Mountain Hardwear Alpine

I should say that this bag as served me well and I don't have any major complaints to make about it. It is a very simple and well designed bag, for example the zipper snag protector is better than ones I've seen on other bags (not just a piece of heavier fabric on the part that usually catches, but actual a separate ridge of thicker fabric- very effective). The two way zipper allows venting so the bag is comfortable even in warm temperatures (think 40s). And it's a very warm bag that has kept me comfortable on many winter trips below 0F.

My only problem is the size and heft of the bag. I used to be really keen on taking the kitchen sink and packing a 6000cu bag. Through experience having limited miles because my pack weight and size, I've learned that less is more. This is the major shortcoming of the bag because it packs pretty big and weighs more than I'd like. If I were going to buy a new winter bag I think I'd go with down this time, but it really is a great bag and it will keep you safe and happy in pretty cold temps.

On a side note: I thought that I was going to be using it in extremely cold temps so I got the upgrade liner from MH and tried to tie it in and it didn't fit perfectly. The liner was labeled as regular length just like my bag, but for some reason the liner stuck out. I called them and they had no explination for it. I returned it and I'm pretty sure that if I ever had to camp in -10 or whatever a down bag would be the only logical choice.

I bought a HV bag because of its durrability over a 3D bag. I figure that a lot of people before me have carried alot more weight than I ever will; so I can afford a 4lb, bag, just gotta get tough! Well this philosophy failed and I collapsed under the extra 1lb of weight and had to be carried of to the yuppie mountaineer's hospice. Just joking! Its been great very durable and true to its rating. I will buy a down bag next as this one stuffs rather large.