Wiggy's Sleeping Bag Review
I, although having tried every tip possible and about a half dozen different sleeping bags, always seem to get cold in the winter. The only system that kinda has worked for me is a 0 degree bag, with a HUGE flannel sleeping bag over top... yes... it's the same HUGE sleeping bag my grandpa likely used years ago. 100% cotton flannel, and as heavy as iron.
In comes Wiggy's (http://www.wiggys.com/). I heard about Wiggy's bags years ago, and they seem to have a love/hate following on the internet. They touted the following:
- Can be stored compressed.
- Wash as often as you like, even after each use. It won't affect the warmth, and is actually encouraged.
- Lifetime warranty.
- Can be submerged, wrung out, hopped into, and still keep you warm.
- Soft and as comfy as down.
I had reservations, but finally saw one at a price I couldn't pass up this fall, so bought the 0 degree model. The owner himself called me up after placing the order to talk about sizing. That's customer service!
The Good
- Warmth: Sleeping with temps in the teens, I still have not had to put the hood on. As soon as I put my head in the hood, I've gotten too hot. Plenty warm down to 0.
- Quality: Made in Grand Junction, CO, and seems very well made.
- Lamilite: More comfortable than other synthetic bags I've owned. Not quite down, but very comfortable.
- The Zipper: This zipper is BURLY. It will still be around long after the apocalypse.
- Breathable: No condensation or moisture problems inside or on the shell.
- Included pillow is a nice, well-sized perk.
The Bad
- No Draft Collar: This would be a nice feature at the neck that I am used to from other bags.
- Weight: Heavy. This is definitely more of a car camping bag. Not for backpacking.
- Shell Material: A bit thin; I wouldn't want to sleep in the wind without a shelter, but fine in a tent or car.
Overall, I am a convert. If it stays as comfortable at 0 as I suspect it will, and holds up to all my washings, I may change from convert to zealot.
-Ryan, December 2009
I have slept in my Wiggy's dozens of nights over the last 4 years, in temps very close to zero. It has been washed many times. My update: I still love the bag! In fact, I am looking to get a warmer rated one for summer use and to double up with in the winter for temps below zero. So far, the Wiggy's bag has been my best sleeping bag purchase to date.
Additional Thoughts From Tim Cooney
The summer overbag: at 2.5 pounds and highly compressible, we have used this bag repeatedly on backpack trips. Because of the synthetic lamilite, you don’t have to worry as much about getting the bag wet as opposed to down, however, overall, it it no where near as comfortable as a good down bag. It has a very narrow comfort range of about 40° - 45°. Any warmer and you sweat in it all night. Any cooler and your feet begin to freeze.
A property that Wiggy calls “drapability” causes the bag to sit very closely to your body. This prevents the greater warmth from your torso being transported down around your feet, so cold feet is a problem. The bag is also very uncomfortable if the humidity is high at all; you end up sweltering and it becomes rather sticky.
The 15° bags are much the same. We’ve spent two nights in those bags when outside air temp reached 15°. We spent both nights with the cold gradually creeping up our feet and lower legs. Overall, we find the bags usable & utilitarian once you figure them out, but not nearly as comfortable as my old, trustworthy down bag.