Western Mountaineering Cypress Gore WindStopper: Perfection at a Cost

Purchasing a sleeping bag takes more thought and consideration than one might think. While there are alternatives to sleeping bags, such as a sleeping quilt or a hammock, most campers and hikers still want a reliable sleeping bag to bring along on their trip. So what makes a sleeping bag reliable?

A reliable sleeping bag is durable and keeps you warm when it is cold outside. A reliable sleeping bag is comfortable and roomy. It is also compact and easy to put away. For those looking for a reliable top-quality sleeping bag the Western Mountaineering Cypress Gore Windstopper -30 Degree Sleeping Bag is definitely worth considering.

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Product Specifications

• Made with durable, weather-resistant Gore Windstopper? outer shell material
• 850+ fill power goose down provides excellent warmth to weight ratio and compressibility
• Adjustable down-filled collar helps to seal in your body heat
• Well insulated draft tube behind zipper prevents cold drafts from keeping you up all night
• Storm flap provides external zipper protection

Check the price on Amazon

Review

The Western Mountaineering Cypress GWS Sleeping Bag is an expensive sleeping bag, but it can be used by anyone, anywhere. It is available in two sizes and it is designed to feel wider and roomier than the typical mummy sleeping bag. Therefore, individuals of all heights and sizes should find sleeping in the GWS comfortable.

Furthermore, this sleeping bag is one of the warmest sleeping bags around and it contains several features that makes it so warm.

Most winter sleeping bags contain about 5 inches’ worth of down, but the GWS contains 11 inches, or 50 ounces, worth of 850 fill power goose down. It also has draft tubes, baffles, and an adjustable down-filled collar that prevents drafts from flowing through the sleeping bag.

Despite having 50 ounces of down, the GWS still compacts to a square foot when packed away. Therefore, there is no need to worry that it will take up too much space in a backpack. However, it weighs 5 pounds, which is heavier than most sleeping bags. For those who often camp in frigid temperatures the extra weight might be worth it.

Overall, this sleeping bag is well-built and should last for many years. The Western Mountaineering Cypress Sleeping Bag isn’t just a sleeping bag. It’s an investment that will keep you warm and comfortable throughout any chilly night.

Best Use: Camping During the Winter

Even though the Western Mountaineering Cypress Sleeping Bag is a 4-season sleeping bag, the best time to use it is during the winter.

Not all sleeping bags can handle temperatures around -30°F. Therefore, chances are individuals thinking about purchasing this sleeping bag spend a lot of time camping in frigid temperatures anyways.

However, that doesn’t mean this sleeping can’t be used during the other three seasons. It will still provide warmth during the spring and fall when temperatures can still fall pretty low once it gets dark outside. It is even a good sleeping bag to use during the summer.

While some individuals might feel a bit warm when sleeping in it during the summer, that’s an easy fix. Just leave the zipper open a bit to allow air to flow into the bag. Or if it’s warm enough you can lay on top of the bag and use it for extra protection from the hard ground.

Packaging

One concern when purchasing a warmer sleeping bag, that contains a thick amount of down, is that the sleeping bag will take up too much space when packed away. Having to purchase a bigger backpack to accommodate a fluffy sleeping bag would mean having to carry extra, and unnecessary, weight while hiking.

Fortunately, the Western Mountaineering GWS doesn’t take up that much space, despite being designed for extreme temperatures. When compressed in its stuff sack the sleeping bag is only 11in by 12in. While it is a bit longer than other sleeping bags, for the amount of loft and warmth this bag provides it is a reasonable size.

Overall, this sleeping bag shouldn’t take up too much space. It can fit comfortably in the side of your backpack, leaving room for the rest of your camping and hiking equipment.

For those who still think this bag is too large, it might be possible to attach the bag’s drawstring to the outside of your backpack. However, if you decide to do this, make sure the sleeping bag is secure to avoid losing it accidentally.

Design and Durability

The Western Mountaineering GWS might look like a mummy sleeping bag it has one key difference from other mummy sleeping bags. It is designed to feel much bigger than mummy sleeping bags.

While it may have similar length to other mummy bags, the width of the shoulders, hips, and feet are larger. This way individuals are still warm, but don’t feel constricted when bunkered down for the night.

Overall, this bag is fairly simplistic in its design. The full-length zipper allows the sleeping bag to be open around the feet, making it easy to get in and out of. This sleeping bag also has a hood and an adjustable down collar.

While there may not be anything super fancy about this bag’s design, it still keeps individuals warms. To keep individuals warm, there are draft tubes, 50 ounces of down, and block side baffles.

Despite its simplistic design, this sleeping bag is tough. Gore Windstopper fabric is a 273 thread count and 30 denier fabric.

Therefore, this sleeping bag should never rip unexpectedly or come apart at the seams due to faulty sewing. The only real enemy of this bag is natural wear and tear after many, many years of heavy use.

