Who makes the best bags for you, Western Mountaineering or Marmot?
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Josiah is a long-time outdoorsman/adventure seeker, whenever he's not doing his day job
as a structural engineer. Read More
I have used Marmot and Western Mountaineering bags for years, and it is pretty hard to give a variation between the two. Both brands make exceptional sleeping bags by using high quality down to make durable products.
Marmot's sleeping bag brand was founded in 1974. They have made a name for themselves by making ultra-modern sleeping bags. Just as you start thinking a specific feature is crucial for your sleeping bag, it's as if Marmot are listening. They are known to produce top-notch backpacking, mountaineering, kids, camping, and expedition sleeping bags.
Western Mountaineering have been around the sleeping bag industry for over three decades. They manufacture sleeping bags for car camping, enthusiasts, hikers, alpine climbers, and other outdoor adventures. Their sleeping bags stand out for having high quality and excellent performance.
Sleeping Bags: Western Mountaineering vs. Marmot
Backpacking sleeping bags vary in temperature ratings, weight savings, packing size, and price. It is essential to know your needs before purchasing a sleeping bag.
Nowadays, backpackers prefer ultralight sleeping bags. For this reason, manufacturers ensure that they produce lightweight sleeping bags to keep up with the demand.
Marmot brand stands out for producing high-quality down sleeping bags. They also make high-quality synthetic bags. They have a track record of delivering excellent cold-weather bags for winter camping.
On the other hand, Western Mountaineering stands out for making high-quality warm sleeping bags to help you sleep warm even during cold nights.
Main Differences Between Marmot and Western Mountaineering Sleeping Bags
Marmot and Western Mountaineering sleeping bags are some of the popular brands in the sleeping bag industry. However, their products have a few differences you will see below.
When selecting between the two brands, there are specific factors like price point, warmth, weight savings, comfortability, etc. Each brand has its unique specs.
Let's look at what has worked for me over the years.
Who Makes the Warmer Sleeping Bag?
Camping during cold weather requires a warm sleeping bag. With a warm winter bag comes comfortable sleep. Western Mountaineering and Marmot have some of the best sleeping bags for cold weather camping.
Marmot Paiju Sleeping Bag
The Marmot Paiju is the best winter sleeping bag for this brand. It provides a significant amount of warmth and protection during winter camping. The sleeping bag has two versions -1 degrees celsius and -2o degrees Celcius.
- Materials: 800 Fill Power, Goose Down
- Temperature Rating: -5°F
Features
The Paiju sleeping bag is made with a unique Pertex Quantum Air 20 denier 100 % Nylon Ripstop while the inner lining is made with 2denier 100% Polyester Taffeta material. This material has excellent water-resistant features, increasing insulation levels to give you extra warmth.
The sleeping bag features 800+ fill power down with a water-resistant thread that blocks moisture from passing through the seams.
It has a draft collar to provide extra warmth around the neck. The bag also features a full-length YKK two-way zipper that allows you to quickly enter and leave the bag. You can also open the zipper if you feel too warm.
- The fabric used is breathable
- It is a suitable 4 season bag
- It is an excellent winter bag
- It's a high-budget sleeping bag
If you are looking for summer bags in this line, the Marmot Never Winter sleeping bag is an excellent choice.
Western Mountaineering Antelope MF Sleeping Bag
Do you want a winter camping bag? The Western Mountaineering Antelope MF sleeping bag is the best choice from this brand.
- Materials: 26 oz. Down Fill
- Temperature Rating: 5° F
Features
It comes in two sizes: short and regular. The short size has a fill weight of 680g, while the regular has a fill weight of 735g.
The Western Mountaineering Antelope MF sleeping bag has a continuous baffle system that allows you to push down to the top of the bag during cold nights and get maximum warmth. You can also push down to the bottom of the bag during warm weather and gaze at the stars.
The bag uses high-quality 850+ fill power down. It has a mummy bag design to enhance heat retention and warmth.
It has a hood and draft collar that you can seal up during cold weather to prevent warm air from escaping.
- It has an excellent warmth to weight ratio
- High-quality construction materials
- It is lightweight
- It is a three-season bag
- It has a lofty hood that you can use as a pillow
- It is a higher budget bag
- It lacks an internal pocket
- It has a small stuff sack
Which Is Best On a Budget?
A great sleep system involves getting your sleeping bag collection in check. However, a good sleeping bag doesn't need to be over your budget. You can great bag on a good budget . Look at it s a win- win situation.
