and thanks for what you did for me in the military too. I appreciate your sacrafice(s).

Well, some first hand reviews + a great price ($200) have led me to giving the Marmot Atom a try. It's temp. rating is 40F, I know... but I've seen numerous reviews from around the net as well as some tales from users here that the bag can go closer to (if not below) freezing, especially while wearing all your hiking clothes (which I almost always do). Also, it has slightly wider measurements, so adding extra layers/tossing and turning should work out better. As far as the short zipper thing... well, we'll see. Did I mention I found it for only $200?!

In any case, I'm going to give it a try. If it doesn't work, I'll send it back from whence it came and start again. If it does, I'll let everyone know. Thanks for all the advice.

I own the atom. I've used it down to mid 30s, with light base layers (I sleep cold), and was perfectly toasty. I think it's a great bag--really quite roomy. I've got the atom and the wm highlite, and I lean toward to the atom, primary b/c I find it more roomy.

I own the Atom as well and will never replace it until it plain wears out! I have used it 16 times in temps from 60 degrees to 33. During the 33 degree night (Olympic National Park's Hoh River Trail) in a Tarptent Virga II, all netting in front open, I had on a thin (coolmax) base layer and was ok. I never woke up that night due to chill. I have experienced absolutely no loss of loft, washed it once in it's lifetime 4 trips ago, no threads coming lose or breaking, and also no degredation of the Pertex Quantum shell.

Oh I forgot to mention IMHO, it has a hood that I do not think has been matched for comfort on the open market yet. SOOOOO COMFY!

Quick work of advice: don't order from Paragon Sports. Instead of sending me the blisteringly red Marmot Atom I wanted, they sent me a Marmot Arete. Similar looking? Yeah. Similar specs? Kinda. But seriously. Anyway, I'm returning it, so any first impressions are postponed.

After my Atom snaffu, I rethought things and ordered a Summerlite. Push came to shove, and I took your advice to heart, Don. The full-length zipper and baffles, WM's reputation, and a bad taste in my mouth after having gotten a vapor-barrier Campmor Marmot Ion added some extra shoving power, as well.

Temps are going to be around to above freezing here tonight, so perhaps I'll give it a try. Just from a first look, it is a beautiful bag. Impeccable stitching and craftsmanship, great zipper, the fabric feels great, the down lofts up higher than 2" between the baffles, the hood is comfy. I'll hold off any real judgments until I get some use out of it, but I don't think I'm going to be disappointed.

Thanks, all, for the advice!