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Western Mountaineering Uberlight Fabric/Stitching Durability

Original Post
Dhamma · · Roseville, Ca · Joined Dec 2009 · Points: 90

I recently picked up an Alpinlite and a Flash jacket with the standard fabric on fleabay. The bag was new and the jacket used. I took the bag out and got in it and heard a popping sound and saw to my horror that somehow the stitching had blown. It is at WM getting fixed as we speak.
The Flash jacket is great, but it has quite a few loose thread ends and especially on the belly of the jacket. I am a bit concerned about the durability. I am not particularly hard on down gear, but I've not had to baby it either. I've worn the jacket daily for a few weeks and am noticing some wear already.
I've had a FF Volant for 6 years with 0 issues and a Marmot bag I've beaten the piss out of and I've never blown a seam. Did I just have some bad luck buying someone else's problem or is this ultralight stuff just not meant to last long? I'm considering selling both and going to FF for all my down gear. Thoughts?

J. Albers · · Colorado · Joined Jul 2008 · Points: 1,926

I have a WM down sleeping bag and it has been through almost 10 years of use and still looks great. In general, WM has very high quality craftsmanship.

Toni Stey · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Mar 2013 · Points: 60

The sleeping bag should last forever, but the flash is definitely fragile. Its intended for on-trail UL hiking and won't stand up to climbing/bushwacking/around-town use.

Sarah Meiser · · Boulder, CO · Joined Nov 2010 · Points: 5,094

I have 2 WM bags and they have seen heavy use over the past 8 years or so and I have had no issues with durability. In fact, I have been surprised how tear resistant they actually are. Very pleased and will never buy another brand when it comes to sleeping bags.

On the other hand, I bought a WM down jacket this year and it seems a bit delicate. I already tore it scrambling around on some rocks. Its nice, but I'd prefer a bit tougher material for outerwear.

Dhamma · · Roseville, Ca · Joined Dec 2009 · Points: 90

For what it's worth- WM fixed my bag in 1 day and overfilled it for free.

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

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