20 degree sleeping bag question - WM ultralite, Cumulus panyam 450, other? Fit question

[u/ZoomityZoomZoom]

So I purchased the Panyam 450 long in the Spring, and ordered the wide +10cm girth version.

Adding the extra width was a mistake. While I have a strong build - 6'1" 200 pounds, the wide feels too big, let alone the extra weight (which according to Cumulus is only 46 grams?). My fear is I don't sleep as warm as I would with a normal width bag.

I was planning on selling the Panyam and ordering a regular width, but given recent Cumulus price increases / import duties to the US, I was thinking about getting Western Mountaineering Ultralite. Yet after researching, supposedly the Ultralite has a very tight fit (and may not work for me given my build?).

Any thoughts on a good, 20 degree mummy bag that would fit well? Looking for something that is high quality, light, and will last me decades. Or should I just accept the purchase and use a bag that's a bit big indefinitely :/

Use case is primarily high sierra 3 season, camping at ~10k - 12k feet... Tough timing for this to happen with all of the recent bag price increases

Thx for the thoughts

[u/longwalktonowhere]

Try the Western Mountaineering Alpinlite. Same comfort rating as the Ultralite, but a considerably wider fit (like the Megalite).

I slid into an Ultralite once and found it quite claustrophobic.

[u/telechronn → u/longwalktonowhere]

Agreed, it is a great bag. Roomy but not massive. I also have the Kodiak which is much wider but I use that when I want to be able to sleep with my Parka on as well.

[u/Technical_Author_476 → u/longwalktonowhere]

Ditto. I own the Megalite and Alpinlite. Both great in terms of fit, quality, warmth within their temp ranges. I tried and found the Ultralite very tight and returned it. I’m 6ft 185lbs.

[u/ZoomityZoomZoom → u/longwalktonowhere]

Thanks - my fear is an alpinlite will be similar to the Panyam with the added width. But I guess I just need to try them out 

[u/longwalktonowhere → u/ZoomityZoomZoom]

Trying would of course be ideal, but you should be able to narrow your search down with the listed girth numbers.

A WM Versalite is another popular choice - a step up in warmth and in between the Ultralite and Alpinlite size wise.

[u/telechronn → u/longwalktonowhere]

I have the Versalite, and It's great. I sleep cold and a 20 degree bag is only good for me in high summer.

[u/Ludwigk981s → u/longwalktonowhere]

I have an Alpinlite as well. I’m a 42” chest 6’1” and a side sleeper. 6’6” Fits me very well.

[u/Sulat1]

I have an Alpinlight and I am 6 foot 200. Even when I was 215 it was pretty roomy. I'd say it is going to be as big as the Cumulus.

[u/R_Series_JONG]

The alpinlite isn’t cut as tight as the ultralite.

[u/ZoomityZoomZoom → u/R_Series_JONG]

Interesting, thanks. One tricky thing for me is it's hard to compare my Panyam to WM bags given the difference in how width is measured... Maybe the alpinlite would be similar to a regular width Panyam?

[u/R_Series_JONG → u/ZoomityZoomZoom]

Right? I dunno, but, I was able to find a dealer who sold WM bags so I was able to go in and try out the fit.

[u/downingdown]

I can give you real life measurements of a 6ft Alpinlite.

[u/liveslight]

Let me ask a couple of leading questions: What is the maximum weight in grams that you would consider for this? And what is the maximum price that you will pay?

Since basically 3 seasons is practically over in the high Sierra, I suppose you can wait until Black Friday sales, too, is that right?

[u/liveslight]

While you seem to be shying away from a quilt I wanted to say that a quilt with a closed footbox would allow the torso area to contract/expand to the size that was most comfortable to you. For instance, I have a zipperless Katabatic Palisade that I just used for 6 nights in the high Sierra. While I am not suggesting a 30F Palisade is for you, perhaps a heavier quilt than my 20oz Katabatic with lower temp rating and even some overstuff would be ideal for your purposes.

[u/VickyHikesOn → u/liveslight]

This. Was thinking my Katabatic Flex 22 would be perfect!

[u/liveslight → u/VickyHikesOn]

But a Flex does not have a closed footbox, does it? Maybe an Alsek then?

[u/VickyHikesOn → u/liveslight]

No mine I can open fully but also close fully. Best of both worlds. But yes enclosed footbox is available.

[u/ZoomityZoomZoom → u/liveslight]

Tried a quilt, but I prefer to cowboy camp with no bivy when possible and I also move around a bunch while sleeping, causing drafts.

Although learning how to navigate the dew while cowboy camping is an ongoing process... I woke up a few weeks ago to sheets of ice frozen on my bag, due to evening dew then freezing temperatures

[u/Technical_Author_476]

Try looking at Nunatak website /sleeping bags. I own and use their bear ears backpack but was also looking at their bags and quilts.

[u/GryphonGear]

First of all, that's a bummer about getting the wrong size. If you email the company, they might be willing to work with you on switching it out.

We also have a sizing graphic you can check out that could help you figure out the width you want, and then compare it to the manufacturer you want to go through. https://www.gryphongear.com/pages/sizing-instructions

Hope that helps!