850 Plus Fill Power Goose Down
Western Mountaineering uses the highest lofting premium goose down available for all of their
sleeping bags. Their fill power claim of 850 Plus is meant to be a realistic estimate given the variability of the
product and the nature of fill power test methods. In reality, their certified tests most often are higher than what
we claim. This is because the certified test methods provide the most optimistic fill power rating and do not
represent what is being put into your sleeping bag. Recently, these testing methods for fill power changed again
making the fill power ratings even higher. Now, each sample of down will receive a wash and dry before being
pampered while given several days to loft up in a perfectly dry environment. Your sleeping bag will never receive
that kind of treatment, and this is why we claim a more practical fill power. Rest assured, they use only the finest
goose down available.
YKK
Zippers
Western Mountaineering now uses a #5 YKK coil zipper with two dual direction pulls
and locking head. This zipper is lighter weight and less bulky
than the older #7 zip. The coil construction has a less abrasive
surface in the event of zipper snags and provides years of trouble
free operation.
MicroLite XP
Western's new 20 Denier MicroLite XP microfiber reduces the total weights of the bags in this
series by 15 to 20 percent! It is the highest threadcount fabric they have ever used with over 400 threads per square inch.
They have worked closely with their supplier to develop this new fabric which is highly water resistant, highly breathable, and
very lightweight. Its hard to imagine a more impressive combination of performance characteristics in a shell fabric.
MicroFiber
A microfiber fabric is a very water resistant material because of its high thread count and makeup
of dense yarns. Each microfiber yarn has many more filaments than a normal nylon or polyester yarn of equivalent size. Woven
into high thread count material, it becomes a fabric that really keeps wind and water out. Since the fabric construction
itself is responsible for weather proofness, it's not something that can wear off, wash out or delaminate. It is built in!
While it is very water resistant, this fabric remains extremely breathable. This is the most technologically advanced
non-laminated weather resistant fabric available. Look for bags with a microfiber shell if you expect some contact with
moisture.
DryLoft™
830 Fabric
Western's DryLoft™ fabric, manufactured by W.L. Gore and Associates,
is the most weather resistant / breathable fabric available and
provides the ultimate protection against moisture and condensation.
The face fabric is a 273 thread count 30 denier fabric that weighs
1.2 ounces per square yard. This is the lightest and most compressible
DryLoft™ fabric available and the one with the softest hand.
After laminating, its finished weight is about 1.7 oz. per yard.
The improved breathability of the DryLoft™ membrane reduces
the threat of condensation while remaining plenty water resistant
for the needs of a sleeping bag. Use DryLoft™ sleeping bags
in extreme or damp conditions to prevent moisture from reducing
down performance. Some winter conditions may require the use of
the Hot Sac™ vapor barrier liner.
EXTREMELITE™
Ripstops
Western's search never ends for the lightest weight downproof fabrics to feature in their special use EXTREMELITE¾ bags.
For these bags they have developed extremely high thread count fabrics with ultra lightweight yarns not seen in the sleeping bag market
before. These fabrics are constructed from yarns that are 20denier or finer with up to a 400 thread count. These materials weigh less
than 1.0 oz. per square yard, and allow them to offer you the lightest weight down products available. Western's EXTREMELITE¾ series features
6 specialty bags that range from 14 ounces to 2 pounds total weight! These bags are designed for special applications where compressed
volume and weight are critical factors. Although some durability is sacrificed with these lighter fabrics, the EXtremelite bags are
perfect for the lightweight specialist.
Baffle
Material
Western Mountaineering use "no seeum" netting for all internal baffles. It is the toughest, lightest, and most pliable baffling material available.
Design Features of Western Mountaineering sleeping bags.
Back to the Backcountry Gear Limited Western Mountaineering Sleeping Bag Shop.
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