Western Mountaineering also uses YKK Zippers on all of their sleeping bags. These zippers are dual directional and are less bulky than other zippers. Furthermore, they shouldn’t snag or get stuck.

Furthermore, the material used for the baffles is both firm and flexible. This is to prevent them from distorting. Finally, this sleeping bag has been given a water repellent treatment to protect the down from deteriorating. Even washing the bag shouldn’t have a huge effect on it. However, it’s easy to apply a water-resistant seal when the original one wears off.

Dimensions

Sleeping bags are supposed to be snug and warm. However, sleeping bags shouldn’t be so snug that it your feet are touching the bottom and your head is touching the top. There should be some room to shift and move around when needed. Sometimes taller individuals have trouble finding sleeping bags that fit their frame.

Luckily, the GWS sleeping bag is available in two sizes: 6’ and 6’6.” Furthermore, the width of the sleeping bag is wide enough to allow some movement throughout the night. The shoulder girth is 69 inches, the hip girth is 61 inches, and the foot girth is 48 inches.

Even though this sleeping bag is designed to give larger individuals plenty of space, the 6’ sleeping bag should fit smaller individuals comfortably. Smaller individuals shouldn’t worry that the extra space will allow air to filter in. No matter what size you are, this sleeping should feel snug or roomy in all of the right places.

Weight

Camping and hiking require a lot of equipment, and the weight of that equipment starts to add up. Therefore, most hikers look for the lightest but most reliable equipment they can find, including sleeping bags.

Sleeping bags are a camping necessity, but that doesn’t mean you have to bring along the heaviest sleeping bag on the market.

Unfortunately, the Western Mountaineering GWS is a heavier sleeping bag. Weighing about 5 pounds, this sleeping bag can start to feel heavy after carrying it around for a day. However, before deciding against it consider its temperature rating.

It may be slightly heavier than other sleeping bags, but not many sleeping bags can handle -30°F temperatures.

Considering 20°F sleeping bags often weight around 4 pounds, one extra pound for a 50°F difference in the warmth rating is not a lot of extra weight. For individuals camping in frigid temperatures the extra pound may be worth it.

Water Resistant

When shopping for a sleeping bags, most individuals focus on warmth, size, and comfortability. However, shopping for a water-resistant sleeping bag is just as important.

There’s always a chance that water will find a way into the tent, due to a tear, a leak, or condensation. When water leaks into the tent, you don’t want to find yourself wet because your sleeping bag couldn’t provide protection.

The outer shell of the GWS is both water-resistant and breathable. Therefore, it will effectively keep you dry even when water leaks into the tent. Furthermore, the water-resistant shell will protect the goose down from getting wet.

When down gets wet it can become clumpy and start to smell, which causes it to deteriorate and decrease its warmth.

Warmth

A sleeping bag’s warmth is important, as it tells you where and when it can be used. No one wants to purchase a sleeping bag that keeps them shivering throughout the night. When hiking across places, such as the Appalachian Trail or the Alps, a good night’s sleep is key to making progress during the day.

When it comes to warmth it’s difficult to beat the Western Mountaineering Cypress Sleeping Bag. With a warmth rating of -30°F, this sleeping bag should keep campers and hikers warm just about anywhere. There are several features included in this bag designed to keep hikers warm throughout a chilly night.

For starters, this sleeping bag contains 50 ounces, or 11 inches, of goose down. Therefore, drafts will have no chance of finding their way into the sleeping bag. Furthermore, it also contains an insulated draft tube placed along the zipper to prevent drafts from slipping in that way.

There is also an adjustable down-filled collar that seals heat in around the head and neck. Finally, this bag also comes with a storm flap and side block baffle, providing even more protection from the cold.

Comfortability

Having a comfortable sleeping bag may not be a life-or-death matter, but it’s still a quality many individuals want their sleeping bags to have. Campers want to have as much protection between them and the ground as possible.

Individuals wants to feel like they are sleeping in their bed even when they are hundreds, or even thousands, of miles away from it.

Comfortability isn’t a problem with the Western Mountaineering GWS. While nothing was specifically included to make this sleeping bag comfortable, the combination of the rest of its qualities makes it incredibly comfortable. While most of the loft is in the top of this bag, there is a layer on the bottom that provides both a layer of comfort and warmth.

The ability to shift and move around while in the sleeping bag also adds to the comfortability. It can be difficult to sleep when you feel constricted. Therefore, this sleeping bag provides a happy medium of allowing individuals feeling snug without feeling like you are trapped.

Overall, individuals should not have any problem falling asleep when using this sleeping bag.

Value For Money

The Western Mountaineering Cypress Sleeping Bag is a very well-constructed bag. It is made from material that makes it seem indestructible; so, you never have to worry about the quality and durability of the sleeping bag.

Furthermore, this sleeping bag has an incredible warmth rating. It can keep individuals warm in negative temperatures, making it a great 4-season sleeping bag.

