Marmot Mystic Sleeping Bags
Marmot Mystic Sleeping Bags
USER REVIEWS
[Oct 29, 2002]
docguide
Mountaineer
The Marmot “Mystic” is a Polarguard 3D mummy style sleeping bag rated at 30 ºF. The specified weight is 2 lbs. 5 oz. (long version), although on my scale it weighs 2 lbs. 10 oz. The Mystic is no longer offered by Marmot, the “Mavericks 30” has taken its place (with a specified weight of 2 lbs. 11 oz.). The fill-weight given on the Federal tag is 26 oz. The recommended retail price is $150. The stuff sack for this bag is large at 8x18 inches, but it can be compressed some. The fit of the bag is pleasantly generous, as are most Marmot bags, but not so generous as to generate cold spots. This bag was thoroughly tested on my deck, but no further. My deck is at 7,600 feet in the foothills west of Boulder, Colorado, so the bag has at least been aired in the mountains. I had thought to use this bag for mid-summer mountaineering, when only a light frost might be expected overnight, and afternoon rains are common. These are conditions that make a synthetic bag a good choice. The Mystic was to replace a Caribou synthetic bag that was too warm (and a little heavy) and a cheap French down bag that was riddled with cold spots in even the mildest weather. My first impressions were impressive. The roominess of the fit really enhances comfort. The outer shell of the hood is cut shorter than the lining, so when the drawstring is cinched tight it compresses some lining and stuffing softly around your face, making a snug seal. The no-snag strips along the zipper worked flawlessly. At temperatures in the mid-30s, on a still night, I spent one of the best nights I’ve ever experienced in a sleeping bag. On a second night, the clouds descended into the trees dampening everything with a fine mist. These conditions can be worrisome in a down bag, but the DWR finished worked as advertised, and the Polarguard insulation remained lofty, warm, and dry. The temperature was again in the mid-30s, with no wind. A third night dropped the temperature into the upper 20s with a light breeze. I awoke well before dawn with my feet chilled numb. The thermometer read 27 degrees. I tried adding another pair of socks, but to no avail. My feet were too chilled to recover. I spent the rest of the night inside my home. On closer examination, I found this bag has no extra insulation anywhere—not in the hood, and certainly not at the foot. Most bag makers understand these areas require ext Customer Service Not needed. Similar Products Used: Sleeping bags: Holubar, Woods, Peak 1, Laplaud, Caribou, REI, Moonstone |