The North Face or Marmot?

“I'm looking into buying a top of the line cold weather sleeping bag for winter camping. I'm considering TNF-Inferno and the Marmot-Cwm. Both are rated to -40F and have Dryloft shells. TNF claims to use 800+ fill Euro. goose down, and Marmot uses 775 fill Euro. goose down. The Marmot compresses a little smaller and is about $60.00 cheaper. I have heard that TNF's quality isn't all that great, so I guess I'm leaning towards the Marmot-Cwm. Any advice or suggestions(even on a different brand and model), would be very helpful. Thanks!”

“Have you looked at Western Mountaineering's "Big Horn Super DL" or the "Bison"? They're only $700 bags...”

“"only" $7oo bags?!?!?!”

“I hope for your sake that you get what you pay for!”

“i'll take 4. LOL!!!!”

“I like Marmot bags, although I don't know that one in particular. I think TNF is generally overpriced - although there are some good sales around. A lot of people swear by Feathered Friends bags, which are pricey - but people say the price is justified.”

“Don't know the models you're refering to, but I've been happier with my Marmot stuff than my TNF stuff.”

“If you are spending that much get a feathered friends”

“I found your bag for only $569.97 Check it out cut and paste the following site:

http://www.campmor.com/webapp/commerce/command/ProductDisplay?prrfnbr=3108116&prmenbr=226

I guess in Alaska you'ld need one that cold. I just bought the TNF Hot Tamale rated for 15 deg. I haven't used it yet, but I've never felt a softer lighter bag. That 800+ fill is quite amazing. When you plan on spending that much on something, make sure you get something that ya wont regret buying later.

^^^ThinAir^^^”

“Get 'em both on plastic, and return the one you like the least!”

“or better yet...

Keep the bag you like the most!”

“Go for the W Mtneering or FF bag. Both those companies only make sleeping bags (well, FF makes outerwear too, but its all down. close enough :). Don't get the TNF bag. That bag is something you're gonna put your life into (literally at -40ª!). TNF has gotten to be just a brand name. If you don't believe me, go to their site www.thenorthface.com then click on 'about us' then 'partners.' their first partner is Chevrolet. No sh!t. They sponsor atheletes, like Nike or Gatorade. You don't want to buy their bag. It's just a logo that you're buying. Western Mountaineering and Feathered Friends are both small companies, without big corporate partners, without 'atheletes,' and they don't make socks (yes, TNF makes socks). Happy trails dude.”

“Well I'm glad that TNF sponsers atheletes to test out their bags. And when I look at the one I bought and how well it was made I am only reasured that my money was well spent. When I was looking for a bag, I did the research and I looked at Feathered Friends as well as Western Mountaineering and both compaines wanted too much for bags that weighed more. I'm glad I have my TNF your objections seem more political than anything else.”

“that's true. they are mostly political. but I believe that a company's philosophy underscores most everything they do and make. and TNF just doesnt appeal to me. its cool that your bag has worked out though. thanks for your advice in the new pack post.”

“:)”

“I have three TNF bags that have proven to be a good value and reliable performers.”

“I was bored last night and went flippin thru the Gear Guide put out by Backpacker Mag. I was looking for all the bags that were rated for -40 and saw that Cabelos had the cheapest -40 that had all the same features as the others. It weight just the same, most likely had the same amount of down fill and was a couple hundred dollars less than all the others.

Its worth a look at if you ask me. I can't fathom the thought of buying a bag($700+) that may only be used a few times a year if at all.”

“Cabellas is da $hit for "less-expensive" and comparable quality gear!”

“I have the TNF Snowshoe, and the TNF Thunderhead, and they are both great bags. I do think Mountain Hardware is at least as good as TNF, but I know nothing about Marmot.”

“Mountain Hardwear consistently gets rave reviews, but I ended up passing on the Tallac because it was just too roomy.

I think that has at least as much to do with your comfort rating as the other factors; ie., don't get a more expensive bag because it has a better rep if it doesn't fit as well.”

“A guy I work with recommended a TNF bag to me - After shopping around for a month - I bought the TNF bag and spent an unexpected 25 degree below zero night in it - I am very happy with it.”

“I bought TNF Cat's Meow, rated at 15F. It has P3D insulation, and is a very nice bag. Most of TNF gear is made in China, and I have heard that overall, it's cheaper quality. Does anyone know if this is true or not. Also, I want to by the most durable bombproof bag I can. Thanks!”

“15f is quite a ways different from -40f. What gives, 15f isn't even close for a cold weather bag to me, but then I am a cold sleeper”

“I bought the 15F bag before I moved further north. Before, I lived on an island is Southeast Alaska.”