Western Mountaineering Lynx GWS Sleeping Bag: Keeping You Warm during Those Crisp Nights

Finding a sleeping is a very important task. It’s what’s going to keep you warm during those nights outside, so you want something that’ll durable and high-quality. However, there are so many brands offering different types of sleeping bags. So how do you know which one is the right one for you? Good question.

Of course, you’ll be needing to look at what you’ll be using it for and where you’ll be using it, that way, you can narrow down the types of sleeping bags available. However, if you know you’ll be mountaineering or needing a sleeping bag during the winter season, then the Lynx GWS is a bag you should consider.

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Product Specifications

• 850+ power fill down – nature’s best insulator
• Roomy – you won’t be suffocated and feel claustrophobic
• 6″ Spacing/V-Block Side Baffle
• “/39” Shoulder/Foot Girth
• Full Down Collar
• 8″ Loft, -10 Degrees F
• 33 oz. Down Fill
• Comes with snag-free zipper, very durable
• Unlimited lifetime warranty

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So, we did the research for you and found the Western Mountaineering Lynx GWS Sleeping Bag, one of the best bags on the market. Whether you’re a backpacker or going camping, you’ll need a supportive sleeping bag. So, we’re going to show everything there is to know about the Lynx GWS and its close competitors.

Let’s get started and take a closer look at what the Lynx GWS has to offer.

Review

If you’re going to be mountaineering or backpacking, you want whatever you have in your backpack to be of use. The Lynx is a lightweight sleeping bag, packed with 33 oz of 850+ power fill down. In addition to it being stuffed with high-quality down, it’s made with Gore Windstopper that prevents cold air from seeping through the sleeping bag.

To further increase its warmth and insulation, it’s designed with V-Block Side Baffles that make sure the down stays in its place.

As you can see, it’s crafty and clever design only helps to benefit the user. If you’re looking for lightweight and size, then you’ll be pleasantly surprised with the Lynx as it can compress itself into the size of a basketball.

Packaging

When it comes to backpacking and camping, you want to look for a sleeping bag that’s easy to bundle up and shove into your backpack or car. You don’t want to be spending ten minutes trying to roll it up and make it as small as you can.

You want that to be an easy task to complete, as you’ll have other things you’ll need to spend more time on, such as assembling the tent.

When it comes to the Lynx, this sleeping bag is great for compressibility. With the 850+ power fill down and microfiber shell, it’ll compress very well, considering how much down is in it. You’ll be able to compress it in a medium sized compression sack, roughly the size of a basketball.

The Gore Windstopper Shell will make it a little heavier, however, it shouldn’t be a challenge to compress it. For a winter sleeping bag, considering the amount of down in it and the material used, this bag is relatively easy to compress and pack up.

Design and durability

The Gore Windstopper shell allows vapor to escape, ensuring that the performance of your bag is not altered. It also makes the sleeping bag more water-resistant which, if it happens to rains, you’ll be happy you have this feature.

It comes with an incredible zipper that will not let an ounce of air enter your sleeping bag, plus, it’ll never snag.

It’s designed with a reverse hood which means that the hood is cut with larger pieces of fabric on the inside as and smaller pieces of fabric on the outside. What this does is provide the user with warmth, comfort and a pillow-like feel for your head. So, you won’t be needing to cinch the hood tight.

The only downfall of the Lynx is that it doesn’t come with any internal storage pockets, which many users enjoy having as a feature.

In terms of durability, Western Mountaineering really went all out on using high-quality materials when designing the Lynx. It’s a tough sleeping bag and you’ll be able to use it for weeks on end without it withering away.

Many people are apprehensive about zippers on sleeping bags, as they tend to be the first ones to go, however, the zipper on the Lynx is snag-free and high-durable.

In addition, the shell can withstand harsh weather conditions such as rain and snow, without giving out. The point is, once you buy a Lynx, it’ll be with you for a long time.

