Western Mountaineering HighLite 35°F
Specifications
| Weight | Packed Size (L) | Warmth Rating | Fill Weight | Fill Power | Fill Type | Sleeper Height | Seasons | Shape | MSRP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16 oz | 5 | 35°F | 8 oz | 850+ | Goose Down | Up to 6’ (Regular) | 2-season | Slim Mummy | $445.00 |
Comfort & Warmth.
The Western Mountaineering HighLite 35°F is designed for ultralight backpackers who want dependable warmth in a minimalist package. It uses 850+ fill power goose down for exceptional loft and heat retention, paired with a trim mummy cut that minimizes dead air space for greater thermal efficiency. The bag features a down-insulated draft tube, half-length center zipper, and a unique vertical baffle construction that helps keep insulation in place while reducing weight. Rated to 35 °F, it’s best suited for late spring through early fall conditions, offering just enough warmth for cool nights when paired with an appropriate sleeping pad and layers. Despite its featherlight build, the HighLite delivers consistent, true-to-rating comfort for those who prioritize efficiency and low pack weight over extra features.
Weight & Packability
The Western Mountaineering HighLite 35°F is purpose-built for ultralight missions, tipping the scales at just 16 oz (regular length) and offering one of the best warmth-to-weight ratios in its class. Its 850+ fill power goose down and ultralight 0.9 oz ripstop shell fabric allow it to compress to about 5 liters in its included stuff sack, and even smaller with a compression sack, making it easy to fit into the tightest pack spaces. A half-length center zipper and pared-down design further trim weight and bulk, while still providing enough functionality for ventilation and easy entry. The HighLite’s minimal packed size and featherlight weight make it ideal for thru-hikers, and fastpackers who want reliable summer-to-shoulder-season warmth without sacrificing precious pack space.
Price
The HighLite 35 °F sits at the premium end of ultralight sleeping bags, with a price range of $435 to $455 depending on size and customization options. This pricing reflects the exceptional craftsmanship and high-end materials, including 850+ fill-power goose down, ultralight ExtremeLite shell fabric, and box-baffle construction, which together deliver a lightweight, high-performance sleeping bag built to last. The cost is positioned as an investment in durability, comfort, and strong weight-to-warmth efficiency for serious backpackers and fastpackers.
Quality & Materials
The HighLite 35°F is crafted with an emphasis on top-tier materials and meticulous construction to achieve maximum performance at minimal weight. It’s insulated with premium 850+ fill power goose down, chosen for its exceptional loft, warmth retention, and long-term resilience. The shell is made from ultralight 0.9 oz ExtremeLite ripstop nylon, which is both downproof and highly breathable, helping to regulate temperature while keeping weight to a minimum. A unique vertical baffle design across the torso keeps down from shifting and maintains even insulation coverage, while horizontal baffles in the footbox optimize warmth where it’s most needed. A down-insulated draft tube and precise, tight stitching further enhance durability and heat retention. U.S. based manufacturing ensures exacting quality control, resulting in a bag that balances featherlight pack weight with the ruggedness needed for years of use in demanding backcountry conditions.
Consumer Sentiment: Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Under 1 lb, with exceptional warmth-to-weight ratio
- Extremely compressible
- Domestic high build quality and durable materials
Cons:
- Half-length zipper limits ventilation and makes full unzip tricky
- Narrow fit is less forgiving for larger or very active sleepers
Comparison to Similar Items
Feathered Friends Tanager 20 CFL: The HighLite 35°F is lighter and more ventilated than the Tanager 20 CFL, but it’s less warm and not suited for true shoulder-season or near-freezing conditions.
Enlightened Equipment Revelation 30F Quilt: Compared to the Revelation 30F Quilt, the HighLite 35°F offers a fully enclosed, draft-free design for better heat retention, but is less versatile in warm weather and lacks the quilt’s open configuration options.
REI Co-op Magma 30: The HighLite 35°F is lighter and packs smaller than the Magma 30, but it’s less warm and has a more minimalist feature set aimed at ultralight purists.
Who It’s Intended For
The HighLite is ideal for ultralight backpackers, and fastpackers, who want a legitimate sub one pound 35 °F bag and can manage the narrow fit and modest ventilation system. It’s best for back or light side sleepers, especially in dry, summer-to-fall trips. Users who require more bedding versatility or wider cut might find it limiting - but for those chasing every ounce, it’s top-tier.
