Marmot Pounder

Based upon several other Threads on these forums, some reference a magazine review, the Pounder is a 50-55 degree minimum temp. sleeping bag, not a 40 degree bag.

3 different hikers I’ve asked about the bag have said the 40 degree mark is off. They rate it more as a 50 degree bag.

Ya, that’s what I thought. The bag didn’t seem like it had much loft and I certainly didn’t get that warm feeling when I got inside. It probably is a good summer bag, but the competition is in the Scottish Highlands and I may want a little more security than the pounder will offer me.

Have you thought about a La Fuma Warm N Light 600 ? $99, 1 lbs 5 oz, 600 down, rated at 40 – I think thats “extreme” rating; so add 10 degrees or so… I just used it during a 55 degree night and was quite comfy…you can also use a 4-6 oz silk liner to gain about 10 degrees. BTW I’m 6′ and fit, tho there is not much spare room.

BTW – La Fuma uses EN 13537 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/EN_13537 for rating bags which may make it easier to compare across brands…

Rob

The Warm N Light 600 will keep the “standard man” comfortable to 46F according to the EN 13537 standard. Not bad for $99.

The Marmot Pounder is a 54F bag according to EN 13537.

Ya,

I do keep looking at this bag. Your right, you can’t beat the price for the weight. Is there room enough to wear extra layers if need be?

Having hiked the Scottish Highlands last July, I can attest that the weather can be completely unpredictable and chilly. We experienced some high winds and driving rain. The lack of trees means everything is exposed. Nice days though were absolutley gorgeous.

I don’t think temperatures typically get that low in the summer, but the combination of wet and wind can really take it out of you if the weather turns nasty. I think a 40 degree bag would serve your needs. A 55 degree bag is pushing it, but then again, I sleep cold.

Good luck and have fun!

Dirk

Sounds like the weather can get very wet in the Highlands. Compounded by the fact that I’m probably going to be very tired after running 8 hours or more a 50 degree bag just might not cut it. Again, thanks for the info.

Casey:

Glad to be of some assistance. Where exactly are you going to in the Highlands? Are you running for 8 hours a day for a week? We saw some runners while we were there. I partook in too many Scottish ales (one of the welcomed aspects of hiking in the Highlands — you do come across your occassional pub in middle of nowhere)to keep a good pace, not to mention that I was hiking with my 62-year-old mother who admittedly, did a lot better than I had expected.

The greatest challenge I had in the Highlands were the “trails” (sometimes an actual trail but often old sheep hearding roads, other times roads built by the English armies long ago to suppress the Scotts). These roads were full of stone and the beaten down quite a bit, resulting in a hard path. By the end of the day my feet were pretty sore, which was surprising. Not as sore as my head was after too much ale before bed, but close!

Dirk

Dirk,

We don’t know exactly where we will be at yet. They havn’t released that information so that the course can not be scouted out yet. It’s only a two day marathon and hopefully it is only 8 hours (may be longer if we get lost). I’m definately looking forward to going, if for nothing else than that good ale you mention.

Check my review of this vastly over-rated bag. I am a warm sleeper and even with a pair of wool long underwear and hat I was cold at 55+ degrees. There are so many other bags out there that would work better in 40 degree weather that you should never even consider this bag.

At 6’0″ 195 lbs, I definately have room in it for some insulation layers, it does get narrow by the feet though. There is not much room to toss and turn, which is not a problem for me. The zipper goes down about 80% of the way, so it’s not a full zip but it’s not too far off. I use a 3/4 thermarest, and I had to put some clothes under my feet, as you definately feel the ground through the bag (not much padding).

I weighed it (bag alone) at 1 lbs 6 oz… it comes packed in a compression sack which is kind of nice (measures 1 oz on my scale). For $99, I’m suprised more folks aren’t using this bag, I’m very happy with mine.

regards

Rob