Which sleeping bag is better? The Marmot Always Summer or the Marmot Sawtooth sleeping bag?
In this review, I set out to discover which sleeping bag is best – the Marmot Always Summer sleeping bag or the Marmot Sawtooth sleeping bag.
These two sleeping bags are extremely similar in both their look and design. Both are mummy-style sleeping bags made with certified 650-fill down and treated with Down Defender for improved water-resistance in wet conditions. Both sleeping bags feature a Nautilus multi-baffle hood which works to envelope your head in warmth and trap body heat inside. And both the Marmot Always Summer and Marmot Sawtooth feature a single 2-way, snag-free zipper backed by an insulated draft tube to prevent cold air from sneaking in on the side.
While the similarities are striking, there are some differences in the pack size, weight, and overall cost of these two sleeping bags.
The Marmot Always Summer sleeping bag is an excellent, lightweight sleeping bag that is best used, as its name implies, during the warm summer months. It’s compact and lightweight, yet warm enough to keep you comfortable in your tent at night when the temperatures drop in the evening. The bag is comfortable, spacious enough on the inside for even large/long individuals, and the large side zipper is reliable and long-lasting. A very good down sleeping bag for summertime us only!
If you’re planning to camp in slightly cooler conditions, however, its probably best if you leave the Marmot Always Summer sleeping bag at home and opt for the slightly larger and heavier Marmot Sawtooth. The Sawtooth costs approximately $50 more than the Always Summer, and it is almost twice the size and weight of the Always Summer sleeping bag, but this added size and weight is necessary when camping in cold, wet environments. Even though it’s larger and heavier than the Marmot Always Summer, the Marmot Sawtooth is still light enough and small enough to carry on any bikepacking, backpacking or bicycle touring adventure. Highly recommended for cooler outdoor adventures!
Darren,
Your recommendation of Marmot sleeping bags smells like you are on the Marmot payroll. Are you going to test other bags?
Marmot doesn’t know me and never gave me a cent. I just bought these two bags for myself… used them… and presented them here. It’s not cool to call me out for something I’m not guilty of. Not cool at all!
PS – Yes, I will test other sleeping bags… once I use them. I pay for the sleeping bags myself, so if you want to send me another bag to review, I would be happy to do that!
Hi Darren
Have you had any experience with the Down Defender aspect of either bag?
I’m curious just how soggy things can get and you are still comfortable.