Biographical Information:

Name:  Michael Wheiler
Gender:  Male
Age:  47

Height:  5'10"  (1.8 m)
Weight:  175 pounds  (80 kg)

In September, despite the predictions for early, extremely low temperatures, I decided to take the Wisp with me on my weekend backpack trip with the Scouts to the Wind Cave in the Jedediah Smith Wilderness area.  I also took my Marmot Tundra, another light weight down bag.  I knew we were going to be camping at around 8,000-9,000' (2,400-2,700 m) and given the rain and overcast weather we had experienced all day, I expected the temperatures would be pushing the limits of the Wisp.  In fact, we pitched our tents that night at 8,115' (2,500 m).  The water that collected on my walking stick as we walked through the wet undergrowth turned to ice before I retired to bed.  At bed time, my Brunton Sherpa indicated it was 33° F (0.6° C).  By 2:00 a.m. the temperature had dropped slightly to 30° F (-1° C) but by 6:00 a.m. the temperature had fallen to a chilly 27° F (-3° C). 

Being the dedicated tester that I am, I toughed it out in the Wisp until about 4:00 a.m.  I was sleeping on a Therm-a-Rest full length CampLite mattress which is 1 1/2 inches (3.75 cm) thick.  I wore a stocking cap, long underwear (top and bottom), and wool socks.  Although I wasn't shivering, I was uncomfortable due to the cold temperatures most of the night.  At 4:00 a.m., I pulled out the Marmot Tundra and stuffed it inside the Wisp.  It was a little difficult to stuff the Tundra all the way to the bottom of the Wisp given the fact that I could only unzip the Wisp about half way.  I kept on the same clothing and crawled into the nested sleeping bags.  The Marmot is also a mummy style bag and is perhaps a bit more slim in its styling.  I pulled the Wisp's hood over my head and adjusted the draw cord to minimize the opening for my face.  Within a few minutes, I was warm and drifted off to sleep listening to the soft rustling of my tent caused by the early morning breeze.  I did not feel restricted in my ability to change sleeping positions with the Tundra nested inside the Wisp.  In fact, I was very comfortable and slept later into the morning than usual.  So, for those of you who read my Initial Report and were left wondering how well the Wisp performed on its maiden voyage, [queue voice over] "Now you know the rest of the story."  Seriously, the Wisp was so small and added so little weight to my pack that I easily justified carrying the second sleeping bag on this trip and was grateful I had the extra gear.  See photographs below for stuffed size.  I draped the Wisp on a rope to air out while we hiked up to the Wind Cave and when I got back it was dry and ready for stuffing.  At full loft, the Wisp is more difficult to put in the stuff sack than my other bags but with a little pressure, it does compress enough to fit.


I next used the Wisp in October when we camped with the Scouts at Twin Bridges near the South Fork of the Snake River.  The temperatures were very mild for this time of year.  Surprisingly, the temperature did not drop below 40° F (4° C).  I slept on a 1 inch (2.5 cm) thick soft foam pad.  I slept in a T-shirt and cotton pajama bottoms.  I was warm and comfortable all night.  I tend to sleep in various positions (usually on my side or back) throughout the night and I again noted that movement within the Wisp was too restrictive given the mummy style bag.  It was warm enough that I did not need to use the hood and I felt no cold spots.  The foot box provided ample room for my feet.


My next outing with the Wisp was in November near the South Fork of the Snake River closer to Idaho Falls at about 4,549 feet (1,386 m) in elevation.  The weather was much more unsettled on this outing as we had snow flurries and cold temperatures.  By bed time, the temperature was 26° F (-3° C) and the tent was already covered in frost--inside and out.  I doubled up my sleeping bags by placing the Mountainsmith Wisp inside my Golite Fierce which is also rated at 30° F (-1° C).  I also slept on a 1 inch (2.5 cm) thick soft foam pad.  I did use the hood and draw cord on this occasion.  I found the hood to be very roomy and the draw cord closed the opening in the bag enough to just leave my nose and eyes somewhat exposed to the cold air.  The neck baffle helped keep the cold out.  See photograph below.  I slept in long underwear (top and bottom), wool socks, and a stocking cap.  I slept so warm and comfortable that I didn't want to get up at 6:45 a.m. the next morning to help fix breakfast!  I was very impressed with how well the two bags worked together.
 


So far, I have experienced no defects in the workmanship of the Wisp and it is free of damage.  The half-length zipper does snag if I am not careful while zipping it up and down.  The down fill seems to be evenly distributed throughout the Wisp and I have not noticed any cold spots.  For me, the temperature rating on the Wisp may be a little generous since I was cold enough to be uncomfortable at temperatures around 30° F (-1° C).  However, I really like the compact size and light weight of the Wisp.  Given its packed size and weight, the Wisp will be a real joy to use during summer's temperatures when I will only need one sleeping bag and it nests easily with my other bags for winter use.

 

 

I will continue to test the Wisp's ability to repel moisture during our winter outings.  This will occur naturally as condensation from my shelter drips onto the Wisp and as snow is unintentionally carried into the shelter on my boots and/or clothes.  I will also check on how quickly the Wisp is able to dry in colder temperatures.  During my December through February outings, I will take a second sleeping bag with me so I can nest the two bags as necessary.  While I believe a mummy style bag is the most heat efficient type of sleeping bag, that style of bag can also be very uncomfortable in the way it fits the user.  I will continue checking my ability to move around and sleep in various positions while in the Wisp.  I will also be checking on whether wearing clothing affects the comfort level of the Wisp.  I will continue checking the Wisp for comfort and fit as it relates specifically to my head, shoulders, hips and feet.  Toward the end of the testing period, I plan to wash the Wisp following manufacturer instructions.

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