Western Mountaineering Ultralite -7
Summary
Price At Time Of Writing | £625.00
Our Overall Rating | 94 out of 100
Pros - Lightweight, warm, not too bulky
Cons - Limited ventilation and comfort
Overall - A great, weight-saving and packable sleeping bag
Technical Specifications
Packed Size - 33x18cm
Weight - 820g
Fill - 850+ Goose Down
Our Analysis & Ratings
The Western Mountaineering UltraLite has earned its reputation as one of the best sleeping bags for backpackers and after plenty of real-world use, we fully agree. It’s built for colder nights but works just as well in milder weather, offering an impressive mix of warmth, low weight and durability. It comes with a high price tag and a fairly snug fit, which may not be great for everyone, but if you're after a high-quality sleeping bag that could last you over a decade, the UltraLite is a dependable choice that’s well worth considering.
Comfort - The UltraLite delivers great comfort, even if it’s not the most spacious bag out there. The 850-fill down feels plush and warm, and the soft outer shell fabric adds to the overall cosy feel. Its trim fit around the shoulders and chest helps trap heat but can feel a bit tight if you move around a lot in your sleep. Side sleepers or anyone who prefers extra wiggle room might find it a bit narrow. Still, for a mummy-style sleeping bag, the comfort is definitely above average and works well for most people.
Construction - It comes with a smooth-running full-length YKK zipper, backed up by a draft tube to help block cold air and a snug, down-filled collar around the neck to keep warmth inside. The bag uses a series of horizontal baffles that let you move the down where you need it most, which helps a lot when temperatures change. From the stitching to the fabric, everything is carefully made, giving the bag a tough build that’s made to last.
Features - The UltraLite keeps things simple, but the details that matter are all there. The standout feature is the warm neck collar, something you don’t usually see in bags this light, and it makes a big difference on colder nights. It also has a long zipper that’s easy to open and close when you need to cool off. The small Velcro tab at the top can get in the way sometimes and there aren’t any extra pockets or vents, but that’s part of the design, as this bag is made to be light and efficient.
Size/Weight - At just 820g for the regular size, the UltraLite is very light for a -7°C-rated bag. What really stands out is how warm it is for its weight, beating out some lighter bags that don’t keep you as cozy. When packed into a compression sack, it shrinks down to around 9 litres, which isn’t the tiniest but still fits easily into most backpacks. For anyone trying to cut pack weight without giving up on warmth, this bag does a great job of balancing both.
Versatility - One of the best things about the UltraLite is how flexible it is. You can shift the down to the top or bottom of the bag depending on the weather, which gives you more control over how warm it feels. It handles anything from chilly spring nights to late autumn hikes, and with the right clothes, you can even take it into early winter. If temperatures go over 15°C, though, it can start to feel too warm, and you’ll probably need to unzip it or sleep with it more like a blanket.
Overall – The Western Mountaineering UltraLite is a great choice for backpackers who want reliable warmth, low weight and long-lasting build quality. It’s on the pricey side, but the top-tier materials, smart design and hand-built craftsmanship make it a strong value in the long run. It’s not the biggest or most budget-friendly option, but if you need a three-season bag that performs well across all kinds of backcountry conditions, the UltraLite is one of the most trusted picks out there.
