are hand made, with care. The value is undeniable.
@@mattsmountainmadness Well put! PHD besides being an overseas manufacturer caters to those wanting gear to keep them warm as they climb places like Mt Everest, or the South Pole, or Denali.- really extremely COLD & or windy weather. You can't go wrong with GooseFeet Gear & Ben answers the phone when you call.
Hi Matt, I second what others comments have said, you're amazing! I really appreciate you going through all the details. You definitely deserve sponsorship from EXPED after this!! I'm really torn between 2 choices, the Exped Megamat 10 LXW (197 x 77 x 10 cm), or the Thermarest Mondo King 3D XXL (203 x 77 x 11 cm). Both are similar sizes but think the EXPED has a higher R value, but the Thermarest has better valves according to some reviews? Would love to hear your thoughts on this. I'm a 39 year old male so deffo looking for comfort these days!! Much love from Cambridge UK.
Thank you for the kind words! I looked at the MondoKing first before finding the MegaMat. In actuality, I bought the MegaMat Max first because it was thicker than the MondoKing and had a higher R value. I subsequently purchased the MegaMat because I liked the MegaMat Max so much. The MondoKing and the MegaMat are so close to being comparable that it really just boils down to what color do you prefer? I know I would be happy with the MondoKing, it gets great reviews. I find Exped valves to work really well, while I don't have any experience with Thermarest Twist lock valves. I knew both brands of pads were highly regarded. It is a difficult decision for obvious reasons. I really don't think you could go wrong with either one. good luck in your decision making, and thanks for watching! Matt
@@mattsmountainmadness thank you for the swift reply mate! I think I’m going to go for the Exped, mainly because I’ve got children and there are so many double Mat options and car options too. Your review greatly helped thank you :)
Actually, no. In fact, my RU-vid channel is the only social media that I have ever engaged in. Not much of a socialite. This is my way of connecting with the outside world in a capacity and subject matter that I have experience in.
Hi Matt! First, sorry about my English! I´ve got this sleepingbag and it is awsome. But! I am missing a neckring, a thermal collar or how do you say?. Is it possible to retrofit that? Kindest regards from Cologne, Stephan PS.: English spoken - American understood. I read this on a sign of a haircutter in Cologne. ;-)
@stephanmariamoser2313 No need to apologize, I understand you just fine.I had not considered a retrofit collar or ring at the top of the bag. It is a great idea! It would only need to be a down filled tube, the circumference of the neck area of the bag. Then simply use a few pieces of velcro to fasten it to the bag. That could work! Thank you for commenting and watching my channel! Matt
@@mattsmountainmadness I will tell you, when I´ve found a solution. I will ask the Outdoorshop "Globetrotter" here in Cologne if they have an idea. ATB, Stephan
Do you need service for the data to connect to your phone? I use the zipper pull which gives the high, low and current temperature over the last 24 hours. Works great but it seems this gives even more data.
@@Colby168 It doesn't require a service. They also make a gateway that allows you to tap into the sensors from anywhere in the world. I don't own that. But to use the sensors, using your phone, no service required. Thanks for watching! Matt
Hi Matt. It's good to see another option available for this type of gear. A few years ago, I bought the Inkbird IBS-TH2, which offers similar data gathering capabilities to the Sensorpush. It runs on 2 AAA batteries, features an LCD display, and can pair with an app for viewing and downloading collected data. The Inkbird is slightly larger and heavier than the Sensorpush and has less Bluetooth range, but it's also half the price, which could be important for some buyers. These past 2 years mine has worked fine for camping and monitoring temp and humidity in the house.
