Marmot Helium

Review Date
December 15, 2006

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Reviewed by: hakum34 ,  Backpacker

Price Paid:  $323.00 at www.campsaver.com

Summary:
The is really a great bag. My friend was trying to convince me to get a PHDesigns bag that is rated to 23F and about 5 oz lighter. I went with the Helium because all around, it's a much better bag in addition to being about $100 cheaper.

At 1 LB 13 oz (regular, long weighs 2 LB), it's light for it's very realistic 15F rating. The shell is very durable very water resistant nylon. 850+ fill down allowed Marmot to add weight with an excellent shell and keep the bag light.

If you're into ultralight, you know the 3/4 zip is unnecessary weight, but it really makes the bag more versatile for warmer weather.

I did my research before getting this bag, and I know I got the right one. The Helium bag is one of the best out there. It's very light with great materials. If you've got money to blow, PHDesigns will customize a bag for you, but get ready to spend a lot more money.

Customer Service:
Campsaver has a really good return policy, and you call in to talk to someone they know what theyre talking about. Let's be realistic. The only way you're going to need to return this bag is if there is a manufacturer defect, and the chances of that are almost zero.

Similar Products Used:
Kelty Light Year 45F
Marmot Never Winter 30F

Review Date
January 2, 2004

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Visitors rate this review
3.00 of 5, 1 votes

Reviewed by: BCbackpacker(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker

Price Paid:  $450.00 at Coast Mnt Sports (La

Summary:
This is truely an outstanding down sleeping bag. I have used the Marmot Helium sleeping bag in Northern British Columbia and found the bag was able to live up to the -9C rating (sorry I don't speak Fahrenheit). The bag is able to shed some moisture, however I would not use the bag in very wet conditons (like any Down bag). It is quite roomy for a mummy bag and I didn't miss the full lenght zipper. Due to the light materials used, this bag needs a bit of care when handling. I recommend this bag for anyone looking for a super light and warm down sleeping bag.

Similar Products Used:
North Face, Moonstone

Review Date
October 12, 2003

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Visitors rate this review
5.00 of 5, 2 votes

Reviewed by: JamesS(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker

Price Paid:  $300.00 at REI

Summary:
I've used my Marmot Helium on three extended trips into the Mallard Larkins Wilderness, The Bob Marshall Wilderness, and the Great Bear Wilderness. In addition I also had it out for three nights on the Alpine Trail which separates the Swan Mountains from the Bob Marshall. Temperatures at night ranged from a low of 5 degrees to a high of 35 degrees. I was always warm and toasty even when condensation was dripping from my tent fly onto the bag. This bag is superlight and can be stuffed into a tiny little bag no larger than a toaster. Material is super strong, lightweight, and near waterproof. It features a three quarter length zipper for lightness in addition to its 900 fill power down fill. Can't say enough good about it.

Customer Service:
Not needed

Similar Products Used:
North Face Cats Meow
Various Eddie Bauer Down bags

Review Date
June 27, 2001

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Visitors rate this review
1.70 of 5, 20 votes

Reviewed by: Lex(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from California

Summary:
This bag is light, comfortable, extremely well made and comes with a storage bag, stuff sack and a years supply of crispy cream doughnuts! (this is all true except for that last part about the doughnuts)

Customer Service:
Its a lot of money to part with, but who cares. You're worth in aren't you?

Similar Products Used:
None