Marmot Trestles Elite Eco 20 Backpacking Sleeping Bag Review

Bottom Line

The Marmot Trestles Elite Eco 20 makes our best backpacking sleeping bags guide for a reason. If you prefer synthetic fill over down – or you simply want the best bang for your buck – this sleeping bag will be your pot of gold. We love synthetic fill specifically for backpacking in wet conditions, since it offers superior warmth over down once it gets wet and dries quicker, which is critical when the forecast calls for storms. We tested this bag in icy Utah canyons and nonstop rainstorms in the Pawnee grasslands of Colorado — and it exceeded expectations. The Trestles Elite Eco is lighter than many other synthetic options, packs down to a decently small size, and offers top-of-the-line features – all at a minimal price tag.

The biggest downside of this Marmot model? Like most bags with synthetic fill, it’s heavier and bulkier than down options. The Trestles Elite Eco simply can’t match the warmth-to-weight ratio of an 850+ fill-power down bag. That means you’ll have to choose between prioritizing features and a smaller price tag, or saving weight and bulk. Still, this bag might be the perfect fit for your next adventure, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned backpacker.

How We Tested

We put this bag through extensive field testing to assess its warmth, comfort, and weather resistance. We spent nights in icy Utah canyons, non-stop rainstorms in the Pawnee Grasslands of Colorado, and even in the Rocky Mountains with temperatures below freezing. 

Warmth

The biggest upside to the Trestles Elite Eco over a down sleeping bag is its ability to retain insulating properties when wet. Down insulation quickly loses its loft and thus its warmth when wet, which can be a dangerous situation in frigid, rainy conditions. The synthetic insulation of the Trestles Elite Eco, however, will still retain some of your body heat and will dry out more quickly. Even DWR-treated down pales in comparison to synthetic insulation.

The bag also comes equipped with a draft collar, fitted hood, and mummy shape.

Although the Trestles Elite Eco is a “20 degree bag,” don’t be fooled into thinking you’ll be comfortable down to 20 degrees. The bag has an ISO-tested comfort rating down to 30 degrees, so although you’ll survive in 20 degrees or so, you probably won’t be getting much sleep. We recommend the Trestles Elite Eco for three-season use (especially in moist conditions) where temps are unlikely to dip below freezing.

Comfort

The Trestles Elite Eco hits a bullseye when it comes to comfort. The bag’s synthetic fill may not be as lofty as down, but we barely noticed. Its spacious design offers a good range of movement through the shoulders and hips.

We especially love the interior material, an eco-friendly blend of fibers that’s buttery soft on the skin and is as comfortable as any bag we’ve tried. Our favorite thing about this model is that it features two zippers: a full-length one for easy access on the left side, and a shorter one on the right that allows you to fold the top of the bag down like a blanket. This design helps regulate warmth and makes the Elite Eco feel as cozy and pleasant as a bed. 

However, the Marmot Trestles Elite Eco 20 does have some limitations. The bag’s synthetic fill doesn’t offer the same level of plushness or loft as down alternatives. We like the 3D footbox for sleeping on our backs, but the bag is noticeably narrower than the competition from the knees down, so stomach sleepers and folks who like to spread out may feel limited.

And, two adjustable draw cords for the hood are excellent for customizing the opening size, but a bit cumbersome to reach once you’re inside. Finally, this bag is bulkier and a bit heavier than others we’ve tested, so it can contribute to discomfort on the trail if you’re backpacking long distances.

Weight & Packability

Compared to other sleeping bags that use synthetic fill, the Trestles Elite Eco is one of the lightest and most packable options we’ve seen. Among synthetic bags, it strikes a balance between weight and packability thanks to its efficient use of recycled materials that still provide substantial warmth. These heavier materials make this one of the most durable options on our list: it will last for years of regular use with minimal maintenance.

The Trestles Elite Eco comes with a compression sack to help pack it down reasonably small, so it’s easier to carry on backpacking trips, as well as a mesh storage bag for when it’s not in use.

But there’s no way around it: compared to down sleeping bags, this synthetic option is heavier and bulkier. At 2 pounds, 6 ounces, it’s near the bottom of our list for weight and takes up more room in our backpacks as well.

The synthetic fill, while durable, adds bulk and takes up more space than high-end down models, so it may not satisfy those seeking minimalist and ultralight gear. 

Features

The Trestles Elite Eco 20 has one of our favorite feature sets of any backpacking sleeping bag we tested. The fold-down second zipper gives it a luxurious bed-like feel for extra ventilation and easy access for fast in and out. An anti-snag zipper guarantees smooth operation.

The hood is sized to fit most camping pillows comfortably, and we always appreciate a zippered stash pocket for holding small essentials like a headlamp, Chapstick, or lighter. Two hang loops facilitate easy storage and drying, and Marmot also includes a compression sack and storage bag.

There are a few things we’d like to see improved, however. The cinching tassels on the hood can be cumbersome to operate from inside the bag, especially in the dark, and the footbox is narrower than other models, which limits foot movement.

Depending on whether you toss and turn in the night, we find the double zippers can slide down easily when shifting, leading to heat loss and unwanted ventilation. Still – if you want adjustability, comfort, and versatility, the Elite Eco is a great choice.

Should You Buy the Marmot Trestles Elite Eco 20?

The Marmot Trestles Elite Eco is perfect for budget-conscious hikers looking for warmth and durability without breaking the bank. Ideal for those who prefer synthetic fill over down, it performs admirably in wet conditions by retaining warmth and drying quickly.

The unique versatility of synthetic fill makes it an excellent choice for unpredictable shoulder season conditions, wet environments, and those who are especially hard on their gear. Features like the zippered stash pocket, anti-snag zipper, and cushy interior seal this bag as one of our favorite alternatives.

However, this bag is not for ultralight backpackers or folks looking for the lightest and most compact gear. Its relatively bulky design and heavier weight compared to down sleeping bags might not appeal to minimalists and folks who want the most streamlined gear when they’re on the trail.

What Other Backpacking Sleeping Bags Should You Consider?

Synthetic bags aren’t for everyone. In our full guide to backpacking sleeping bags, we have down options for both budget shoppers and the most dedicated adventurers.

Kelty Cosmic Ultra 20 Review: Both the Kelty Cosmic Ultra 20 and the Marmot Trestles Elite Eco 20 offer comparable warmth and comfort, so they’re excellent choices for shoulder season hikes. But, the Kelty Cosmic Ultra 20 uses down, so it’s more packable, lighter weight, and features a bigger, better draft collar – though it comes at a slightly higher price.

NEMO Disco 15 Endless Promise Review: The NEMO Disco 15 Endless Promise is a down bag that offers a warmer comfort rating at a competitive price, especially versus other down sleeping bags on the market. However, it’s a few ounces heavier and about twice the price of the Trestles Elite Eco, a drawback if you’re watching weight and cost.

Feathered Friends Swallow YF 20 Review: The Feathered Friends Swallow YF 20 offers a similar warmth rating and set of features to the Trestles Elite Eco. This down alternative is a lot lighter and packs down smaller, but you’ll pay almost three times the price for those advantages.