WM or Mont-Bell for 11 yr old

Posted by: chuck

WM or Mont-Bell for 11 yr old - 02/24/08 08:01 PM

Wondering if I can get your opinion here?

I am trying to decide between getting my 11 year old son a WM Ultralite Super 20* bag which has a 59" shoulder width at 26 oz, and a Mont-Bell UL SS Down Hugger #2 - 25* bag which has a 53" inside shoulder width (stretchable to 70") at 28 oz.

WM is 2 oz lighter and rated for 5* colder, but am I correct thinking the MB will be warmer because it is more narrow, therefore less excess space to warm in the bag? It would seem since MB stretches to 70" shoulder width, we could layer another bag in it to get to lower temps, any thoughts?

Any personal prefernces between these bags?

Thanks

Chuck
Posted by: mugs

Re: WM or Mont-Bell for 11 yr old - 02/25/08 12:00 AM

I think that any 11 year old that gets either bag should be very thankfull or is spoiled rotten when it comes to BP gear. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> Hey can I be your 35 year kid too. I have had a few bags in my day. And own a WM Highlight and love it. However for my wife kids etc, I am leaning towards the MB UL down Hugger series when it come time to replace bags. For one they are less expesnive, and two they have some grow room in them (the foot box colapses via draw cord for extra warmth and less space to warm up) Plus I will have to say that they are a little bit more rugged and don't require as much care as a WM bag would need. I think with the down huggers it will drap just as welll as the WM because of the design of the bag and be a better fit and more versatal for an 11 year. Just my two cents YMMV
Posted by: chuck

Re: WM or Mont-Bell for 11 yr old - 02/25/08 07:17 AM

Gosh, I hope we are not spoiling him <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" /> I agree very much with your comments. I've actually thought very hard about cost and figure in the long run it will be cheaper to get a real good bag that can grow with him than buying different bags down the road. My wif'es next bag will probably be a MB also for same reasons you mention. I just bought a Stephenson Warmlite 2 for his trips but this tent is not his but the family's. He does get to use though, but then so does dad <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

I have a wife and two kids to outfit and since I am the family sherpa I need to protect my old back by lightening up. Trying to find right balance between weight and cost is huge issue for me.

As a reference point, we did not get my son a vide game (xbox) until this last Christmas. We wanted him outside and not tethered to TV games, he thought we were cruel because all his friends had them for years before he did, same thing with a lot of other stuff. With only "x" amount of disposable income we try to spend on those things we think have best quality of life style factors. We do probably spend more on outside activity things than inside. I think in long run this will work out.

Thanks for response.

Chuck
Posted by: finallyME

Re: WM or Mont-Bell for 11 yr old - 02/25/08 11:31 AM

Quote:

As a reference point, we did not get my son a vide game (xbox) until this last Christmas. We wanted him outside and not tethered to TV games, he thought we were cruel because all his friends had them for years before he did, same thing with a lot of other stuff. With only "x" amount of disposable income we try to spend on those things we think have best quality of life style factors. We do probably spend more on outside activity things than inside. I think in long run this will work out.


In my opinion, you are making the right choice. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />
Posted by: Earthling

Re: WM or Mont-Bell for 11 yr old - 02/25/08 12:18 PM

I second that, you are making the right choices for him down the road, stay on this trail Chuck! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" /> Mugs knows of what he speakth! The MB are great bags, with the bonus that your son can live with his for at least the next ten years before having to pass it down, if at all, depending on how he sprouts in the next 5 or so <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

MB bags are under rated as great bags IMO. I tried a few, just can't afford one right now.