Here are the best budget sleeping bags from both brands:
Marmot Trestles 15 Sleeping Bag
Did you know that you can get a sleeping bag worth $100 from one of the world's trusted sleeping bags brand? Marmot Trestles 15 is a functional, low-budget, and durable sleeping bag.
- Materials: Spirafil, Synthetic Sheet
- Temperature Rating: 15°F
Features
This bag has a good balance in weight. It weighs 1.53kg, making it an excellent lightweight sleeping bag for camping but slightly heavy for synthetic backpacking sleeping bags.
The Marmot Trestles 15 is designed in a mummy bag shape and provides extra room than our regular sleeping bags. It comes in two sizes: regular and long.
This sleeping bag has a SpiralFil LT synthetic fill that gives just enough insulation. The fill weight is 1 kg. The synthetic insulation makes the bag water-resistant.
The outer fabric is made of 70 Denier 100% polyester material. It has a thick interior which adds to the warmth of the bag.
It has a main zipper and a YKK two-way zipper to enhance functionality. It also has a draft tube close to the main zipper to keep warm air inside and block away cold air.
- It is excellent for side sleepers
- It has a compression sack
- It is durable
- It is a low budget sleeping bag
- It is heavy
- It doesn't pack down small
- It does not have a neck baffle
Western Mountaineering EverLite 45 Sleeping Bag
The Western Mountaineering Everlite 45 sleeping bag ranges between $299.95 to $345. Below are the key specifications of the bag.
- Materials: Nylon, Down
- Temperature Rating: 45° F
Features
This down sleeping bag has an outer shell fabric made with 7-12Denier Nylon Ripstop. The inner lining material is made with 10-15 Denier Nylon Taffeta. The material makes it great for warm weather.
It has a 45-degree temperature rating to retain through the night and keep you warm. It is a lightweight bag of 420g that packs down easily.
The Western Mountaineering Everlite 45 sleeping bag has a zipper that opens up completely and turns the bag into a blanket shape. This feature makes it versatile as it can be used as a quilt during warm weather.
- It is versatile
- It is durable with good quality
- The rectangular shape gives it more room than mummy bags
- It is lightweight
- No zipper pulls inside
- It is a higher budget for some people
Who Makes The Most Comfortable Sleeping Bag?
A comfortable night's sleep involves more than a sleeping bag. The right temperature range will determine the quality of your sleep in the woods. Western Mountaineering and Marmot have high-quality, luxurious, and comfortable bags in their collection. They include:
Marmot Plasma 15 Sleeping Bag
According to Outdoor GearLab, Marmot Plasma 15 is the "FERRARI OF SLEEPING BAGS!"
What I love most about this bag is that what you see is what you get. If you want to experience the warmth and comfortably sleep at the top of the mountain as if you were in your bed, this lightweight sleeping bag is your jam.
It is exceptionally comfortable and luxurious and is versatile to fit any shape and body size. This sleeping bag is made with comfortable padding and can also be used with a sleeping pad if the need arises.
- Materials: Nylon, 875-fill goose down
- Temperature Rating: 15° F
Features
The Plasma 15 sleeping bag is made with certified 900+ fill power. It has excellent quality and is also among the lightweight sleeping bags.
It is designed in a mummy bag shape with a vertical baffle system. This design ensures that heat is circulated from your body down to your feet.
This down sleeping bag has a draft collar and hood to help keep you warm and comfortable in the bag.
The inner lining is made from Pertex Quantum 100% Nylon 10 Denier Micro Ripstop with a Double Water Repellent feature.
The bag comes in two sizes: regular and long to accommodate different users. It has a full-length zipper to facilitate entering and getting out of the bag and aeration.
- It is one of the best lightweight bags that you can use for car camping
- It is super comfortable
- It is a significantly warm bag
- It is made with high-quality materials
- Sometimes the zipper snags
- The mesh storage bag passes dirt into the bag
- It is a higher budget bag
Western Mountaineering Versatile 10 Sleeping Bag
Even during cold weather, you need to feel cozy and warm. The Western Mountaineering Versatile 10 is the best sleeping bag in this brand that offers maximum comfort and warmth and is versatile, as the name suggests.
- Materials: Nylon, down
- Temperature Rating: 30° F
Features
The Western Mountaineering Versatile 10 has an 850+ fill Goose Down and weighs 907g making it a lightweight sleeping bag. Like most mummy bags, the shape makes it easy for the bag to trap heat inside the bag and keep you warm for longer.
