A close look at two sleeping bags buyers cross-shop. On the data the Helium 15 is the stronger all-round pick, and the question is whether the Badger MF still fits your budget or priorities.
| Marmot Helium 15 | Western Mountaineering Badger MF | |
|---|---|---|
| GearScore | 84✓ | 64 |
| Comfort rating | 27 °F | 25 °F✓ |
| Weight | 2 lb 2.7 oz✓ | 2 lb 6.0 oz |
| Warmth-to-weight | 4.4 /100g✓ | 4.2 /100g |
| Packed size | 9.2 L | n/s |
| Fill power | 800 FP | 850 FP✓ |
| Price | $499 | n/s |
| Fill | Down | Down |
| Style | Bag | Bag |
| Shape | Mummy | Mummy |
Highlighted cells mark the better spec: Helium 15 in blue, Badger MF in amber. A blank spec is never counted as a win. A lower comfort rating in °F means a warmer bag, so the warmer bag takes that row. GearScore is the overall rating (0 to 100); re-weight it on the full bag comparison. Prices are current MSRP.
Put the Marmot Helium 15 next to the Western Mountaineering Badger MF and the trade-offs are clear. The Helium 15 is the stronger pick on most of the specs that matter, while the Badger MF makes its case on warmth and fill power.
The Helium 15 is 3 oz lighter and stronger on warmth-to-weight. The Badger MF is warmer (rated 25°F vs 27°F) and higher fill power (850 vs 800). On the default GearScore the Helium 15 leads 84 to 64.
Pick the Helium 15 if you care most about low weight and warmth-to-weight, which makes it the better call for counting grams on long miles. Pick the Badger MF if warmth and fill power matter more to you, or you are focused on colder nights and shoulder-season trips.
The Marmot Helium 15. It is 3 oz lighter than the Badger MF.
The Western Mountaineering Badger MF. It is warmer (rated 25°F vs 27°F) than the Helium 15.
The Marmot Helium 15, 84 to 64 on the default algorithm. You can re-weight the factors to match your trip.
The Helium 15 is the stronger all-round pick here. Choose the Badger MF if warmth is your priority.