For the last year, I've owned only two sleeping bags, the REI Halo +40 Women's Long and the REI Halo +10 Women's Long. I've arrived at these two bags because of 1. the seasonal 20% off one full-priced item coupons they give out and the relatively low price, 2. REI's rapaciously excellent return policy, and 3. their value over the men's version.

For example, the Women's 40º Halo Long is EN rated for men down to 28º, has 12.3oz of 750 fill power down, weighs 26oz, and costs $209, while the men's version is EN rated for men to 37º, has 9.5oz of 750 fill power down, weighs 24oz, and costs $199.

With the regular 20% off coupons, you get a 1lb,10oz, 28º bag with REI's return policy for $167. Compared to a Western Mountaineering Megalite (the closest bag to compare to?), you gain 5" of shoulder room, lose 2º of range, is 2oz lighter, but—perhaps most importantly—more than twice as expensive.

Am I missing something, or is this one of the best kept secrets for the price-constrained, <= 6' backpacker?

Edited by kylemeyer on 11/24/2010 18:43:22 MST.

Very interesting... I'm sure this is often overlooked.

One thing that could be a problem is that women's sleeping bags are likely to have smaller shoulder girths, but that won't be a problem for those who like to be snug.

Possibly you are comparing the 28f (LOWER) rating to the 30 WM rating that I think is actually closer to a COMFORT rating (37f with the REI)
WM use 850 down, on average.
Value for money it is another matter.
Franco

I have not had good luck with REI sleeping bags. The problem is that they don't fill the baffles enough with high-enough quality down and it ends up moving around loosely, resulting in cold spots. I would knock at least 10-15 degrees off REI's temperature ratings compared to WM's temperature ratings, and that's to give them the benefit of the doubt because I don't know if REI has improved their gear since I sold my Kilo Plus. So if you're going to compare, I'd think that you need to adjust accordingly in choosing a WM model to compare against.

A lot of people have been really happy with REI's sub-kilo line and the Halo seems similar spec-wise. They do seem tough to beat for value and security of purchase, since you can return them if they don't live up to the claims.

No youre not missing anything

as long as you fit the bag and youre an hombre ... The LL comfort is the one to look at ... En-testing imo is levelling the field

Now u have a good idea if a cheaper bag should perform as well as a more expensive one

en-testing is not perfect as it makes certain assumptions ... But then at least its an actual warmth test ... Instead of making guess off the down ... Or the bramd name

i bet marketers are hating it though ...