Deuter vs Marmot vs Sea to Summit

rustleleaf

I expected the Deuter to feel like the safest pick for durability on rough ground, but once I laid in the Marmot it had noticeably more elbow room around the shoulders without the fabric feeling stretched thin. The Sea to Summit compressed smaller than either when I stuffed it back into its sack, though the zipper pull on that one caught a little on the draft collar.

wanderwoman

rustleleaf the Marmot’s shoulder room without thin spots is what stood out to me too when comparing those three. That Sea to Summit packing tiny is handy but the zipper snagging the collar can turn into a nightly frustration if it keeps catching.

mapcompassmark

rustleleaf the Marmot shoulder room without thin fabric does stand out over the Deuter in those direct comparisons. The Sea to Summit zipper snag on the collar is worth watching if it keeps happening on repeated uses.

rustleleaf

The Marmot shoulder space stood out right away, same as you said. On the Sea to Summit the zipper only snags when the collar is fully cinched, which it is most nights on the trail.

TrailTales

Full cinch most nights on the trail turns that snag into something you deal with every time you settle in, especially once the ground starts to freeze and you’re shifting around inside. The Marmot’s extra shoulder space probably keeps the fabric from bunching the same way when you roll.

trailblazer42

That full cinch turning into a nightly hassle on frozen ground makes total sense, especially when you’re rolling around. The Marmot’s extra space might really help there, but I’m curious if anyone has tried adding a little silicone on the zipper pull to stop the catch without messing up the draft collar?

tentmaster

Silicone on the pull might ease that catch when the collar’s cinched tight, though a bit of zipper wax on the teeth often works steadier without residue issues.

dirttrailtom

Zipper wax does hold better on the collar fabric without turning slick over time. Just rub a bit along the teeth before a trip and it usually lasts through a few nights of cinching.

TentPitcher

Clean the zipper teeth with a dry cloth first. Rub a thin layer of wax along them next. Pull the zipper open and closed a few times to work it in evenly so the collar cinches without catching.

RidgeEcho

Cleaning the teeth first keeps the wax from picking up grit that then grinds into the collar fabric over repeated cinches. A quick wipe and thin coat usually smooths the pull without adding bulk that bunches when the bag is fully closed on cold nights.