Q Shield Sleeping Bag

[Kinsayder]

I was wondering if any gearheads know anything about Q Shield. I'm about to buy a new sleeping bag, a Mountain Hardwear Phantom 0 but I've noticed that Mountain Hardwear are releasing a Q Shield down sleeping bag in the 0F range. It's not coming out until Autumn next year, so I guess my question is; is there any point in waiting for a Q Shield bag? The Phantom 0 seems pretty spot on, so I'm not sure if it's worth holding out.

[roysta]

Q Shield is MHW's new water repellency fabric.
If it performs in similar fashion to Dry Q Elite (eVent to some), then I think it'll be pretty good.
I guess it depends on how soon you want the bag.
The Phantom 0 is a good bag and you can get them for US$400 plus freight from the states.
My thought is that you'll pay a bit more than that for the Q Shield bag.
If that's the case why not pay more now for a bag like the Feathered Friends Snowbunting.

[Kinsayder]

My understanding is that Mountain Hardwear is extending this technology to the down itself, Roysta. Nonetheless I had a look at the Feathered Friends Snowbunting, which in turn lead me to the Western Mountaineering Antelope MF, which is where I'm leaning now. It seems like a pretty sweet bag.

[iGBH]

Both the Antelope MF and Snowbunting are great bags. For my usage, the Snowbunting was the better choice because it has a better outer fabric (Pertex EX) and the cut is a more efficient cut so a better fit for my shape, therefore warmer. Price wise, they are pretty similar.

And the further bonus with going Feathered Friends was that it was a good excuse to order their down booties and include it in the shipping.

[Kinsayder]

Thanks for that, iGBH. By better outer fabric do you mean it's water resistant or something similar? My understanding on this (if that is what you mean) are that sometimes water resistance in sleeping bags can lead to moisture being trapped in the sleeping bag, especially in tent situations and that such bags are better for bivy or tarping. I'm glad to hear that you regard the Antelope highly though!

[roysta]

Whichever way you go, sounds like you'll get enjoyment.
Western Mountaineering make great bags that's for sure.

[iGBH]

For my expected use with the bag (ie cold, wet Australian snow conditions for less than 3 nights at a time), a waterproof (or near enough to) outer was a higher priority for me than ultra-breathability. I've used Gore Dryloft bags for the last 10 years which I believe are less breathable than the Pertex EX, and have never had an issue with down losing performance due to wetting out. Maybe heavy night sweaters would have a different experience?

[Kinsayder]

I guess the main thing, Roysta and iGBH, is that I'm not making some terrible mistake in my selection. It doesn't sound like I am, so that's me sorted! Thanks a lot guys!

[iGBH]

Nope, good choice.

If you are interested, outdoorgearlab did a good comparison amongst similar bags including the FF and WM. Interesting reading. Both the Snowbunting and Antelope scored really well, with the Snowbunting taking editors choice.

[Kinsayder]

I've had a look at that Outdoor Gear Lab review, iGBH. There are some pretty great sleeping bags out there. The Marmot Lithium looks pretty nice too, but I think I just need to go with one and make that the WM.