Marmot Wizard

Review Date
August 23, 2002

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Reviewed by: jstanley(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from Rolla, MO

Price Paid:  $110.00 at campmor

Summary:
Used this bag on a 10 week hike that covered half the AT. I was never cold, but sometimes hot. On the cold nights this is a great bag. It warmed up quickly and if I had to get out at night it was still warm when a got back in. But many nights it took me a while to get a comfortable temperature to sleep. Also, (maybe this is true for all bags) I found that bag started to smell just as bad as a did. I never washed it, but there were not too many places that I could or had time to wash it. It's a good bag, but I will explore others bags for the warmer summer trips.

Customer Service:
I haven't needed it.

Review Date
April 20, 2001

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Reviewed by: nob(Unregistered User) ,  Day Hiker , from Raleigh, NC USA

Price Paid:  $130.00 at Sierra Trading Post

Summary:
Took that bag on a trip that had me spend nights from 20s to 55 temps and I disagree with most opinions here. I thought the bag would be perfect for those trips with non-demanding conditions (not freezing but not overly warm either, some mid-range situation) and for the purpose I had in mind the bag actually seems to be the right purchase.
For me the bag was perfect when the temps were around the 40s but way too hot when in the 50s and not warm enough at 35 and below.
I had one unexpected night with temps dipping in the 20s and I shivered all night inside the bag (had long pants and sleeves on)inside a vehicle. There is no way I'd use this bag for trips when temperature drops below 35 at night on a regular basis.
Other than that, got the X wide version and it's indeed very roomy. Nice feel in and out, good design for those times you need to be all wrapped up with nothing but your nose poking out. I like the way you can tighten the cord and close the velcro thingy and keep your head nice and warm all around. I found the zipper somewhat hard to operate from inside if you don't hold the fabric absolutely tight and straight.
As for fabric comfort...well, if that's any indication, I can't keep my cat off it, the darn feline will try to go after it to knead on it even when it's hanging in the closet.

Similar Products Used:
None

Review Date
March 26, 2001

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Reviewed by: Bob(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from Adirondacks NY

Price Paid:  $125.00 at Sierra Trading Post

Summary:
This review is strictly for fit of this bag.

As a "large" person I was hoping the X-wide version of this bag would suit my needs. Unfortunatly it was too tight in the foot and chest area for my 6'1" frame and 46" chest.

I reluctantly returned the bag (i got it for a really good price) I thought the bag was very well constucted and would serve its purpose well down to its 15 degree rating. I just wanted to let other clydesdales out there know that the x-wide size really isn't that extra wide.

I ended up with an SD Sandman (flex series) nice roomy fit for my size. :-)

5 stars for the Wiz because if it had fit it would've been a great deal.

Similar Products Used:
Marmot Summmer bag (forget the name).
North Face Mammoth (discontinued)

Review Date
December 30, 2000

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Reviewed by: B. Jones(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from S.C.

Price Paid:  $109.00 at www.backcountrygear.com

Summary:
Really like the bag! Used it over the holidays -- one night at 17 degrees under a shelter, one night at 25 degrees in a tent. Slept warm in my shorts and a cap both nights. Love climbing into the driclime liner -- reminds me of flannel sheets. Compresses well. Good response from BackCountryGear after the stuff sack didn't show up with the original shipment.

Customer Service:
None yet.

Similar Products Used:
TNF

Review Date
October 17, 2000

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Reviewed by: Eric(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from Atlanta, Ga

Price Paid:  $120.00 at www.backcountrygear.com

Summary:
Awesome bag! It is just roomy enough to be comfortable, but snug enough to be warm. I spent a night on an exposed bald of a mountain without a tent and a wind-chill in the 20s. I stayed warm the whole night. And with the great deal I got, you can't beat it.

Customer Service:
None - don't need to.

Similar Products Used:
North Face, REI, etc.