I thought this bag was older than 15 years. Checking my financial program, Quicken, I found it was purchased 15 years ago for $360 at Adventure 16 (a.k.a. A16). A16, a stellar company with expert and knowledgable employees, was my favorite backpacking retailer for decades.

When I bought this sleeping bag, it was in person at one of their stores. Not only could the staff make excellent recommendations, they had a room set aside just for trying out sleeping bags. Of course, there were numerous sleeping pads on the floor for this purpose. 

Alas, A16 is gone, dying at the age of 58 years. A victim of the public’s preference for cheap internet goods, while ignoring the value of knowledgable sales people and hands-on inspection before making a purchase.

If you want a quality sleeping bag, and don’t live near a brick and mortar store that sells backpacking equipment — you can’t go wrong by buying a Western Mountaineering sleeping bag, quilt, or other apparel. They are that good! Plus, everything is made in the good ‘ol US of A.

Continue reading Western Mountaineering UltraLite Sleeping Bag —15 Year Review →