User Review: Mountain Hardwear Men's Phantom 15°

I had originally purchased the Phantom 32 but it proved to be a little marginal for high elevation in the fall. It kept me warm at freezing temps but no lower. Sleeping in fleece and a down sweater worked just fine but I was looking for a little more 3-season versatility in the Western Mountains after Labor Day. I turned the bag in and exchanged it for the Phantom 15.

Ten more oz of down is a world of difference and this bag was toasty at 20 degrees. The neck collar makes a big difference and would certainly benefit the Phantom 32 as well. I have been using Gore-tex and Dryloft shelled bags for the past ten years and was a little worried about the 15D of the Phantom. As I looked back over those past ten years I couldn't think of one time that I actually needed the extra weatherproof shell and in my new found mantra of "going light" I have shed over a pound off of my previous all around bag -- an early Feathered Friends SnowBunting with dryloft shell and 700 fill down.

The Phantom has been put together well and I really like the tuck stitching they use. The collar is a little on the spartan side (Feathered Friends and Western Mountaineering have more elegant solutions) but it is light and does the job. The internal pocket is a nice addition but I don't know what I would use it for since I wear my watch and don't wear contacts. Maybe it would be a great spot for night meds.
All in all a very good lightweight bag for 3-season plus.