MontBell’s New 800fp Down Bags Are Here

Good catch, Ben! I see the #7s are a little lighter, but the warmer bags are a little (5% or so) heavier. I noticed each bag differes by a few % within each line; so if you are shopping at a store, bring a digital scale and get the one you want, lighter, or one with more filling.

Thank god they are not substantially lighter, or Id be tempted to sell mine and get the new ones. whew..

Did they change anything other than the fill? Hopefully they have a locking zipper now. I love my #3… everything about it is awesome… aside from the zipper.

David, they added the polkatex DWR coating..
I also own the #3, but never gave a thought to the zipper. It seems to be the same as my #7 and works fine. What don't you like about it?

Thanks for the info Brett :) I'm also glad that it doesn't look like the changes (mostly the weight) are not all that significant… otherwise I'd be tempted!!! And bags are a HUGE investment.

The zipper is non-locking and I move around a lot whem I sleep… sometimes I find the zipper creeps down (i.e. slides open) during the night.

David, I see. Well all the MB bags have hook and loop tabs near the neck of the bag. Maybe stick a velcro tab to the zipper pull so it can engage the neck-area velcro just enough to keep it from opening? You probably already thought of that and dismissed it as a hassle. Just throwing out an idea.
I would also have been tempted if they had kept everything the same, and replaced the 725 with an equivalent warmth of 800. By my crude calculation that would have resulted in a 10% reduction in fill weight, or a 5% reduction in bag weight. Hmm, not enough for me to invest a Benjamin in the sell/buy process.
Speaking of money, you find any of those godless dollar coins? I wish I was stateside to scrounge for them. They go for $200 on ebay!

File under "songs related to your gear"; as I was reading this thread on GOOSE-Down bags, my iTunes shuffled and played "Surfin Bird", by the Trashmen, 1963. How appropriate. If you have not heard this song in a while; now would be a good time. Yes now; do not wait to leave work. PM me and Ill email the mp3. pj, don't tell me you are too young to know this song.. it probably brings back a VW-bus/tie-die related memories, even if you were on the Right coast.. ;)

Ben, Surfin' Bird sent..

David:

Zipping up, velcro shut at the top, then bring the zipper pull over the velcro strap will help keep the zipper from sliding down again.

Brett:

I've nver heard of this song before. Way before my time obviously. Yes, please email it to me. Thanks.

Some of the comfort ratings and fill weights changed a little.

The velcro closure doesn't help when you want to keep it zipped down a little ways on warmer nights. That is my complaint. I rarely zip it right up… and unless it's zipped right up with the velcro done up… it does tend to work it's way open a bit. A locking zipper seems like a no-brainer. That said… it wouldn't stop me from buying the bag again. I love it. The zipper thing is a very minor issue.

I have no idea what a godless dollar coin is. My dollar coins all have Loons on them :)

Sorry, off topic, and I didnt see you were in Canada! But some of the new dollar coins are missing the 'in god we trust' inscription on the edge. Worth looking out for.

Faulty coins? All the more reason to rid yourself of them and get a nice warm 800fp bag instead. :)

When did the US get dollar coins? Are they a special run or are they actually replacing the bills? Those dollar bills always drive me crazy whenever I'm in the states. Anyway… sorry… very off topic!! I'll go Google for the answers I seek :)

1979 – Susan B. Anthony Dollar – A Major Flop!

2000 – Sacagewea Dollar – Another Major Flop!

2007 Presidential Dollar Coins – Third Major Flop???

NOTE: Images not to scale. The presidential coins represent a series that will eventually incorporate all past presidents. The US Mint is obviously eyeing the collectors’ market in the hope of making fat profits for years to come.

Unlike the beautiful Euro coins, these Presidential ones look like they were etched and cast by someone who had just learned the trade. I expect Madison is turning in his grave!

Finally, click HERE about the latest “God” goof.

It is pure economics – the aim is the collector market, not everyday circulation. It's like postage stamps; everyone sold but not used is a net profit to the govenment.

The USPS learned that lesson in the 1950's by watching San Marino base its national economy (and very nicely, too) on the production and international sale of then cutting-edge technology rotograveuer stamps of incredible beauty but no use outside the tiny country.

Look at the collectors' feeding frenzy over the state quarters. How many $$$$ are sitting in safe deposit boxes or those cute coin-holder-maps?

They'll sell easily. Don't expect to see many in actual use. Stores hate them. Their cash register drawers can't accomodate them. I for one will never carry them….too bulky and they quickly cut holes in my pockets. They take up too much space in the wife's tiny coin purse as well.

And they are not very practical as a light weight backpacker. I know when I leave town I always try to spend or get rid of my change…It's hard to part with actual dollars. The dollar bills are weigh (haha) lighter.
NITRO