Cal-Hiker

I'm about the same height as you and the Nitro just barely fits me (it's great, but another inch and I'd have a different pack). I have a smaller torso, so you should be okay.

Hi Jeff,

Here's my take on a few of the things you mentioned.

The Marmot is an extra $100. Is it worth it you?

Looking at the EN ratings, Marmot's 30º rating is pretty good. Perhaps, before the EN standard, they were using less fill in this bag so it was more of a 40º bag. On paper, it looks good.

I'll go out on a limb and say the Marmot will compress more. Mostly because down compresses better than synthetics. But with 600 fill down, I don't think these bags will be vastly different in their compressibility. What you will notice, though, is the Wasatch will wear down from compression much faster than the Marmot – synthetics are not as resilient as down, so it will wear faster.

I've never liked liners. Instead, wear the layers that you already have packed. Especially if you have good puffy garments. Liners, in my experience, are more hype and placebo than actual warmth.

If you're looking to save the $100, and especially if you don't camp too often in warm weather, the North Face isn't a bad bag. Overall, it's a solid bag, and a great value at its price. The Marmot is likely a better bag, but not $100 better.

Phil and Kevin made good points about a 40º bag, but ultimately, your situations may be different from theirs. Where you go affects what you should take. 40º bags have their place, but, as they say, you may be better off with a 30º bag after all.

Chat with them online or on the phone. BackCountry.com has no official price match policy, but I've find that more often than not they will match prices.

Thermarest says an average of 20 for a size medium. It's definitely not strenuous, and those 20 breaths are conservative I'd say––not the gasping-for-breath variety.

Alps doesn't list the weight on their website. They're definitely not lightweight––they'll put up well with abuse––more towards the heavier side of the spectrum I'd say. The material is water resistant, but I wouldn't want them to sit inside a wet pack for an extended period of time. There's no roll-top closure either, though you're getting some compression from the top end for some protection.

Assorted colors.

Pick what size you want, and BackCountry will provide you that size in an unknown color.

The compression sack has compression straps, allowing you to squeeze the bags (and its contents) considerably smaller.

The included stuff sack is 7.5x13 inches.

Hi, I hope these answers are helpful.

1. Yes, you can wrap it around the pack and buckle the hip belt that way if you'd like.
2. I have a 28" waist and have probably another inch or two on the medium if I had to. There's PLENTY of room to expand too – I'm not sure but I'd guess the medium could fit a waist size bigger than 34". My advice is to go with the medium if the torso size is a better fit; the belt should be accommodating, and if not you always have BackCountry's great return policy.