The bag has a hood that you can seal yourself up to keep warm during cold nights. The bag has extremely light down, making the hood compress into nothing under your head.
The bag has lightweight shell fabrics made of 12denier nylon, which is very smooth and requires careful handling.
- It is an excellent bag for ultralight backpacking
- It has a beautiful warmth to weight ratio
- It has extra room to keep you comfortable
- It is a three-season bag
- It is a high budget bag
- It requires careful handling
Who Wins as a Lightweight Sleeping Bag?
I appreciate ultralight backpacking gear for all my adventures. Moving around with heavy equipment is draining and pulls me back. I am keen to always choose a lightweight bag for my backpacking and hiking trips.
For such trips, weight savings are crucial because you need to move fast. Western Mountaineering and Marmot have great lightweight sleeping bags in their collections. Keep reading to understand the key features of each:
Western Mountaineering Ultralite Sleeping Bag
If you fancy a bag that you can use all through the year to reduce the hassle of changing sleeping bags, I have a pick for you.
The Western Mountaineering Ultralite is a three-season bag with excellent warmth to weight ratio. This ultralight sleeping bag is versatile, offers incredible weight savings, rigid, warm, and significantly compressible. Look at some of its key specs.
- Materials: 20 denier shell fabric
- Temperature Rating: 20°F
Features
It weighs 455g making it an overall lightweight sleeping bag. The temperature rating for this bag is 20 degrees Fahrenheit which gives it an excellent warmth to weight ratio.
It is a mummy bag designed to hug your body and give you extra warmth to sleep comfortably through cold nights.
The Western Mountaineering Ultralite sleeping bag has a hood that you can tighten around you to maximize the warmth inside the bag and prevent cold air from getting inside.
It is high quality down sleeping bag that uses 850 fill power Goose Down to keep you insulated and warm.
This warm bag has a standard Durable Water Repellent treatment to prevent it from getting damp from moisture.
The fill weight for this bag is 454g down fill. A lot of the weight that this bag carries is down, which allows it to loft significantly.
This lightweight sleeping bag has a 12D Extremelite shell fabric that is very tough. It compresses perfectly and does not add on weight.
It has a full-length 5YKK zipper to keep you warm inside the bag and prevent cold air from getting to you.
- It has a water-resistant coating
- It is a lightweight sleeping bag
- It is a warm and comfortable bag
- It is a versatile three-season bag
- It is made with high-quality materials
- It has a narrow fitting over the shoulders and chest
- It is a higher budget sleeping bag
Marmot Phase 20 Sleeping Bag
If you are a backpacker who wants an ultralight sleeping bag that will not compromise warmth and comfort, this bag is for you. Marmot Phase 20 is a lightweight sleeping bag in this brand that will help you sleep comfortably during your adventures in nature
- Materials: 20 denier shell fabric
- Temperature Rating: 20°F
Features
The Marmot Phase 20 has 400g of 850+ fill power goose down with a high loft to keep you warm. The fill power gives it excellent warmth to weight ratio. The fill power is treated with Down Defender water resistance to keep the moisture out.
The shell fabric and lining are made with 10D Pertex Quantum TGL. The bag weighs less than two pounds, making it as light as a feather.
It has a foot box to keep your feet warm and give them extra room for comfort.
This sleeping bag has a full-length YKK two-way zipper with an anti-snag slider to prevent the zipper from snagging and potentially breaking.
The sleeping bag has two models :
Men's Phase 20 in regular and long lengths
Women's Phase 20 in regular length
Marmot recognizes that women sleep colder than men and want to accommodate their needs.
- It is an ultralight backpacking bag
- It is very comfortable
- It is a significantly warm sleeping bag
- Packs down small enhancing weight savings
- Made using high-quality materials and down
- It is a high budget sleeping bag
- It has a tight shoulder girth
- The zipper tends to snag frequently
Best High-end Sleeping Bags
To get the best sleeping bags on the market, you need to have a higher budget. Expensive sleeping bags are well known to present high quality and function. Marmot and Western Mountaineering brands have the following as high-end sleeping bags.
Western Mountaineering Alpinlite Sleeping Bag
The Western Mountaineering Alpinelite bag falls into three-season ultralight backpacking sleeping bags. It also falls under excellent cold weather bags. Here are the key features that make this down sleeping bag high budget.
