View Full Version : Anyone have problems with MontBell sleeping bags?
bealjr85
08-15-2010, 16:47
I am looking to purchase one and everyone seems to love them so much... I feel like someone must have SOMETHING bad to say about them. Has anyone ever had any problems? Any zipper failures in the field, etc.?
I wouldn't go as far as to call it a problem, but I think they run a bit short in length as a result of the spiral construction. It's so easy to expand the width with an elbow or knee, and that makes the bag shorter. Get the long if you are close to the height limit for the regular, and get the long if you are broader than average.
I'm only 5'6" and can sprawl out enough in my regular length bag that my feet are at the very bottom of the foot box.
bigcranky
08-15-2010, 18:44
My wife owns the #0 and the #3, and she will agree on the length issue. In fact she bought the Long bags even though she is only 5-4. Hers are the older Super Stretch UL Down, not the new Spiral. Other than that, they are great bags, fit well, and keep her warm.
I love mine and have never had any issue with it at all. (It's not one of the spiral ones.)
I'm 6'-2"+ and own a long. I love this bag. The best thing is that it has a full length zippier that I can leave open and use it as a quilt. :D
Lots of teeny tiny feathers, all the time. :)
Otherwise, the best IMHO, if you're into down.
I have the older style ULSS #2, and if you are looking at buying a used one in this style, get a long unless u are like 5'8". Mine had some underfilled pockets initially, I believe, but I fixed them up by adding down to a few from some old jacket I had. But it has been a champ, have like 50 nights in it, zipper is flawless, love ths ss feature. Warm to its' rating easily.
sevensixtwo187
08-16-2010, 15:17
We have a couple of #3's. Best bags I have ever used ...
Underfill and not made in the US.LOOK on all boards... for the underfill problem before you buy.Great bags for the money DONT have underfill.
Didn't have an underfill problem with mine, but I agree none of them should have.
I have both the MB #0 & #2 and no longer use my WM. They are that comfortable.
The hugger/stretch feature is just unbeatable for a comfy night's sleep - not sure why all bag makers aren't going this route for the 'mummy' shape. Huge difference!
Hope you get the bag you want and are happy with it!
I have both the MB #0 & #2 and no longer use my WM. They are that comfortable.
What WM bag?
I think the only reason you have 2 is for the price.
What WM bag?
I think the only reason you have 2 is for the price.
troll, troll, troll
bigcranky
08-17-2010, 08:02
Montbell SS UL Spiral Down Hugger #3, Long, $300.
Western Mountaineering Megalite, Long, $355.
Definitely got the two-for-one thing going for Montbell. Er, or maybe not.
troll, troll, troll
NO TROLL.:mad:
Spend $ 1 time.
mb underfill has been known for a long time....wrong?
PLEASE tell all of the board this is not true?
WM has never had that happen.
People need the facts to buy a bag 1 time,if $ is a problem and keep it for 25 yrs.WM,FF HAND'S DOWN.SAFE for the proven best and you will be happy in the long run.
These are not BIG issues but I had problems with the zipper not being able to zip anymore on my 2 yr old SS # 3 Long(sucked having to use yogied safety pins to close my sleeping bag on a COLD JMT thru-hike though). I also had cold spots with this bag. I have heard in the past(only rumor though) that some bags were underfilled. Buy from a reputable outfitter with excellent customer service with a willingness to exchange defecrtive gear and you will be fine. MontBell makes some great gear.
The SS Spirals are nice though. Mont Bell makes some excellently engineered gear overall though.
If you act now Tonejones has a #3 spiral for sale. That's a very good bag!!! I have slept in them. Quite comfortable, low wt., no cold spots.