@TunngaviksChannel That sounds great, I was completely unaware of this product. The one thing that I wanted to avoid was buying more Energizer Lithium AA's and AAA's. I still have a few electronic components that require them. It is just that the cost is so much. I am trying to go with rechargeable lithium devices as much as I can because I usually bring several battery banks with me. Lithium works down to -40. Lower than Alkaline batteries. It is the main reason why I insist on Lithium. After that qualifier, having an internal, rechargeable, lithium battery is what I am shooting for with all of my devices. My headlamps are still AAA powered, along with a few of my other components, but the goal for me is to eliminate the need for disposable batteries. But, back to the subject at hand. Any device that allows you to look at temperature history is going to be hugely helpful to those of us who really would like to know how " How cold did it get?" Thanks again for watching, and subscribing to my channel, and leaving comments. I very much appreciate it! Matt
@goyourownway9149 I forgot to mention, I have never had a glitch with the device or software. Super reliable. Thanks for your continued viewership, take care, Matt.
Wish I had one of these back when I went "summer camping" in Wyoming and it got extremely cold overnight. We froze all evening/night in our summer bags. Would be fun to see what the temperature actually was!
Thank you Matt, YOU'RE amazing !! I've been searching for reviews of sleeping mats and specifically their use in long term night sleeping, and this video was perfect. The wonderful details you went into about how long it stays inflated or time to deflate gives me confidence in this brand.
Have this bag since 2 years. It is so roomey, so comfortable. Was fine in -5 celsius and i'm freezing quick. In summer i use it as a 2 person blanket with my partner. I'm 184cm (6 foot) and 80kg. I can move in all directions in the sleeping bag without being restricted. Love it.
Sequoia GWS is my choice I will soon buy. Seeing you can open it right up thats what I love. With adding 4 ounces of down I am sure it will take it down to a 0F bag. Thx Would love to see more people packing these bags up and ow they sit on a pack
We have a great bed but I like my Megamat 15 so much that I use ut any chance I get ;) I even started a family tradition of weekly sleepovers, where I will sleep over with one of my daughters. And monthly 'camping' with the family in the living room with our instant tent . Its a win-win: quality time and the comfort of sleeping on the megamat. Sometimes it feels like I wake up with more energy than in my normal bed. If I still experience that in a year or so, I am considering to make a similar setup as you did 😍
Oh man that is so awesome! We have had family night every week for many years. Dinner, games and conversation. We have a granddaughter now.... family camping night sounds pretty cool! Hope you continue to enjoy your Exped mat for years to come. I call it my poor man's, manually adjustable, Sleep Number Bed! Take care, Matt
@@mattsmountainmadness thanks for your kind and quick reaction. Nice nickname for the mat. It's such a gamechanger, the megamat 10 as we :D Btw I bought an anti mosquito bivvy (GeoNet) and the megamat 15 fits perfectly 😍
Matt, all of your bags are 6'6". How tall are you? I'm only 5'9", and have a 6' Apache thats cold. I'm likely buying one of these 2 bags w/ overfill, should I go up to 6'6" to have more space? Pros / Cons?
