Caribou MF

I recently used my Caribou (taffeta) bag on a trip to California's Trinity Alps Wilderness. I wanted to keep my pack under 35 pounds for 3-day trip with food and water.



Western Mountaineering's temperature ratings are right-on or conservative. I have 3 of their bags and use them to at least what their temperature ratings are. I have a Super Badger (+15F) that I use for mountaineering and snow camping. Any other manufacturer, you would want a zero degree bag or lower.



I was very comfortable in the Caribou in ~45 degree temps, in a bivy sack on a windy night. I was not wearing heavy fleece or a hat, so I could easily see the Caribou working to near freezing with some fleece and a hat.



The Caribou packs very small and quickly lofts when removed. WM includes an XXS stuff sack with the bag, but I tend to use a larger stuff sack so as not to compress it so much and keep my pack softer and more comfortable.



The newer micro-fiber bags should be even better and lighter than mine. I got a great close-out deal and could not pass it up. Since I tend to use a bivy sack, I didn't need the MF fabric.



I am 5'7 and I pretty much fill the 6' bag. Someone over 5'10 might want to consider the 6'6. It is a trim bag, but not cramped and the trim fit adds to its warmth.



I would definitely recommend it for almost any conditions above freezing.



If you balk at the price of Western Mountaineering bags... all I can say is that they are worth every penny.