Warmth

If you’re looking for a warm sleeping bag, well, look no further. The Lynx is one of the warmest sleeping bags and stays true to its rating. It’s made with 850+ power fill down which is nature’s best insulator, your body heat is going to circulating inside your sleeping bag.

The hood is also stuffed with down, so you’ll be able to keep your head wrapped up in a pillow of warmth. The hood also comes with adjustments so you’ll be able to customize the fit.

It’s designed with a snag-free zipper which prevents any cold air from entering your bag but also allows you to adjust it so that if needed, you can allow enough air to enter the bag.

You’ll be able to sleep comfortably in temperatures as low as -10 Fahrenheit. Out of the Western Mountain sleeping bag collection, the Lynx is definitely the warmest.

So, if you’ll be mountaineering or backpacking/camping during the winter season this is the ideal sleeping bag for you.

If you’re looking for a sleeping bag for the summer, you’ll overheat in this sleeping bag. So in that case, you’ll need to invest into something lighter, even a synthetic sleeping bag would suffice.

Versatility

Let’s just get this out of the way: if you’re looking for a summer sleeping bag, this isn’t the one for you. You’ll fry in this bag if you’re going to use it in the middle of July. This bag is ideal for mountaineering or those who are going camping during the late fall, winter and early spring.

So, when it comes to versatility, in this sense, it’s not as versatile. The main function of this sleeping bag is to ensure that the warmth stays in and the cold stays out.

However, when you look at this sleeping bag for what is it, it’s extremely versatile. You can easily compress this sleeping bag and stuff it into your backpack without it weighing you down. With the Gore Windstopper material, you can sleep in this bag during wet nights and you’ll be kept warm and dry.

This lightweight sleeping bag provides you with warmth, comfort and protection from the elements. How much more versatile can you get?

Comfort

The worst feeling when you’re camping is waking up with a sore neck and back, which is what many people experience. Why is that? Because they don’t have the proper sleeping gear with them.

If you’re prone to a sore back, you’ll want to bring a sleeping mat, hammock or cot with you. Naturally, what you bring for back support will greatly depend on where you’re camping and how you’re getting there. But comfort also depends on the sleeping bag you have as well.

The Lynx is extremely roomy, so you won’t be feeling suffocated and claustrophobic when you’re in it. This typically is the biggest complaint about sleeping bags as people cannot curl up inside of them or fully stretch out. However, with the Lynx, you won’t have a problem.

In addition, you’re sleeping on high loft down, which is included in the hood, so it’ll give you a very cushioned sleep. The snag-free zipper is also another great feature as it won’t let annoyingly cold air in, and gives you the extra ease of zipping it.

Unique features

When looking at the Lynx there are a couple features worth mentioning. The Gore Windstopper material is not included with many sleeping bags, however, really give the sleeping bag an extra level of added protection. If you’re going to be in wet environments, then having a sleeping bag with this feature will add longevity to your sleeping bag.

Another feature that we love is the snag-free zipper. If you’ve used a sleeping bag before, then you’re fully aware of how annoying and damaging a zipper can be. You can tear the material of your sleeping bag if the zipper gets a snag, that’s something that can make or break your experience.

The zipper on the Lynx is very durable, anti-snag and will keep the air from entering through the zipper’s teeth. Though this is an overlooked and small feature, it’s extremely important.

Value for Money

Western Mountaineering is an exceptional company that produces high-quality outdoor gear. So, with that reputation, they try to uphold high standards for their products, one of those being that all their products are USA made.

In comparison to some other mountaineering sleeping bags, the Lynx is not outrageous in price and is actually quite reasonable considering the product you’re getting.

With Western Mountaineering, all their products are guaranteed against manufacturer’s defects for an unlimited time.

So, if you have any problems, they will either repair or replace the product without cost to the original owner. This is a very good warranty they have and in addition, they full honor it.

Close Competitors: Other products you might like

Though we love the Lynx, we want to show you its close competitors. Maybe these other sleeping bags will carry features that you need. Regardless, the sleeping bag we’re going to show you now are also amazing and will do the job of keeping you safe and warm.

