It had all started with an overnight kayaking adventure on Lake Granby (September 2019), where the need had arisen to purchase camping gear. For a sleeping bag, I wanted a lightweight and packable bag, with the ability to perform in the twenty-degree range. After visiting our local REI and slipping into a variety of sleeping bags, I landed on the Marmot Trestles Elite Eco 20.
Performance
Our first outing was Labor Day weekend, where the temperature was much warmer than I had anticipated, and the evening temperatures had only dipped into the low forties that night. So while my body temperature was warm from being in the sun all day, I was still fairly comfortable with keeping the zipper wide open for a good majority of the night. In the morning, when the temperature was a little cooler, I zipped bag up. However, the zipper had snagged on the “snagless” insulated draft tube, but after a bit of work, I was able to work it out.
The second outing that I used the bag for had definitely put the Marmot Trestles Elite Eco 20 Sleeping Bag to the test. In the later part of October, my friend and I did an overnight backpacking trip deep into Rocky Mountain National Park, to Lake Verna. That night, the temperatures had dropped to near/below zero, with snow and gusting winds. Honestly, I was a bit nervous, even though we were thoroughly prepared for what lied ahead of us that evening, and into the morning. Despite the fact that neither of us had gotten much sleep, at least I can say that I comfortable throughout the night.
Construction
The Marmot Trestles Elite Eco series is made of 100% synthetic material, of which, 96% is from recycled resources. The shell material is constructed of durable polyester ripstop and the lining of polyester taffeta. This is a mummy style sleeping bag designed to retain heat. Imbedded into the design of the sleeping bag is a 3D hood box with various adjustments and a 3D footbox, providing ample room as well. The compressed volume is 8.9 liters and weighs 2lbs 9oz. Note: I purchased the “Long” version of the sleeping bag.
Pros:
Lightweight, and includes a compression stuff sack with purchase, in addition to the storage bag. Durable with solid construction. The 3D footbox provides added warmth when colder temperatures prevail. Tip: On those super cold nights throw a couple of hand warmers in the footbox to provide an added level of comfort. The hoodbox provided complete comfort and includes a secondary zipper for additional warmth/ventilation.
Cons:
In the two uses, both nights I had difficulty with the zipper snagging on the internal lining material. Marmot touts the zipper technology to be anti-snag. With that said, in each instance, I had a very difficult time reconnecting the zipper after it had detached in an effort to undo the snag. My advice, be ultra cautious when zipping/unzipping the sleeping bag.
Overall:
In the two uses of the Marmot Trestles Elite Eco 20 degree sleeping bag, short of the snagging issue, it has performed very well and has met expectations. I can say, with confidence, that the sleeping bag will perform to zero degrees when accompanied with additional layering. So if you are looking for a lightweight mummy-style sleeping bag, with performance between twenty and zero degrees, I would recommend that you take a close look at the Marmot Trestles Elite Eco 20.
Overall: Great Purchase
Price paid: $149
Place purchased: REI
Link to Marmot website: Marmot
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