WM Apache or Feathered Friends Lark sleeping bags

[stu]

Anyone tried either of these sleeping bags?
Both pretty close in stats...
Western Mountaineering Apache MF
Feathered Friends Lark
Seem to be perfect for Tassie conditions (3 season)

Any comments / comparisons most welcome

Cheers
Stu

[weeman]

I don't have the Lark, but have the Merlin and Snowbunting. Both are exceptional quality sleeping bags and I highly recommend Feathered Friends. The Lark should be fine for 4 season Tassie use.

[stu]

Thanks weeman.
I have heard their (Feathered Friends) quality is second to none but can't find as much on the web about them as Western Mountaineering.

[Dale]

Stu I picked up the WM Apache last year, but it hasn't had many nights under its belt yet and none in conditions to test its warmth. I didn't do any walks in really cold weather so just stuck with my Summerlite. I hope to do more this year. Both WM and FF have a great reputation so I don't know that you'd be disappointed with either.

[stu]

Thanks Dale.
I am also considering the WM Ultralite which has the same outer fabric as the summerlite, how do you find this outer material compared to the micro fibre of the Apache? I think for 3 season use in Tas the Apache might be over the top? One bag to do a solid tas 3 season is what I'm after. Thanks again

[JohnM]

Don't own a FF bag, but the quality of their down jackets is extremely impressive.

[weeman]

Here is a good review of various 3 season bags:

http://www.outdoorgearlab.com/Sleeping-Bag-Down-3-Season-Reviews

[Dale]

I think the Ultralite is a good compromise. I picked up the Apache so I could hedge my bets for cold weather and condensation. So really insurance against the single wall tents I use. Having said that the DWR on the Summerlite has done a great job during deluges and with no loss of loft. So for 3 season use and reasonable condensation you should be fine with the Ultralite.

[roysta]

LIke you, I've done a bucketload of research on bags.
I was looking for a multi-purpose bag that would do well at 5000m in South America but also be ok in NZ and Tasmania.
I came up with the WM Ultralite.
The test is yet to come but frankly I don't think I made the wrong choice.
I already have a Marmot Plasma 15 and that bag is a ball-tearer, so if you want to go to -9 and 850g weight you could go there.