Valandre Expedition Thor Sleeping Bag

The Valandre Expedition Thor Sleeping Bag is another great option if you’re looking for a mountaineering or winter bag. It’s made of 100% nylon ripstop with a DWR treatment so it’s water resistant.

It’s insulated with 850+ fill goose down, of course, nature’s best insulator. Its mummy-shape style will keep you snug, though you’ll still have enough room to comfortably move around.

The European Norm rating gives this bag a comfort level of -2 degree Fahrenheit, so you’ll be able to sleep in this bag in below freezing temperatures.

The nylon ripstop shell provides you with extra durability and gives you the lightweight feature that you’re looking for. It’s designed with a static drawcord in the hood, so you’ll be able to customize the fit to whatever suits you best.

In addition, the zipper comes with an interlocking draft tube, preventing cold air from seeping through the teeth.

Fjallraven Polar -20-Degree Sleeping Bag

Out of all the sleeping bags we’ve featured on here, the Fjallraven Polar -20-Degree Sleeping Bag is pretty expensive. However, let’s look at what you get for that price.

This bag is solely designed to withstand extreme temperatures. So, if you’re going to be hitting up the mountains, you’ll love this bag. It’s insulated with the highest-quality down, making it exceptional for not only heat but also compressibility.

The box channels help keep the down in place, preventing cold spots. It comes with a warm hood and a detachable synthetic fur edging that helps reduce heat loss. The design of the hood allows it to naturally follow your head’s movements while sleeping, preventing any cold air from seeping in.

The zipper has a down-protective flap that also keeps the cold air out. In case the zipper breaks, the flap acts as a protective layer between you and the cold.

It comes in a waterproof compression sack with roll-top closure. You’re also provided with a large storage bag and a sleeping bag with eyelets at the feet, thus, you store it via hanging. Its features are well thought out and are very detailed which you’ll appreciate while sleeping in it.

Western Mountaineering Kodiak MF Sleeping Bag

If you love Western Mountaineering but you’re looking for a sleeping bag that’s a little cheaper, well, we have one for you. The Western Mountaineering Kodiak MF Sleeping Bag has every feature that you love from Western Mountaineering.

It’s made with water-resistant, lightweight, breathable MicroLite shell fabric which will keep you properly insulated and warm. It comes with continuous baffles that help keep in the 850+ power fill down in its place, preventing cold spots.

It has a wider foot and shoulder girth, so you’ll have more room to maneuver inside the sleeping bag.

In addition, the full collar down helps keep out cold drafts which you’ll love when it gets cold at night. What’s great about this bag is that it’s lightweight, weighing only 2 pounds, which is lighter than the Lynx. It’s another great product from Western Mountaineering and will keep you safe and warm.

Overview

The Lynx is an exceptional sleeping bag for mountaineering with. It’s lightweight, durable and designed with features that aid in making you more comfortable when you tuck in at night.

This sleeping bag isn’t full of gadgets, but instead, they focused on the features that really matter when looking for a sleeping bag: warmth and comfort.

Well, they did an amazing job and thus, have created an outstanding sleeping bag. The 850+ power fill down will keep you warm, the V-Block Side baffles will prevent any cold spots from occurring and the design will have you feeling like you’re sleeping on a cloud.

We don’t want to give you a biased opinion because we know that no product is perfect. So, before you choose your sleeping bag, here are the advantages and disadvantages of the Lynx.

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Pros:

• Extremely warm
• Spacious
• Water-resistant
• Snag-free zipper
• Lightweight
• Highly compressible
• V-Block Side Baffles
• Interlocking Draft Tubes
• Full down collar for heat retention

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Cons:

• No internal storage pockets

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Now that you’ve read about the Lynx and its close competitors, you can decide which sleeping bag better suits your needs. All of the bags we featured above are highly reputable and well-made, so whatever you decide, have comfort in knowing that you can’t go wrong with any of them. Do you already have a Lynx? Let us know what you think in the comment section below!