Wow, tough question. It certainly depends on a number of things. I am about 5' 10 1/2" on a good day. I sleep on my side in the "Can Opener" position. My bottom leg is straight with my foot pointed to the bottom of the footbox. My Sycamore is a 6' bag, and at times I feel my foot "bottom out", pressing against the insulation. All my winter bags are 6'6" because I keep a Nalgene bottle in a neoprene sleeve full of water for the morning's coffee down at the footbox. I think at 5'9" you should be comfortable in a 6' WM bag. Only if you want extra space down there for a down jacket, electronics, water, etc. Would I consider the 6'6" model. It is extra dead air space that your body will need to heat up. My Badger is actually a 7' model, but I usually don't feel the extra space as being cold. I keep a piece of paracord in the footbox, turning it inside out and tie it around the first baffle. Then turn it rightside out again. The result is sphincter look from the outside, and a double thick footbox section with no dead air space. I've used that a couple of times on colder nights. I guess at the end of the day, (pun intended) I would way rather have a sleeping bag that is a little long than a little short. But, at 5'9', a 6 foot bag should be comfortably long enough. If you don't see a need for additional items in the bag, then 6'6" would be just extra weight, bulk and cost. But having liquid water for coffee on sub zero mornings is pretty important. At least to me! Hey thanks for watching and reaching out. Take care, Matt
Hey Matt! Greetings from Asheville, NC. You’ve got some of the best reviews of these bags on RU-vid. After some time researching which bag to get, I went to my local mom-and-pop outdoor retailer and got myself a WM MF Badger 6’6. Sadly, with it being summer, I haven’t had the chance to take it into the field yet, but I’ve used it at home and am in love with it!! It has an amazing amount of space, which is paramount as a side sleeper. Thanks again for helping me pick out my new bag; I’m a happy member of the WM club. Happy trails, Brighton
Well welcome to the club! Ya that Badger is quite roomy. I really love mine. when the temps start to dip, then you will get to see what all the fuss is! The Badger was the first WM bag I slept in. 27 F. In the morning I could not stop telling my boys how it was the most comfortable night's sleep I had ever had in a sleeping bag, it was just that cloudlike. Hey, glad I could help, Matt
Those are great ideas and I do have plans for videos. Honestly, I've been dealing with a medical issue that has kept me down for some time. I am getting better so you should see content coming out soon. Thanks for sticking with me!
I love this bag so much. Use it all of the time. Has kept me plenty warm even when winter camping up in Wisconsin. Glad to see someone do a good review on it. 👍🏼
I have slept out in the elements in January using my Wiggy's Ultima Thule -20 bag with zero problems! It got down to -12 that night. Wiggy's bags are the way to go!
That's great! I'm glad it is working well for you. There are definitely Wiggy's fans like yourself out there. For me, I've rolled exclusively with down bags and garments for 50 years. Not much chance of me becoming a fan of Lamilite or Jerry Wigatow anytime soon. But, I respect those like you who are. I just want people to be warm and comfortable in their bags, regardless of brand or insulation type. Personally, I will stick with Western Mountaineering. If you glance at my videos, you'll see that I own and review several of them. They are "the way to go" for me, but certainly not for everyone. I really am happy that you love your Wiggy's sleeping bag. What makes me sad is knowing that there are too many people out there that hate the sleeping bag they own, regardless of brand or model, and it is keeping them from going camping. You and I are fortunate that we own bags that we love! Thanks for watching, and enjoy your Ultima Thule -20, Matt
The only down bag I have is an old Moonstone Mountaineering Pacific crest trail )made in (U S A) and I love.that bag as well. Mr. wiggy is a strange one. I think it's more from where he's from than anything. Enjoy your channel. Much respect!
Moonstone Mountaineering! I haven't heard that name in ages! That is too cool. I still own my father's Snow Lion down bag from the 70's. (Keeps my dog warm camping these days). Thanks for your comments, I appreciate you viewership. Take care, Matt
It really is a poorly defined separation between the two styles of bags. Generally, however, a semi-rectangular has a roomier cut with a wider footbox section. The Feathered Friends Snowy Owl has a roomy waist area but is narrow at the footbox and not very spacious in the shoulders. The semi-rectangular bags are for larger individuals or those who require more space inside the bag to accommodate side sleeping and stomach sleeping. Hope that makes the difference make more sense. Western Mountaineering semi-rectangular bags also have a zipper across the footbox allowing them to open flat as a comforter. Thanks for watching, take care, Matt
@@mattsmountainmadness I see i used to have a Western Mountaineering Highlite but i sold it a month ago after 10 years because i couldnt stand the tight fit. At least i used it about 20 times over 10 years.
That's cool! I don't think I could handle the Highlite for the same reason. It can be the best bag in the world, but if you can't get a good night's sleep in it, what good is it? If I slept on my back all night, I could be comfortable in any bag...but I don't. Matt
I think this is the bag I’m getting for Christmas. Thanks for the review! If you hear anything on how well it does at 25 degrees without overfill I would appreciate it!
