Backcountry Forum
Backpacking & Hiking Gear

Backcountry Forum
Our long-time Sponsor - the leading source for ultralite/lightweight outdoor gear
 
 
 

Amazon.com
Backpacking Forums
---- Our Gear Store ----
The Lightweight Gear Store
 
 WINTER CAMPING 

Shelters
Bivy Bags
Sleeping Bags
Sleeping Pads
Snow Sports
Winter Kitchen

 SNOWSPORTS 

Snowshoes
Avalanche Gear
Skins
Hats, Gloves, & Gaiters
Accessories

 ULTRA-LIGHT 

Ultralight Backpacks
Ultralight Bivy Sacks
Ultralight Shelters
Ultralight Tarps
Ultralight Tents
Ultralight Raingear
Ultralight Stoves & Cookware
Ultralight Down Sleeping Bags
Ultralight Synthetic Sleep Bags
Ultralight Apparel


the Titanium Page
WM Extremelite Sleeping Bags

 CAMPING & HIKING 

Backpacks
Tents
Sleeping Bags
Hydration
Kitchen
Accessories

 CLIMBING 

Ropes & Cordage
Protection & Hardware
Carabiners & Quickdraws
Climbing Packs & Bags
Big Wall
Rescue & Industrial

 MEN'S APPAREL 

Jackets
Shirts
Baselayer
Headwear
Gloves
Accessories

 WOMEN'S APPAREL 

Jackets
Shirts
Baselayer
Headwear
Gloves
Accessories

 FOOTWEAR 

Men's Footwear
Women's Footwear

 CLEARANCE 

Backpacks
Mens Apparel
Womens Apparel
Climbing
Footwear
Accessories

 BRANDS 

Black Diamond
Granite Gear
La Sportiva
Osprey
Smartwool

 WAYS TO SHOP 

Sale
Clearance
Top Brands
All Brands

 Backpacking Equipment 

Shelters
BackPacks
Sleeping Bags
Water Treatment
Kitchen
Hydration
Climbing


 Backcountry Gear Clearance

Topic Options
Rate This Topic
#116781 - 05/31/09 09:03 PM WM Megalite / FF Kestrel
Rick Offline
member

Registered: 05/10/04
Posts: 708
Loc: Ontario, Canada
Anyone have a favourite between the WM Megalite and the FF Kestrel ? What are the advantages or disadvantages of one over the other?

The major differences as I see it is the collar and the outer shell, the Kestrel being 4 oz heavier (long) with about 2 oz more fill, ........ anything else that I'm missing?

Although the sizing is quite similar, is this really the case? Does anyone have experience to say that this is definitively the case? I'm familiar with the WM sizing and would surely like to know if the FF is in fact similar.

Thanks for input.

Top
#116800 - 06/01/09 07:21 PM Re: WM Megalite / FF Kestrel [Re: Rick]
300winmag Offline
member

Registered: 02/28/06
Posts: 1342
Loc: Nevada, USA
YEP! Sure do have an opinion.
I own a WM Megalite and would not want a mummy any narrower. The Megalite is cut wider at the torso/shoulders and is an excellent bag. Used it for two years and now on my third year. Love it!

Eric
_________________________
"There are no comfortable backpacks. Some are just less uncomfortable than others."

Top
#116801 - 06/01/09 09:13 PM Re: WM Megalite / FF Kestrel [Re: 300winmag]
Rich_M Offline
member

Registered: 01/04/02
Posts: 165
Loc: Southern Oregon
I also have a Megalite and like it alot. The wide cut gives me plenty of room to move around. This is a very nice product. I have never owned a FF but have heard nothing but good about their products.

Top
#116843 - 06/03/09 10:45 AM Re: WM Megalite / FF Kestrel [Re: Rick]
jpanderson80 Offline
member

Registered: 07/28/06
Posts: 292
Loc: Memphis, TN
Rick,
Even though I don't own one of ~these~ particular models I was just checking them out for fun. Does the FF have a top collar like the WM bag? I didn't see it or any information about it. Maybe I missed it.
_________________________
I always forget and make it more complicated than it needs to be...it's just walking.

