Marmot Helium +15 long or Montbell U.L. Spiral Hugger #1 Down +15 long

[Slayer]

Hi all, I know these sort of things have been done to death, but, I need opinion on these two bags. I am not a small guy, although not huge (6', 200+/-) but I do tend to move around a lot when I sleep. I do NOT like tight, restricting bags. I am looking in the $350ish range. Thoughts? I am only lookign at bags in the 2lb range, and hope to use this on an AT thru in 2012.

Thanks.

-dan-

[Johnny Thunder]

The new version of the Mountain Hardwear Phantom 15 is in the 2 pound range for the 6ft version (if you're really 6ft you probably want the LONG bag). Worth taking a look at. I've found the temp rating of my old-version Phantom to be true...so it stands to reason that the new version is in line. They typically publish "chest" sizes on these bags so that's worth looking into.

[Johnny Thunder]

But i have heard a lot of great things about the Marmot...and I have an ATOM (the marmot 40 degree) and love it.

[Slayer]

I have heard Mountain Hardware bags are a little "tighter" than the Marmots. For perspective, I am the sort of person that sleep in as little as situationally appropriate and usually flops outs on the bed. I need room to move....

And yeah, I am 6', so I am only looking at long bags. Never looked into the Phantom, I'll have to look into it.

-dan-

[Yukon]

I'm a big guy, 6'-6" tall and 230 pounds as of this morning. I have been researching new bags for the last month and have come to the decision of ordering the Montbell U.L. Super Spiral #1 Long, seems like the perfect bag for me.

[Slayer]

Yukon, let me know what you think of the Montbell when you get it, as I won't be ordering a bag for a few months. Anyone else have an opinion?

[Highstepper]

I have the long version of the Helium. It's a very comfortable and roomy bag. I'm 6'-180 lbs. I like it so well that I recently purchased a 40 degree Atom to use in warmer weather.

I have no experience with the Montbell bags...

[STICK]

I just got the Marmot Helium in the regular. I am 5'10" and 195#. The regular fits me great both in length as well as girth, and while it would seem fine if I were a couple inches taller, I would probably go for the long. The bag is an excellent bag, and it is EN rated at 16 F for males. I would recommend this bag.

Let me warn you though, that this bag is not in the 2 lb range. My regular weighs 2 lbs 3.2 oz (in the 0.7 oz stuff sack). Few sites still list the bag at 31 oz for a regular which is wrong. (Marmot has updated their site to reflect the correct weights.) When my bag arrived the hang tag even stated the weight of the bag at 2 lbs 3 oz, as opposed to the 31 oz that was listed on the website and being sold as. So, a long will weigh a few oz more.

I have an initial review of the Helium here:

http://stick13.wordpress.com/gear/my-current-gear/sleeping-bags/marmot-helium/

[Slayer]

Just ordered the Helium in Long from REI. Had a good bit of Dividend to use, as well as a 20% off coupon, along with a return item worth about $165.

All in all, paid about $100 out of pocket. Should be here in a week or so... can't wait!

[rickb]

I think I found a photo of those helium bags. (BTW, this exhibit was at MASMOCA in North Adams, MA a couple miles from the Trail crossing)

[rickb]

The freezer at the wall held Ben and Jerry's.

[trailangelbronco]

I love my Montbell. I have the UL #3 as summer bag, and the closer for me was how stretchy it is. Roomiest most comfortable bag that I have ever owned. Light, too.

[mweinstone]

helium eq is my motel marmot, col eq -20 is my hotel marmot.i only stay at the finest establishments.lmao.

[88BlueGT]

No experience w/ the Montbell bags but the Marmot Helium is an extremely nice bag. I have been using this bag for 2 years and I absolutely love it. A good friend of mine also uses this bag who is 6'1'', 200lbs and he is very comfortable in a long.

Good luck with your new purchase, I think you made a good decision!

[sixguns01]

Hi all, I know these sort of things have been done to death, but, I need opinion on these two bags. I am not a small guy, although not huge (6', 200+/-) but I do tend to move around a lot when I sleep. I do NOT like tight, restricting bags. I am looking in the $350ish range. Thoughts? I am only lookign at bags in the 2lb range, and hope to use this on an AT thru in 2012.

Thanks.

-dan-

I have the MB Spiral Hugger #1. I am 5'10 and around 195, and I am a restless sleeper. Side and stomach mostly. I love the Hugger. It really does have some give and doesn't feel restrictive at all. I can go from stomach to back and then to side with little tangling and having the bag all over the place. I also had it do to 10 degrees at night and was comfortable with my clothes on.

Highly recommend.

[Joker4ink]

I have a Helium as well. I'm sure you will like it.

[skinewmexico]

I am not a small guy, although not huge (6', 200+/-) but I do tend to move around a lot when I sleep. I do NOT like tight, restricting bags. I am looking in the $350ish range. Thoughts?

Tailor made for a quilt.

[sixguns01]

Only have experience with the Hugger #1 and I love it. I'm 5'10 and 190 and there is room to spare. It really does stretch as advertised. I've had it down to 10 degrees and was very warm in my sleep system.

[WILLIAM HAYES]

helium EQ I have had several bags and this one is hands down the one I prefer

[TAS]

I went to a Sierra Designs Flex, down bag, they are great.

John

[Squeaky 2]

the marmot helium is an awesome bag! very warm. i used it for the PCT twice and the CDT. probably the best bit of kit i ever bought!!!