Cutting to the chase: Anyone know if the hood/neck opening on either the Marmot Lithium sleeping bag or the Western Mountaineering Antelope MF can be opened wide enough to enter and exit the bag without opening the zipper?
If these bags will *not* work that way, does anyone know of any currently available down bags with comparable specs that *would* allow such zipperless entry and exit? I'm
fairly slim: Just over 6 feet tall and 155 lbs.
All my current synthetic mummy bags let me do this *easily*. From the pictures I've seen, it looked to me like the answer might be a *no* for the Lithium, but I can't tell quite as clearly for the WM Antelope. Otherwise, I really like what I've read about *both* these bags! There are some current deals on the old model Lithium, and saving over $100 is attractive. On the other hand, I want to get the bag that is right for me.
I've gathered that the MicroLite XP™ microfiber shell on the Antelope may be both more rugged and more water resistant that the LightForce N-120R DWR shell on the closeout model of the Lithium. But that's just an impression from some posts I have read. Nothing conclusive. If it is a close call between the two, thriftiness might win, but if there is enough difference to affect function and margin of safety in wet weather, then prudence would likely win out. However, the weight and higher cost and reduced breathability of the still-more-water-repellent laminate shells are not attractive to me, and I'm not planning to bivy. I've not read comments about the linings of either bag. Obviously, if I'm sliding out of the bag, adequate durability is an issue, and slick is better than rough or sticky. But I realize good enough is sometimes enough.
Desired specs: Hooded mummy bag, 0-15 degrees F comfort rating, draft/neck collar, 800 or 850+ down, weight at or under 3 lbs in a long; at least 60 inches or preferably 62 inch circumference at shoulder, so I can wear a down sweater, etc., to extend the range. I would also appreciate room to augment on legs and torso with a lightweight elephant foot bag in subzero weather. I realize a somewhat loose bag is not as warm (until augmented) as a snug one, but I want the option of augmenting, because a separate subzero bag for the rare occasions I get to camp below 0 F isn't in my budget.
I am a side sleeper much of the time, and I turn the bag with me, so I need a bag with continuous baffles, or, failing that, with equal thickness of down on the “top” and “bottom” of the bag. I know the Antelope qualifies. Not sure about the Lithium.
I *would* like to have a full length side zip (like the recent Lithiums and the Antelopes do) for ventilation in warmer weather, for airing the bag, and for using the bag as a top quilt when hammocking, but I just don't like or feel secure depending on a zipper to get in and out routinely. Beside the hassle, the possibility of a bad zipper snag on an ultralight down bag gives me the willies. Particularly if I might be suffering from the sudden urges of altitude-induced diuresis! (I.e., If I need to get out and pee in a big, big hurry! Which sometimes happens to me up in the mountains.)
I may need to compromise (i.e. with a hoodless bag, or with obligatory zipper use), but I won't know unless I ask. There are no gear shops in my small town, or of course I would have had fun checking all this out for myself. I've gotten about as far as I can with reading reviews and earlier posts. If the Lithium would be a good choice for me, I don't want to miss a good deal! If the Antelope is the right choice, timing of my purchase may be less of an issue.
Any conclusive first-hand experience from owners or users of the Lithium or Antelope, or other similar bags, would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks!
Sincerely,
Ken Carter
(who tends often to sleep very cold, even indoors, and is planning a lightweight late-spring/early-summer solo two-week backpacking/peak-bagging trip to the Pecos Wilderness, where I expect there will still be some patches of snow hanging around)
