For Advanced Backpackers & Mountaineers

By Nathan C. Ranked #415 - 25 to 5 Degree Down Bags May 11, 2009

What is back is: High end for of Spring, Fall, and not extremely cold Winters. Best used for mountaineering or long backpacking trips in cool weather.
The most impressive feature is the stuff/compression and expansion size. It fits into a XS Marmot stuff sack, which his 14x7 inches. Think of an Xbox 360 smushed into a cylinder. You look at the stuff sack and say ‘There is no way it will fit into that’ but it does. The down is comfortable and expands to the fullest. The weight is one of the lightest on the market. I weighed it on a food scale and in the stuff sack; it weighed 2 lbs 8oz. It is very warm as well. There is an inner flap behind the zipper so no heat can escape of cold air let in. I used the bag, under the stars in late spring. The weather for the night ranged low 50s to high 30s F. The bag was so hot I woke up and had to unzip it all the way and use it as blanket until 3:00am or so.
What this bag is not: Not used for Car camping, Summer time, novice users (Boy Scouts/Summer Camp)
It is not a summer bag. Any temperature above 40 degrees F the bag is pretty much useless, as it is too hot. This is not a roomy or comfortable spacing bag. To cut down on the weight Marmot cut down on the size. You cannot lift one knee. It is very snug and mildly cramped, based on my size. I am 5'11 160lbs with broader shoulders. I used the Regular version.
Two other features to note; the zipper does take a few moments to get use to. The inner flap does catch in the zipper if you do not run your finger ahead of the zipper when opening/closing. Also getting out of the bag is not a straight shot. It does take some finesse and slight patience.
However if you want a bag with the smallest stuff size, with the lightest weight while not too concerned about sleeping room, then this is your bag.

View Details: Marmot Helium EQ Sleeping Bag: 15 Degree Down

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