WM Megalite / FF Kestrel

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.

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

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.

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.

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?

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.

Thanks for your input jpanderson80 and others. 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

I'm jealous.. one day I might actually fit into a megalite

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.

Mmmmm, rabbit food. Yum.

Enjoy the bag. Hope you get lots of use out of it.

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.

When you get frustrated over 3oz... you've got it bad, man. I've certainly done the same thing.
LOL

I love it!