I know that my boss used it hunting with lows in the teens and said it was very warm. I don't remember if I stated in the video, that bag has not been overfilled. But, I know for a fact he was late season hunting at 9000ft in the Terralite and said it was warm. I hope that additional bit helps. Thanks for watching, Santa says I can't have anymore sleeping bags, but I am super stoked for you. If that is what you get of course. Take care, Matt
Really appreciate this review as I’m looking to get either this bag or the sycamore. Do you think the durability and slight water resistance make the sycamore the better long term option, or is the top collar just too important for functionality?
I find the top collar important for me as a side sleeper who likes to turn "within" the bag. I like to leave the hood open and use a down balaclava to keep my head and face warm. In doing that, it leaves the shoulder area prone to potential drafts and heat loss. That is where the top collar would be helpful for me. However, if you sleep on your back or like the bag to roll "with you", then the absence of the top collar would not be a big deal. If I had it to do over again, I think I would have purchased the Alder. It is a hoodless version of the Sycamore. It would fit my side sleeping style better as I could draw it snug around the neck and use a balaclava for my face, head and neck. But that's me. Your sleep style/position may not warrant a top collar. I like the marginally more durable MF fabric. Water repellancy is nominally different between the 2. If you are conscientious and careful, either one should last a lifetime. I hope that helps, take care, Matt
@@mattsmountainmadness interesting I hadn’t considered the alder. I am a fairly active sleeper so I do think the draft collar would be important to me. Thanks again for the input and I’m a huge fan of you and the in depth information you are providing!
Hey Matt, got the bag about two weeks ago and have been out backpacking almost the whole time since I got it. Absolutely LOVE it! I love the versatility as I have used it in all forms (fully zipped up for cooler nights, with the foot box zipped and used it as a quilt, and fully unzipped as a comforter). I got the 6”6’ version and it is absolutely huge for the weight, when I unzip it and lay it out flat it is a huge warm comforter. I’m a super warm sleeper and have yet to sleep a whole night with it fully zipped up, I’ve only fully zipped it up on chilly mornings. I think this is the perfect bag for me who is a wider guy who is an active sleeper and loves the ability to turn it into a huge luxurious comforter to turn my tent into a hotel in the back country. I’m excited to continue using it as it starts to cool off and really test the rating. I’m guessing that with a liner I could really push the rating. Thanks again for the review and the input!
@cartermelton3483 Oh Man, that's great! I am excited for you! Have fun using your awesome new bag, give me an update when you can. Glad I could help, Matt
Awesome! If you can, let me know what you think of it after you recieve/use it. I'd love to hear your thoughts. Congratulations on your new purchase! Matt
Hey Matt - thanks again for your videos. They've been very informative and have provided the info I needed to round out my collection of WM sleeping bags.
Would you rekommend the Megamat 15 or 10 for camping a few weeks each year. We are pretty short (5’7) and not to heavy (me 150lb and wife 130lb). We do have 2 Exped Megamat lite 12 pads but i think i want some even nicer pads for when we are car camping.
I weigh about 155 and the Megamat 15 is overkill. I sleep on my side and the 10cm model is everything I need. So I hope that helps. Thanks for watching, Matt
I am SO happy to hear that! I took me awhile to wrestle the bag from my dear friend's grasp, long enough to do a video. Thanks for watching, glad I could help. Matt
have been looking for a new sleeping bag for some time now. then i stumbled across WM and soon after across your channel with these amazing reviews! today just before you uploaded this video i was already quite interested in this particular sleeping bag. long story short: after watching your video i finally ordered one 🎉. can't wait to receive and sleep in it! 😊
@@4.eva.21 Oh man, that's awesome! First night in a WM for me was the Badger. It got down to 26 degrees. I didn't need to incorporate the neck collar or draw the hood up. I slept better that any night in a sleeping bag in my life! So tremendously comfortable. Words can't describe. I am excited for you. >let me know, if you think of it, how it works for you. Thanks for watching! Matt
