I am considering getting either a WM Summerlite or WM Highlite for typical summer use (potentially a PCT hike, depending on my summer schedule). I have two questions about these bags.

1. I am exactly 6' tall (and 160lbs--less when hiking), so I am right on the cusp between the regular and long sizes. Would a regular allow enough room? I don't need a lot of space, I just don't want my feet (sz 10.5) pressing into the end of the bag.

2. How different are these in terms of warmth and loft? I intend on using this with a 100 weight fleece hoody and tights, plus a down vest and booties if needed. I wouldn't mind being cold on a few odd nights of a PCT thru-hike, as long as I'm not below the margin of safety or chronically freezing at night. I use a SMD Wild Oasis and no bivy for extra wind protection, which may be relevant given the sewn-thru construction of the Highlite. Also, the full-zip feature of the Summerlite is relatively meaningless to me, I actually prefer half-zips.

Thank you for your input.

Fleece??

I have both bags. I noticed cool spots in mid 30's temperatures with the Highlite. The Summerlite has 1 more oz of fill and 2 extra oz of zipper and draft tube. In my opinion it is more comfortable at its temp rating. I also don't care for the full zip. You could shorten the zip and draft tube and use a lighter zip and save 2 oz, for a 1 oz weight penalty over the Highlite. Either bag is great. used the Highlite for five years, still like new. I sleep cold and at 31 deg in the Summerlite I was a little too warm with light weight underwear. (I wear this to prevent oils from getting on the bag).

@Chase. I don't want to distract from my original questions, nor do I feel that I need to justify that I like carrying fleece. But since you asked...

I almost always carry either a microfleece pullover (TNF 1/4 zip, ~7.5oz) or hoody (Patagonia Micro D, ~9.5oz), and they are probably my favorite pieces of gear. Cheap, comfortable, versatile, non-finnicky, light-ish, and warm enough 90% of the time when backpacking in the summer. I can wear it by itself to get out of grimy hiking clothes when sleeping, which helps keep both me and my bag clean. Bulk is not an issue since I can strap it to the outside of my pack if I need to. The power stretch tights/pants I made myself (~6oz) and are an "as needed" item that I would bring for slightly colder conditions (e.g. Sierras). Anyways, if you really want to hate on my gear choices, we can talk about how the new version of the GoLite Jam is superior to both the ULA Ohm and the GG Gorilla, all of which I have owned/used. ;)

@James. That is definitely helpful perspective given that you own both bags. I'd probably like to avoid modifying a new bag, since that's one of the appeals of buying it rather than making my own quilt. Both sound great the way you describe them (too warm at 31 degrees can't be a bad thing).

I have a Highlite (and an Ultralite) and I am 6'1" and would say there is no way I would be comfortable in a regular. The long seems just about right for me. Your best bet is to go and try one on if you can. I have had it down into the 20's with long underwear and a vest and was OK. I mostly have used it in the 30's with just the long underwear and was plenty warm and consider myself a cold sleeper. I don't notice any difference with the sewn through horizontal baffles as far as wind or cold spots.

I'm 5'11" and have a regular that is to short when closing the hood in cold-weather-mode.

I'm also 5'11" and have a regular Summerlite.

It feels like I could almost compress some of the down when I fully stretch out with the hood zipped tight. So I feel it is about perfect for me.
At 6' height may cause some compression when your fully stretched out, but I suspect it would be fine.

I have a slightly smallish frame, but above average weight for my size. I find it fits me about perfectly tight when I wear a fleece and puffy vest.

I probably wouldn't recommend a Summerlite if you have a larger than average frame, especially if you plan on wearing layers.


As far as hiking in a fleece. I also like a grid fleece because it works so well when wet in rainy conditions. If I was going to be in primarily arid conditions like the Southern PCT, CDT, I'd maybe consider a down sweater instead.

I've owned a Summerlite but found it too chilly for summer UK temperatures (even with extra clothes - which I am not keen on in a bag personally); I also had it when I did the JMT - had, but did not take. Instead I took a -3 (C) rated bag - glad that I did, I'd have been too cold in a Summerlite (my preference is too sleep high away from tree cover mind you).

Edited by edhyatt on 02/09/2012 07:11:55 MST.

I've got a 6' megalite, I know it's not the bag your talking about but, I'm 6'0 and it works for me just fine. It is not compressed but there is no extra space at my feet. If I was to do it again, I'd go with the 6'6. YMMV.

I'm 5'11", 160lbs and have a regular WM Ultralite. I have enough room. If you are concerned, I'd try it out in a store, or buy with an exchange policy.

I have had both. Sold the Highlite and still have the Summerlite. I'm 6' with size 9.5 feet and fluctuate between 150 and 160. My first Highlite was a 6' and I found it too constricting so WM traded me a 6'6". For me, it was a big difference.

Can't comment much on the Highlite's warmth. Only slept in it once, as I recall. Have used my Summerlite a lot more....though mostly in the spring and early fall in Idaho between 5000' and 8500'. A few nights froze pretty hard. When wearing light fleece only, I typically feel like it is barely enough to keep me from being uncomfortable...and I often find myself donning a plastic poncho VBL for extra. I find it fairly comfy, warmth wise, when wearing my WM Flash jacket and pants though....when the temps are cold enough to frost.

These experiences have been inside a stand alone bivy, in a lighter bivy under a tarp, and inside a Henry Shires Cloudburst tent. My pad is either a POE Uber Lite torso pad under a 60" 3/8" thick CCF or a 60" NeoAir.

EDIT:
I should also note that WM tried to steer me towards the 6'6" model but with weight savings in my head, I opted for the 6'. That's the Highlite I sent back to WM and traded for the 6'6" model.

Edited by rustyb on 02/09/2012 11:57:28 MST.

At 6' and 160 lbs you don't sound that big, so your reduced volume would probably allow you to fit more comfortably into the regular. However if you have broad shoulders, the reg. might be too restricting. Like many things, fit is personal. You should try them both on to see which fits you better. At your dimensions it is not obvious which bag would work better for you.

I've used the WM Highlite regular length for the last 6 years. I'm 6' and usually around 195 pounds. It is a slim fit but I have been able to wear a puffy jacket on cool nights. I've slept warm on several nights in the 20s.

You really should try it to see if you like the fit.

My only complaint with the bag has been the zipper. It snags occasionally, usually when I am needing to make a quick trip to the woods.

I'm ready to try a down quilt. But the Highlite has given me a great deal of service. It's light, extremely well made, warm, and durable.

I have both lengths in my WM bags. Can't really tell the diff other than a little extra weight. I tend to sleep on my side. The zip on the Caribou hangs up some, I could get away with a 3/4 zip as the summers here in the Sierra have been mild for years now, except for high up with freezing nights in the summer.
Duane

Thank you all for your responses. It's great to get perspective from people who are both exactly my size and have owned these bags.

I decided to go with the long size Highlite. As an added bonus, I was able to get it for 30% off ($196). I think this will be ideal for most of the backpacking I do, and at (hopefully) only 17 ounces! Perfect.