Top
#116850 - 06/03/09 01:26 PM Re: WM Megalite / FF Kestrel [Re: jpanderson80]
Rick Offline
member

Registered: 05/10/04
Posts: 708
Loc: Ontario, Canada
The Kestrel does not have a top collar - FF will add one for $50.
When you were checking them out, did you have any impressions on their sizing?


Edited by Rick (06/03/09 01:28 PM)

Top
#116852 - 06/03/09 02:52 PM Re: WM Megalite / FF Kestrel [Re: Rick]
jpanderson80 Offline
member

Registered: 07/28/06
Posts: 292
Loc: Memphis, TN
Hmmm... I would expect that the collar would be worth it... especially when pushing to a 25-30 degree weather (Which we all know is within reason, given the superior nature of these two bags.)

I was just browsing online, I haven't seen them in person next to one another. I know that my WM Ultralite (59" shoulders) is plenty tight for me. Let's just say that it is efficient. LOL I wear a size 44 dress jacket, so that may give you an idea of my shoulder span and chest size. The extra 5 inches of shoulder span in these two models would be very noticeable and appreciated, as others have indicated. Sorry if my comment made you think that I went and looked/touched both of these models side by side. I didn't mean to mislead you there.

This is me giving my opinion when I know you haven't asked... the WM is lighter AND it has a collar. Those benefits out-do the 2 extra ounces of down in the FF bag, in my mind. The ONLY reason I would personally opt for the FF bag, is if I were concerned with the hip measurement and needed the extra 2-3" of room that the FF bag gives.
_________________________
I always forget and make it more complicated than it needs to be...it's just walking.

Top
#116859 - 06/03/09 06:38 PM Re: WM Megalite / FF Kestrel [Re: jpanderson80]
Rick Offline
member

Registered: 05/10/04
Posts: 708
Loc: Ontario, Canada
Thanks for your input jpanderson80 and others. thanks Its much appreciated and needed. By any standard, at last in my world, this is a major purchase. It has to be correct in all regards.

I keep coming back to the Epic shell. Waterproof material (not the seams) has its benifits, especially in that freeze thaw temperature range.

Is it worth the extra four ounces - my, what a choice to have to make. eek

Top
#116873 - 06/04/09 08:59 AM Re: WM Megalite / FF Kestrel [Re: Rick]
kbennett Offline
member

Registered: 10/27/03
Posts: 820
Loc: north carolina
Originally Posted By Rick

I keep coming back to the Epic shell. Waterproof material (not the seams) has its benifits, especially in that freeze thaw temperature range.


I don't know about the waterproof shell fabric. I have a Megalite, and it's gotten wet from condensation, frost, dew, rain, etc., but the down has never been compromised. The light shell fabric dries out very quickly, especially with a bit of sunlight.

I like the bag a lot.
_________________________
--Ken B

Top
#116898 - 06/05/09 10:10 AM Re: WM Megalite / FF Kestrel [Re: kbennett]
Rick Offline
member

Registered: 05/10/04
Posts: 708
Loc: Ontario, Canada
That`s good to know that the Pertex Quantim shell with DWR is that water resistant. Thanks

The scales are leaning ever so slightly towards WM. grin


Top
#116910 - 06/05/09 02:29 PM Re: WM Megalite / FF Kestrel [Re: Rick]
hikerduane Offline
member

Registered: 02/23/03
Posts: 2124
Loc: Meadow Valley, CA
My WM Caribou was thouroughly tested the first night I used it, about six years ago. I was on a motorcycle solo trip and slept out in the open. Chance of showers. All over me that night.:) I felt clammy sleeping that night, water was puddled up on the bag the next morning. When I got home, I weighted it again and it still weighted the same. Sold me. It only has the microfiber shell. I can see thru the thread holes now though, so I don't know what is going on, maybe it has been used too much.

Top
#116927 - 06/06/09 06:40 AM Re: WM Megalite / FF Kestrel [Re: hikerduane]
DeweyR Offline
newbie

Registered: 01/11/09
Posts: 10
Loc: Brit. Col. CANADA
I have both a FF and a WM Alpinlite Super among my bags and would, at present, choose the Megalite of the two mentioned. For wetter, colder conditions, combine it with an Integral Designs eVent bivy and you will be ready for most anything to about 20*F.

