Marmot Bag Updates – Good?

[Jamie Shortt]

I noticed that Marmot has updated the Atom, Hydrogen, Helium, etc for 2008. Besides the hydrogen now being green (instead of black) it looks like they have made the bags full zip. But of course the bags are now heavier…the Atom has gone from 1lb 0 oz to 1lb 5 oz. I think they might be using a heavier fabric too.

[JW]

All bad in IMHO, there is a reason the old pertex halfzips are coveted. Too bad these companies can't recognize a good thing and stick with it.

[Russell Swanson]

Jhaura,

Sure, the recognize a good thing. Unfortunately the corporate mindset is to constantly redesign and offer 'new' products (read: make more $$$). What can we say other than The Man sucks? If anyone from Marmot wants to argue this point, PM me and we can get on the phone. After you try to sell me on your 'innovative design ideas' and 'progressive thinking' I'll be happy to browbeat you with logic for a few hours.

You won't see a smaller, focused company like Western Mountaineering or Feathered Friends making a mistake like this.

[Brett Peugh]

I like the fact they went to full zips because you can use it as a quilt but I don't like the much extra added weight.

[Michael Febbo]

Though I can see the desire for a full length zipper on the Atom and Hydrogen, the warmer bags really don't benefit from it. I have a Helium, Hydrogen and Lithium and never need to vent the warmer bags as they are only used below freezing. Also, what is a "sewn-through baffle" as seen in the Atom description? I thought it was ether sewn or baffled… And I hate the pea green Hydrogen.

Anyway, I am not surprised given how horribly they butchered the design and quality of Dana packs (just had to vent that).
I am guessing that the weight is mostly due to the different fabric as the Helium EQ is the same listed weight (or weighs the 2lbs 5oz that the one I had weighed). That always had the longer zipper, but is using a different fabric. The overall fabric change may be due to problems with acquiring Quantum, or a desire for something more robust for the larger market. Or, maybe it is just cheaper- like the crap materials they used in their Dana packs (more venting). Regardless, I can't see why they changed such a good line of bags.

[t.darrah]

I too prefer the full length zipper for the venting options. I will be posting FS two (2) new 2007 model Hydrogens, black, size reguler for $150.00 each plus shipping, no paypal. I hate the new color but want the full length zipper.
Thom

[Rob Blazoff]

Despite the claim, they may also be using 750 or 800 fill as the 850 and 900 is hard (if not impossible) to get.

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