This sleeping bag has everything an individual desires their sleeping to have. It is simple to use and easy to pack away. It is shaped like a mummy sleeping bag to maximize heat retention, but it also has a wider girth to make sure all individual’s will have some room to move around.

Finally, this sleeping bag is comfortable. Therefore, individuals should have no problem getting a good night’s sleep when using this sleeping bag.

Is the price worth it? While it is hard to beat a sleeping bag that is as well-constructed, with a -30°F rating, there are sleeping bags sold at a cheaper price that will get the job done. However, for those who are willing to pay top-dollar, the Western Mountaineering Cypress Sleeping bag is worth your consideration.

Close Competitors: Other Products You Might Like

Even when you think you have decided on the sleeping bag that is right for you and your camping style, consider looking at the competitor’s products.

It’s always a promising idea to compare features and prices to make sure you don’t end up regretting your purchase. Therefore, take a look at the following competitor sleeping bags before making your final decision.

Western Mountaineering Bison GWS

The Western Mountaineering Bison GWS is part of the same series as the Western Mountaineering -30 Degree Sleeping Bag. Therefore, it has many of the same features that the Cypress Bag has.

For example, it is made from the same materials, making it just as durable as its counterpart. It also contains the same baffles, type of down, and down-filled collar as the Cypress Sleeping Bag.

The Bison Bag is available in the same two sizes as the Cypress.

The Bison Sleeping Bag can be used in -40°F weather, a 10°F difference from the -30 bag. However, this bag only uses 42 ounces of down instead of 50 ounces.

Therefore, there’s a chance that the -30-degree bag could withstand -40-degree weather as well. Overall, there aren’t any major difference between the two bag. The price is still pretty steep.

Valandre Thor Sleeping Bag

The Valandre Thor Sleeping Bag has the typical mummy sleeping bag shape, which the other two bags don’t have.

Therefore, it will have tighter feel than the Western Mountaineering bags. However, individuals used to sleeping in mummy sleeping bags shouldn’t have a problem slipping into a sleeping bag with a tighter, snugger feel.

The Valandre Sleeping Bag has similar features that are included in the Western Mountaineering bags.

For example, it includes 850 fill power of goose down, 29 baffles, a 3-dimensional collar, and a full-length zipper. Therefore, it can keep individuals warm in temperatures as low as -31°F.

Unfortunately, the Valandre Thor Sleeping Bag is not currently available for purchase through Amazon. Therefore, there is not a lot of additional information listed for this product. This sleeping bag is a bit heavier than 5 pounds, meaning it is the heaviest sleeping bag so far.

Nightec 300 Sleeping Bag

This sleeping bag is advertised as a lightweight 4-season sleeping bag, but there is no information provided about its actual weight. Most lightweight 4-season sleeping bags weight around 4 pounds, but it’s possible that this sleeping bag weighs less or more than 4 pounds.

This bag has what is called a stretch feature. This allows the bag to stretch to accommodate larger individuals.

However, it might feel a big snug, and possibly uncomfortable, for individuals that do find themselves squeezing to fit into the sleeping bag. The actual dimensions for this sleeping bag are not provided.

Considering there is not a lot of information provided about this sleeping bag, and there are no customer reviews, it is probably a better idea to purchase one of the Western Mountaineering Sleeping Bags.

Overview

The Western Mountaineering Cypress GWS Sleeping Bag beats its close competitors by a landslide. Even though the price tag for this sleeping bag is steep, customers can rest assured that if they decide to spend that kind of money, they are purchasing a top-quality sleeping bag from a company with an excellent reputation.

The Cypress GWS is very well constructed. It is built from a unique blend of fabric and high-density thread that makes it highly resistant to damage.

Unless handled improperly, this sleeping is known for lasting longer than 10 years before starting to show serious signs of wear and tear. The water-resistant outer shell also provides additional protection, which should prevent the down from clumping and becoming smelly.

However, for those still not convinced that this sleeping bag is worth the consideration, here is a comprehensive list of the pros and cons.

Overall, if you are willing to spend a bit of money on a sleeping bag then the Western Mountaineering Cypress Sleeping Bag is at least worth your consideration.

It is built extremely well, meaning you won’t have to worry about purchasing a new sleeping for many, many years. Therefore, this sleeping bag is an investment that will probably save you money in the long-term. Furthermore, the company and the sleeping bag have excellent reputations.

This sleeping bag will keep individuals warm in the chilliest of temperatures and when it’s warm out, campers can leave it unzipped to let air flow into the bag, instead of keeping it out. Therefore, it can be used throughout the entire year.

Additionally, this sleeping bag is durable, roomy, and comfortable. While it is a bit on the heavier side, hikers and campers that need a warm sleeping bag will find the extra weight worth it.

Are you ready to start camping? Please leave any comments, questions, or suggestions in the section below.