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Post by Deleted on Dec 16, 2021 17:47:08 GMT -8
I have some older marmot gear that has served me very well over the years. I'm looking at a couple of their sleeping bags, and am wondering what their current situation is. I'm sure their stuff is made overseas like everything else these days, but how's their quality now? Thanks!
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Post by High Sierra Fan on Dec 17, 2021 9:17:40 GMT -8
If overseas is a problem for you two domestic United States sleeping bag builders are Western Mountaineering and Feathered Friends, though my FF vest is tagged “made in Canada”.
I’ve made recent WM bag purchases and their quality is very high.
My Marmot experience is limited to a favorite Goretex parka that I’ve had for a while and I’ve not looked at the brand in stores so I can’t help with their SB line.
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Post by drilldaddyo on Dec 17, 2021 11:46:08 GMT -8
I have three Marmot sleeping bags: the atom, the hydrogen and the helium. They have served me well over the years and I really like that they keep me warm below their rated temperature (your experience may vary). My most recent purchase was the Hydrogen and I've only used it once but it differs slightly from the older models of the Atom and Helium.
The newer Hydrogen has a short zipper on the right side of the bag (the main zipper is on the left side) and I'm not really sure why it's there. Perhaps to open the upper part of the bag more in warmer weather? The main zipper on the left side of the bag is a bit longer than the older Atom and Helium models. The hood draw cord is outside on the left, the older models are internal and on the right. Cinching down the hood mostly draws the hood down over my eyes leaving my mouth exposed, which I like as it covers my delicate eyes from moonlight :D. The bottom of the Hydrogen seems to taper more rapidly than the older Atom and Helium.
Comes with a stuff sack that's a tad tight and a storage bag that's mesh not cotton like the old storage bag.
Let me know if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Randy
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texasbb
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Post by texasbb on Dec 17, 2021 12:38:34 GMT -8
I have two Marmot sleeping bags (Helium about 12 years old, Atom maybe 8). They've served well with one glaring exception: the zippers hang EVERY TIME, usually four or five times before I can get out of the bag. They grab a bit of the surrounding fabric and you have to pull that out before you can continue unzipping (or re-zipping). It's beyond infuriating. Hopefully Marmot has fixed that in newer versions.
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gabby
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Post by gabby on Dec 17, 2021 17:21:44 GMT -8
I have 2 Hydrogens (old half-zip and a newer one that's full zip), 2 Heliums (same deal) and a "Pounder Plus" synthetic. I have 3 Precip jackets, some layering pieces and a few jackets. I think I have a vest somewhere as well. I don't have any complaints. I only bought the "extra" full-zip SBs because they were on sale (it's been some time now) at what I saw as clearance prices, plus I wanted to see what the full zip versions were like. The wife glommed onto the full zip Hydrogen, so I've never used it, but she has. She sleeps cold (then hot, then cold, then hot, then cold again) and is satisfied with it - not that she is really "into" gear or "gear tech" in any way. I could cover her with buffalo skin blankets and she'd have no clue there was anything different, with the possible exception of smell. :^D
They've served well with one glaring exception: the zippers hang EVERY TIME, usually four or five times before I can get out of the bag. They grab a bit of the surrounding fabric and you have to pull that out before you can continue unzipping (or re-zipping). It's beyond infuriating. Hopefully Marmot has fixed that in newer versions. Long ago, I started making the "ridiculous" assumption that any use of a zipper on a piece of fabric might lead to a problem, so I almost automatically run my finger in front of the zipper. By now, it's a long-standing practice that I might have a problem not doing. ETA: When I first bought the half-zip Marmots about 30 years ago, I ordered the corresponding temp range models from North Face. If you think Marmot bags have zippers that are prone to snagging, you should have seen the NFs. OMG, there was absolutely no reinforcement of the zipper face! In fact, this failing was the biggest contrast and the main reason I kept the Marmots and returned the NFs. (As I recall, the 30° NF bag had no zipper at all: you had to pull it over you, feet up. The 20° had a zipper, but no real draft tube protection, and the stitching was, as I recall, suspect.)
