go2boy Posted July 19, 2007 Posted July 19, 2007 Looking for a new light bag and am considering these two options. They're about the same price with a slight weight difference. I like the idea a buying local, but just want to consider all my options. Anybody with these bags (or an opinion) want to give me the pros and cons? Quote
Pro Mountain Sports Posted July 19, 2007 Posted July 19, 2007 WM SummerLite is a tad narrow, but if you don't mind the 59" or 60" shoulder girth it is toasty for its rating and also made in the USA. For luxury cut you might also look at WM MegaLite and Caribou. Quote
featheredfriends Posted July 20, 2007 Posted July 20, 2007 We'd be amiss not to chime in here. The Summerlite is a great bag and in many respects is similar to our Merlin. The dimensions on both bags are pretty close (snug fit). Down quality is the same in both bags, zipper length is the same, they are both made in the US, and they both come in snazzy colors. So what are the substantive differences? - Fabric. Western's ExtremeLite series of bags uses a very lightweight ripstop nylon that does a great job of saving weight but doesn't offer much water protection. You can buy a Merlin in our new Schoeller Nano fabric that is both very light (1.0oz/yd) AND has excellent water resistance. - Fill weight. The Merlin has more down in it than the Summerlite. - Price. The Merlin costs $19 more than the Summerlite in a regular length. Overall the Merlin weighs a bit more than the Summerlite (at least on paper), but you get more down and a shell fabric that is much more impervious to moisture. If you are in the area and you have the opportunity, you should get inside both bags and see how you like the fit. Jim Nelson probably carries the Summerlite at PMS, and we have a good selection of Merlins in stock right now. If you find you like the fit of both bags, then your decision might come down to water resistance, weight, price, or color. Either way you will end up with a great bag that will last a long time. Quote
crackers Posted July 20, 2007 Posted July 20, 2007 - Fabric. Western's ExtremeLite series of bags uses a very lightweight ripstop nylon that does a great job of saving weight but doesn't offer much water protection. You can buy a Merlin in our new Schoeller Nano fabric that is both very light (1.0oz/yd) AND has excellent water resistance. As you may know, I make packs and other stuff. I have to say I have the highest respect for both companies products. That said, I recently got to play with a test swatch of FF's new Schoeller fabric, or at least a version of it. WOW. It's really amazing. The water resistance is amazing and it seems to breathe really well, the fabric is just beautiful. Quote
Pro Mountain Sports Posted July 25, 2007 Posted July 25, 2007 Although not as light as the Western Mountaineering bags, the Macpac, Epic 150, at 19oz. $300 has a waterproof/breathable shell fabric and all exterior seams are taped. An ultralight waterproof/breathable down bag/bivy combo. We have these in stock now. This fabric is very similar to the Gore-tex and Dry Tec fabrics used on the Montbell UL Sleeping Bag Covers. Please note, this is not the Epic fabric offered on FF bags, BD superlight tents, etc Quote
go2boy Posted July 28, 2007 Author Posted July 28, 2007 I Love my new FF Merlin!!! - Why did I even ask -It's warm light and made locally. Quote
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