Western Mountaineering Alpinlite Review

Since this is a unisex bag, Western Mountaineering doesn't make extra accommodations for women and other cold-prone sleepers like other manufacturers (such as matching the down fill quantity used in larger versions of the same bag). However, the AlpinLite is built with a generous 19 ounces of high-quality 850+ down fill that has no problem keeping us warm and toasty across three seasons of the year. Our test team found it very comfortable when the temperature range traveled from the low 30Fs downward to 15F, depending on the humidity of the testing climate. This was especially true when paired with a high R-value sleeping pad. This stripped-down design is built last and well worth the investment if you have the budget.

Performance Comparison

Warmth

The AlpinLite has continuous baffles so you can shift all the down toward the top of your body for more warmth when needed. In bags that don't have this feature, half the bag's down fill will be compressed under your body when sleeping, rendered useless underneath you. If you are using a good sleeping pad, there is no need to have any down fill under your body when you sleep since the compression eliminates down's ability to produce warmth. Having continuous baffles in the bag means you control the placement of the down fill. You can move it around your body to adjust the warmth you want from the bag on any night. On cold nights, shift more down to the top of the bag. On warm nights, shift some down fill to the underside of the bag and your body to reduce warmth. We dig this kind of adaptability in a sleeping system, which increases its versatility and application across a wider range of temperatures.

With a lower limit of 14 degrees and a comfort limit of 25F, this is one of the warmest bags in our lineup. The amount of down fill inside the baffles, paired with the bag's perfect fit for our lead tester at 5'6", resulted in ultimate warmth. Another substantial baffle installed around the neck adds extra squishy comfort. It also limits the potential for a draft inside the bag. Overall, the Western Mountaineering Alpinlite was at the top of our lead tester's list of favorites when it came to ensuring warmth when temperatures dropped.

Weight

The AlpinLite is one of the top contenders in this metric, weighing 1.85 pounds for the shortest size. This bag is easy to toss in your pack when you're hoping to go fast and light in the mountains but still want to know you'll sleep warm. It is among the lightest of all the sleeping bags that we tested.

Although some of the lightest weight options tend to sacrifice warmth, the AlpinLite does not fall into that trap. Instead, it's one of the warmest bags we tested. However, it doesn't include nice-to-have features we see in other high-end models, like anti-snag zippers, compression sacks, pillow sleeves, or fasteners to attach it to your sleeping pad. Instead, it is built to trap body heat and resist humid climates. It also includes a beefy, durable zipper that's easy to use. This high-quality bag won't disappoint on fast and light adventures if you don't mind a stripped-down design emphasizing warmth and simplicity.

Comfort

Of all the high-end, down-filled sleeping bags we tested, we believe the AlpinLite is among the most comfortable options, especially for those seeking a little more real estate to move in than a standard mummy-style bag. It has very soft (and quiet) lining materials and is cut to be a slightly roomier, more comfy version of the Western Mountaineering Ultralite, a unisex backpacking model. This is a classic mummy-shaped bag with a bit more wiggle room for your legs and torso. It is also super lofty, with a well-fitted hood that's not too tight, comfortably enveloping your head and sealing in warmth. You'll feel equally cradled by the soft draft tube that wraps around your neck, allowing you to choose how snug you want it to sit.

While this bag is one of the most comfortable we tested, we found it difficult to fit a standard backpacking pillow inside the shallow hood, leaving it outside our bag and on our sleeping pad instead. We also found that the larger-sized measurements in the chest can leave a pocket for draftiness to develop inside the bag. This is easily remedied by adding an extra layer to reduce the space inside. If the AlpinLite fits your body shape, it is among the most comfortable and cozy options for three-season adventures.

Packed Size

Because of its highly compressible down fill, the AlpinLite reduces to a very small packed size. Unfortunately, the stuff sack it comes with is quite large and heavy and does not offer additional compression features. The bag measures roughly 15.5 x 9 inches when stuffed inside this provided stuff sack. For further packability, you could grab a secondary compression sack (purchased separately) or simply stuff it inside an already tightly packed backpack.

The AlpinLite design also includes a giant storage bag, which provides a reliable long-term storage option without damaging the responsibly sourced down fibers. If you're trying to pack as much as possible into an ultralight backpacking trip, we highly recommend purchasing a lightweight compression sack to free up precious space inside your backpack.

Features

As with many high-end products in our lineup, we would call out the AlpinLite's simplicity as an intentional design feature. We love the simple, streamlined “tube” design that's extra warm and allows us to focus on what's most important: how lightweight and compressible it is. Although the shape may not work for everybody, it provides optimal warmth for those who fit well inside. The top-quality, responsibly sourced 850+ down-fill construction combines an easy-to-use, lofty draft tube and hood design to boost warmth and comfort.

One thing of note is that Western Mountaineering has not adopted the “snag-proof” zipper design many other manufacturers now include in their bags. While our testers would consider this a potential drawback to the design if the remaining zipper was small, ultralight, and prone to durability concerns, that is not what we found. The provided zipper is beefy, stout, and stiff enough to avoid snags. A 1-inch thick piece of stiff fabric covers the bag's interior where the zipper runs, a shield to prevent the lining from getting stuck inside.

Should You Buy the Western Mountaineering AlpinLite?

No doubt about it, this high-end bag also comes with a high-end price tag. While our biggest complaint about this bag is its high cost of entry, we would stand behind the recommendation as a solid investment for many adventures to come. Its responsibly sourced 850+ goose down prioritizes warmth and comfort, while the shorter size (5'6") is a good match for a standard female height and body shape. Its stripped-down design keeps it light, while the hardy construction is built to last.

What Other Women's Sleeping Bags Should You Consider?

If you are planning long thru-hikes, big alpine climbs, or just spending extended time in the mountains, the AlpinLite is a great choice. It is warm, very comfortable, and won't weigh you down. If you're interested in high-performance down bags but want to spend a little less, we recommend the Feathered Friends Egret UL 20 (if the standard sizes can accommodate your height) or the Mountain Hardwear Phantom 15 which is one of our favorite options for mountain trips, particularly if there's the possibility of inclement weather. If the prices of these top performers are a barrier, options like the Sierra Designs Get Down 20 or Big Agnes Torchlight EXP 20 sell for less. The Torchlight EXP 20 even includes useful integration features for a more customized sleep experience.