Stiffening tape on "new" (I think "2015") Hydrogen Stiffening tape on "old" (I think ~"2007") Hydrogen.  Those pictures were taken at 2 different distances, so the tape looks about the same. But when you put the taping closer together, look at the difference! The older bag has a tape of 1.5" (top - black zipper & fabric), the newer one .75" (bottom, white zipper). Does this really make a huge difference? I don't know: I'm not an expert in bag design. As a sort of test, I zipped the newer (green, 2015) bag w/o putting my finger in front of the zipper. I only got a single "snag" that forced me to back up and go again.  OTOH, I own enough other bags - a few Western Mountaineering and a few other high quality bags - and it is my experience that Marmot bags shed a bit more feathers. Ultimately, you should be the final judge of any bag's quality, maybe after reading up on construction points and scanning a few reviews (of both good - and better - bags). Good luck! Saying that takes me back to the 90s and early 2000s, when I was looking at, and buying, a lot of gear. Makes me sort of jealous. Fun times! Tonight, I put up my old Lighthouse (Epic fabric) tent from hundreds of years ago in the back yard (for grins). I certainly wouldn't want to take a chance on snagging that stuff! We have a front coming through tonight (98% chance of rain in the wee hours), so I put the old SD 4-man Origami over everything. I might suffocate, and I might find a few raccoons or possums under there with me in the morning, but I probably won't get wet.  ETA: We got just over an inch of rain last night and a lot of thunder and lightning, but I didn't get wet. I only heard the loudest rumbles (33db earplugs). Cheap SD stakes that came with the Origami pulled out this morning when the soil reached critical wetness, so I replaced them with ugly yellow plastic 9" ones I keep in reserve in my Ziploc "stake bag". I'll need a warmer bag tonight, though it's still only going down to a projected 40°. The wind can't touch me in my "cave". |
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Post by Deleted on Dec 17, 2021 18:08:27 GMT -8
Thanks for the replies!
First of all - I do not have any issues with items made overseas if they are well made, I was just curious, and can't justify Western Mountaineering for once or twice a year trips. Best bags made though!
I was thinking of a colder rated sleeping bag than the one I have for occasional winter use. I have a Marmot Helium that is a surprisingly warm bag, but I don't trust it for temps below the teens, a Marmot Never Summer caught my eye (on sale) and I was just thinking about it, but it turns out I don't need it.
I have gear in storage, and am sorting through it. Digging around I found I own an older North Face Superlight that was rated to zero degrees (and yes I DO understand sleeping bag ratings past and present). I completely forgot about it. It's in near perfect condition. I can remember now cleaning it before storage; threw it in the dryer for about 30 minutes and it fluffed right up. Looks like an old friend will be back in the quiver!
Gabby - I like your idea with the zipper. My Marmot bag zipper snags constantly. I'll try your technique.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 17, 2021 18:33:17 GMT -8
I should add - the bag I use the most is a Valandre Mirage. It's designed to wear puffy gear inside if needed, but I've never tried it. used it in all but the coldest weather (for here anyway)
Never a zipper problem with that bag! It's only about 16" long, You have to worm in and out of it.
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gabby
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Post by gabby on Dec 17, 2021 18:38:31 GMT -8
I should add - the bag I use the most is a Valandre Mirage. I feel like an idiot: I have a Valandre Shocking Blue that has seen very little use. I bought it because I had heard so much about it and wanted to "see for myself". Yet, as anyone might note, I have not taken it to the mountains for that "test drive". :^( |
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Post by Deleted on Dec 17, 2021 18:41:54 GMT -8
If I had a regular hiking partner for winter camping, I would definitely buy that bag!
I hike solo, but at age 68, not in the winter!
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Post by downriver on Dec 18, 2021 18:23:46 GMT -8
Thanks for the replies! First of all - I do not have any issues with items made overseas if they are well made, I was just curious, and can't justify Western Mountaineering for once or twice a year trips. Best bags made though! I was thinking of a colder rated sleeping bag than the one I have for occasional winter use. I have a Marmot Helium that is a surprisingly warm bag, but I don't trust it for temps below the teens, a Marmot Never Summer caught my eye (on sale) and I was just thinking about it, but it turns out I don't need it. I have gear in storage, and am sorting through it. Digging around I found I own an older North Face Superlight that was rated to zero degrees (and yes I DO understand sleeping bag ratings past and present). I completely forgot about it. It's in near perfect condition. I can remember now cleaning it before storage; threw it in the dryer for about 30 minutes and it fluffed right up. Looks like an old friend will be back in the quiver! Gabby - I like your idea with the zipper. My Marmot bag zipper snags constantly. I'll try your technique. My Western Mountaineering bag is the best quality piece of outdoor equipment I own. Awesome bag! Great quality control—-the best. No zipper problems on my WM. I always encourage people to check out their bags; especially if you’re really into the outdoors. I believe it is better to spend a little more for a quality product that lasts. Looks like you’re good finding the NF bag. Regards, DR |
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