- Materials: 19 oz. Down Fill
- Temperature Rating: 20° F
Features
This sleeping bag is made with high-quality 20Denier with 10 filament and 380thread count Ripstop shell fabric. The inner lining is made with 20Denier taffeta fabric.
The Western Mountaineering Alpinelite sleeping bag has a -7 degree Celsius temperature rating and 850+ fill power Goose Down, making it super warm and cozy.
It has a neck baffle to lock all the heat inside and prevent cold air from entering the bag.
- The bag packs down very well
- It is super comfortable
- It has an excellent warmth to weight ratio
- It is worth the price
- High budget bag
- The mummy shape is narrow
Marmot WarmCube Expedition Sleeping Bag
The Marmot WarmCube Expedition sleeping bag is a high-quality creation of the brand. Its price ranges between $949 to $999. Take a look at the key features
- Materials: Nylon, Recycled Nylon Ripstop
- Temperature Rating: -30°F
Features
The temperature rating for this cold weather bag is -30Farenheits. It is a great winter camping bag that will keep you warm during cold nights. It has 800 fill power down insulation.
This sleeping bag has ElixRMicro insulation on the outer layer to give you extra warmth. The shell fabrics are made with Pertex Quantum material, that is breathable, water-resistant, and wind-resistant.
The Marmot WarmCube Expedition sleeping bag has an adjustable hood and draft collar to cover your head and neck from cold. It has a full-length, two-way zipper and a draft tube to retain heat inside the bag and block away cold air.
- It is wind and water-resistant
- It is made with high-quality materials
- It is a significantly warm bag
- It is durable
- It is a high budget bag
What are the Different Features Of Marmot and Western Mountaineering Sleeping Bags?
Different sleeping bags have unique features that make them stand out.w Western Mountaineering produces a variety of down sleeping bags. They come in different sizes, shapes, and shell fabrics to give the users a choice of what they like.
Western Mountaineering bags have three main categories:
Extremelite series- This category has the lightest bags ranging between 450g to 900g
Microfiber series-Sleeping bags in this category have the Microlite XP Microfiber shell fabric that stands out in extreme weather. They are heavier than the Extremelite series but offer excellent breathability.
Gore Windstopper series- This series offers lightweight, water-resistant, durable, and highly breathable bags. Bags in this series stand out for retaining insulation even in wet weather and cold weather.
Marmot sleeping bags brand design some of the best sleeping bags on the market. They have been in the industry since 1974 and have been growing ever since.
Below are some of the main features of the Western Mountaineering and Marmot sleeping bags:
Features of Western Mountaineering Sleeping Bags
- Their sleeping bags are made with a range of 850 fill power down to 900 fill power
- They use the highest-quality goose down for their bags
- Most sleeping bags in this brand use a mummy bag shape or semi-rectangular bag design. These designs ensure that they maximize weight savings
- Their bags use shell fabric extending from 7 deniers ripstop nylon. This feature is significant for an ultralight hiker
Features of Marmot Sleeping Bags
- Their sleeping bags range between 800 fill power and 850 fill power.
- They use certified Goose Down for their bags and synthetic fill for selected bags.
- Most sleeping bags in this brand have a mummy shape design that is wide around the shoulder girth and narrows towards the foot box.
- Most bags in this collection have a Durable Water Repellent feature.
Ethical Down Explained
Down sleeping bags have grown in popularity over the years. Down is natural, environmentally friendly, and produces warm high-quality sleeping bags. There have been questions about the sourcing of down by companies. Certifying bodies ensure companies adhere to the strict rules and source down humanely.
How Western Mountaineering Approach RDS
Western Mountaineering ensures that the welfare of geese that produce down is outstanding. They have direct contact with farmers to ensure no live-plucking or force-feeding of geese.
They use 100% RDS-certified goose down to make their sleeping bags. They collect the plumage that naturally falls from mature geese during molting, forming the highest down quality.
How Western Mountaineering Approach RDS
Their website states that they secure raw materials responsibly with transparency. Even before the RDS was established in 2014, they used humanely sourced down. All their sleeping bags that use down feathers have the RDS approval stamp.
Every stage of their supply chain goes through a certification body. That includes down from the farmer to when the company receives down.
Final Remarks
If you are torn between picking a sleeping bag from Marmot Mountain or Western Mountaineering brands, don't worry. Both brands produce high-quality sleeping bags. They both follow the RDS certification to ensure they get high quality down. Choose the most suitable sleeping bag for you based on the recommendations above.
