Here is how these two sleeping bags compare on the numbers. Both are solid; the right one depends on the specs you care about most.
| Mountain Hardwear Phantom 15 | Western Mountaineering Apache MF | |
|---|---|---|
| GearScore | 87✓ | 65 |
| Comfort rating | 26 °F | 25 °F✓ |
| Weight | 2 lb 0.6 oz | 32.0 oz✓ |
| Warmth-to-weight | 4.8 /100g | 5.0 /100g✓ |
| Packed size | 5.7 L | n/s |
| Fill power | 800 FP | 850 FP✓ |
| Price | $680 | n/s |
| Fill | Down | Down |
| Style | Bag | Bag |
| Shape | Mummy | Mummy |
Highlighted cells mark the better spec: Phantom 15 in blue, Apache MF in amber. A blank spec is never counted as a win. A lower comfort rating in °F means a warmer bag, so the warmer bag takes that row. GearScore is the overall rating (0 to 100); re-weight it on the full bag comparison. Prices are current MSRP.
The Mountain Hardwear Phantom 15 against the Western Mountaineering Apache MF is a study in priorities. The Phantom 15 wins on balance, and the Apache MF pushes back on warmth and low weight.
The Apache MF is warmer (rated 25°F vs 26°F), 1 oz lighter, and stronger on warmth-to-weight. On the default GearScore the Phantom 15 leads 87 to 65.
Pick the Phantom 15 if you care most about the overall package. Pick the Apache MF if warmth and low weight matter more to you, or you are focused on colder nights and shoulder-season trips.
The Western Mountaineering Apache MF. It is warmer (rated 25°F vs 26°F) than the Phantom 15.
The Western Mountaineering Apache MF. It is 1 oz lighter than the Phantom 15.
The Mountain Hardwear Phantom 15, 87 to 65 on the default algorithm. You can re-weight the factors to match your trip.
It depends on your priorities. Go with the Phantom 15 for the overall balance, or the Apache MF for warmth. The spec table above shows exactly where each wins.