Just starting to get my pack down in weight and ready to leave my TNF Cat's Meow behind... I don't camp below freezing much, and I just ordered an MB UL Down Inner Parka which I wouldn't mind sleeping in if I needed to. Is the Summerlite worth the extra $100? I see it saving 2 oz. total and providing 1 oz. more fill. But would the Marmot be a little sturdier? Thanks for the input.

Yes, the SummerLite IS worth the extra $100., just as my WM Megalite was worth every penny of the $100. extra over the low loft MH Phantom 32 bag (which I ret'd. to REI after seeing the Megalite).

You'll never regret paying extra for WM or Feathered Friends bags. They are just "worth it".

Edited by Danepacker on 06/25/2010 12:54:13 MDT.

Paul,

My two cents...I have an older Atom, 2 yrs old- 16 oz.

Not sure if the build method has changed, but I found that the Atom, with sewn through baffles had cold spots, which was the only negative. Well made bag.

One positive that I can point out on the newer Atoms is that they have been subjected to the new European method of temperature testing, which claims to have more accurate or truth in temperature rating.

Subsequently, the weight of the Atom has increased...more down is good.

WM products are very highly regarded by members here.

Backpacker mag a few years ago gave the entire line of light weight 850 down fill bags their Gold Award for year after year of high marks.

The interior fabric on both my Marmot Bags- Atom and Helium EQ are really silky smooth, which nice next to skin.

Don't think you will go wrong with either one, but if the Summerlite does have baffles vs. sewen thru, I would go for the Summerlite.

-Tony

SummerLite, absolutely worth the $56 dollar retail difference (Atom MSRP $259, SummerLite $315). It is fully baffled, not sewn through, and I have found that to make quite a difference starting in the mid 40s. SummerLite significantly more warmth, but easily adjusted to be a cooler bag. I think you would find the Atom not warm enough some nights, but would never be disappointed with the WM.

At 32F, it's a good idea to avoid sewn-through bags. If the Marmot Atom has baffles that are sewn through, then definitely get the WM Summerlite. Hate the butt-ugly red but WM quality is hard to argue against.

Edited by ben2world on 06/25/2010 16:09:56 MDT.

"Western Mountaineering" is never a wrong answer, IMHO.

Edited by seattlesetters on 06/25/2010 16:10:12 MDT.

I have used a Atom and now use a Summerlite. Simple choice for you. Summerlite. Amazing bag and build quality.

I have an Atom, and while it's a nice bag, it's an order of magnitude below my WM (Megalite) in quality, IMO.

Not to disagree...but;

If the WM bag is 32* rated and the Marmot 40*;

Aren't we talking two different things?

I have the Marmot and it can be had for ALOT less than MSRP;I paid less than $170 while the WM bags are very hard to get a discount on IMO.(Campmor $199 and a discount with free shipping)

It was enough to buy a fair amount of better(read;lighter) gear.

That said I am going to shop for a WM bag for colder temps as they hold their value well.But I would rather put the money in a colder rated bag when its really needed,than a warmer weather bag.JMO

I got a summerlite last year on a screaming deal- nicely constructed bag, but was simply to tight (6' 200#)- keep that in mind, part of the weight savings is in the cut

I swapped w/ a member for a Marmot Hydrogen- don't regret the swap a bit, much roomier in the Hydrogen

I also own an Atom (I've since converted it in a quilt), nice bag as well, but the 40 degree rating is pretty accurate- you definitely want an insulated jacket/hat if you expect temps in the 30's

Summerlite.

Dan, yeah, we're talking two different things... but we're comparing the two bags the OP asked about. Why would someone compare the two bags? Because their weight is within 2 ounces.

More importantly, the lighter bag is also the much warmer bag... which makes it an even more interesting comparison. The EN comfort rating on the Atom is 50*F, the lower limit is 43. Western, though not EN rated, is known for rating their bags at the comfort level. So a bag that could be 20*F warmer, but in which you can shift the insulation to create a 50*F bag, is two ounces lighter. That's awesome!!

Western doesn't often go on sale, but if you keep an eye out you can sometimes find store-wide 15-20% off sales. Your atom was just over 20% off w/o the coupon you had. If we're trying to make the comparisons as equivalent as possible, I think it's fair to compare MSRP.

This isn't all to rip on the Atom. It's a great bag in some ways! But if we are indeed comparing these two, it's clear that the SummerLite is the winner on specs.