Top
#118886 - 07/29/09 08:23 PM Re: WM Megalite / FF Kestrel [Re: Rick]
Rick Offline
member

Registered: 05/10/04
Posts: 708
Loc: Ontario, Canada
Well, all you folks can't be wrong. The Megalite is on order - no purple, so candy apple red it will have to be.

Now the long wait. 4 - 6 weeks (special order through MEC - they don't stock it.)

Whooopy. grin

Top
#118892 - 07/30/09 12:33 AM Re: WM Megalite / FF Kestrel [Re: Rick]
phat Offline
Moderator

Registered: 06/24/07
Posts: 4107
Loc: Alberta, Canada
I'm jealous.. one day I might actually fit into a megalite smile
_________________________
Any fool can be uncomfortable...
My 3 season gear list
Winter list.
Browse my pictures


Top
#118902 - 07/30/09 08:24 AM Re: WM Megalite / FF Kestrel [Re: phat]
Rick Offline
member

Registered: 05/10/04
Posts: 708
Loc: Ontario, Canada
Well, I've lost about 17 ibs with another eight to go. I've been eating yogurt, hard boiled eggs, cottage cheese, and rabbit food for the last two months.
The bag will fit know and when I reach my target I'll be able to either wear my insulated jacket or use my Primaliner to push it to -10C.

Top
#118970 - 08/02/09 03:05 PM Re: WM Megalite / FF Kestrel [Re: Rick]
kbennett Offline
member

Registered: 10/27/03
Posts: 820
Loc: north carolina
Mmmmm, rabbit food. Yum.

Enjoy the bag. Hope you get lots of use out of it.
_________________________
--Ken B

Top
#119906 - 08/26/09 02:30 PM Re: WM Megalite / FF Kestrel [Re: Rick]
Rick Offline
member

Registered: 05/10/04
Posts: 708
Loc: Ontario, Canada
Well, my new Megalite arrived today, thank goodness. A fine product no doubt, but.........

It weighs 12% more than the advertised weight. 1 lb 12 oz vs
1 lb 9 oz. You'd think that for this kind of money ......... oh, never mind. Arghhhh.

Hopefully my disappointment will mellow when I get into the field and it keeps me toasty warm on frosty nights.

Top
#119927 - 08/26/09 05:30 PM Re: WM Megalite / FF Kestrel [Re: Rick]
jpanderson80 Offline
member

Registered: 07/28/06
Posts: 292
Loc: Memphis, TN
When you get frustrated over 3oz... you've got it bad, man. I've certainly done the same thing.
LOL

I love it!
_________________________
I always forget and make it more complicated than it needs to be...it's just walking.

Top

Shout Box

Highest Quality Lightweight Down Sleeping Bags
 
Western Mountaineering Sleeping Bags
 
Lite Gear Talk - Featured Topics
Backcountry Discussion - Featured Topics
Make Your Own Gear - Featured Topics
Featured Photos
Spiderco Chaparral Pocketknife
David & Goliath
Also Testing
Trip Report with Photos
Seven Devils, Idaho
Oat Hill Mine Trail 2012
Dark Canyon - Utah
Who's Online
0 registered (), 257 Guests and 0 Spiders online.
Key: Admin, Global Mod, Mod
Newest Members
Noodles, McCrary, DanyBacky, Rashy Willia, WanderBison
13240 Registered Users
Forum Links
Disclaimer
Policies
Site Links
Backpacking.net
Lightweight Gear Store
Backpacking Book Store
Lightweight Zone
Hiking Essentials

Our long-time Sponsor, BackcountryGear.com - The leading source for ultralite/lightweight outdoor gear:

Backcountry Forum
 

Affiliate Disclaimer: This forum is an affiliate of BackcountryGear.com, Amazon.com, R.E.I. and others. The product links herein are linked to their sites. If you follow these links to make a purchase, we may get a small commission. This is our only source of support for these forums. Thanks.!
 
 

Since 1996 - the Original Backcountry Forum
Copyright © The Lightweight Backpacker & BackcountryForum