Macpac Express 400 Sleeping Bag - experiences?

[stoogest]

Hi all,

I'm really liking the pricing on the Macpac Express 400 at the moment (~$470), but was hoping I could get some feedback from someone that's slept in one before.

In particular, how roomy is the bag? I'm a little reluctant to get a mummy style bag as I tend to move around a bit at night, but it's hard (to me anyway!) to tell from the images just how much room there is inside the bage to move around. Any thoughts?

Any thoughts on how it will fare in typical Tasmanian conditions? I don't intend to do any camping in the middle of winter, so I'm thinking that all I need is something down to just below zero, with any extra warmth to be provided by clothing/liner as required. I'll be sleeping in a 1st Arrow.

Also, does the zip extend all the way around the feet, or only down one side? Thought it would be nice to be able to fully open it up during warmer weather camping.

The other bags I'm comparing this against are the:
- One Planet Zephyr 400
- WM Summerlite (although this may be a little narrow...?? makes it difficult as I'm not sure if anyone in Hobart stocks them to try one out)
- WM Megalite (apparently is a little bit more roomy than the Summerlite?)

Any help is appreciated!

Cheers!
Andrew.

edit: title

[Toohp]

I just recently purchased a WM summerlite and I'm very surprised how big the fit is I find it very roomy
Mine's a 6 foot bag I'm 5'7 '' I'm 85 kg .
Not sure about going below Zero ? Mine was very good + 3 c the other week ,few owner's on here that have gone below zero I think I read ? Paddy Palin's are selling em for $399

Cheers Toohp

[blacksheep]

The Macpac express use 400gms of 800+ fp down whereas the WM summerlite std length contain 240gms. Hugely different costs and temperature range right there...I cannot see EN tested ratings on the WM bags on their web-site (anyone got a link?), macpac is 2/-4/-21 as tested. With only 60% of the down of the Macapac bag it would test very differently.

The Macpac bag zip extends to the foot, same as the WM bag. The cut of the macpac is roomy at the shoulder, so judging from the above comment it may not be too different (best thing is go to a shop and try it).

I use the express 400 for 80% of my trips- I have used it backpacking in scandanavia (right up in the Norweigan hils) and also in Utah in august (zipped open!), most trips through NZ- whether hiking and bike touring. It is compact, comes in a seamtaped roll top bag and very well made and versatile.

If you get to a store your other questions should be well answered.
good luck with your selection!

[stoogest]

Thanks for the feedback folks!

I'll definitely be getting into town to try the Macpac asap (and the One Planet). I'm just a little hamstrung at the moment recovering at home from a fractured skull of all things (plenty of time for internet trawling though!)!

Blacksheep, are you able to advise how long the 'Up to 40% off' sale is going to go for? I can't drive for another couple of weeks so I'm hoping the sale will still be on after that.

Cheers!
Andrew.

[blacksheep]

Andrew you let me know if you need this price whenever you are decided/ able to get to a store..I'll sort it for you.

[Franco]

WM Summerlite below zero...
Not by it self. (well maybe some masochists but not me)
I have used it below zero BUT with LW down pants and jacket , more or less the equivalent of using the Ultralite.
Pants 200g (57g down) jacket 260g (85g down)
By it self the WM rating of 0c is right for me with a wool T and wool pants (LW merino)
Franco

[Nuts]

Andrew you let me know if you need this price whenever you are decided/ able to get to a store..I'll sort it for you.

That's the spirit (I'd probably even go a it further.. but then i'll never own an empire lol..)

There may only e 50 odd regulars here but I expect the 000's who have dropped by get to read their opinions. Honesty and goodwill will win out and once readers sort the wheat from the chaff the potential works out to a considerable grapevine. I imagine the ongoing dilemmas in CChurch have caused some angst, It's good to see you posting again b/sheep.

[corvus]

Andrew you let me know if you need this price whenever you are decided/ able to get to a store..I'll sort it for you.

Very good gesture blacksheep especially as you did not need to do it
corvus

[baronessbunyip]

Why don't they just keep them at a similar price all the time?

[stoogest]

As communicated via PM blacksheep, it is an extremely generous offer that is increasingly rare these days. Thanks again and I'll endeavour to get into the store in a couple of weeks time when it's safe for me to be let loose on the streets of Hobart!

Andrew.

[steveh72]

Hi I have aquired the Macpac Express 400 sleeping bag, I am 180 cm tall and I brought the large size, just to be on the safe side as I hate being constricted when I sleep, and the sleeping bag is great - I have still room to move in the legs, the standard size was a bit too snug for my liking though.

Nice & light and it packs down quite small.

I took it to Scott Kilvert Hut at Cradle last weekend - and whilst I have given it a glowing report, my daughter actually commendered it, & she is 8 y.o and sleeps cold and she had no issues with the cold - we did have the heater cranked up though.

Cheers

Steve

[stoogest]

Thanks Steve. I'm also around 180cm and was wondering whether the Std or the XL would be the way to go. Obviously I'll know for sure after trying one, but I suspect that the XL will be the way to go. Good feedback on the room as well. I guess if it's still a little tight there's always the Latitude model, but that comes with a little extra weight.

Andrew.

eidt:typo