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[at-l] down v fake fluff?

WALTERS, AMYE JEANNE writes:

> So I was all set to invest in a 0 degree down bag, which is what I had
> my heart set on in the winter. But then the last saleman I talked to
> steered me towards a synthetic bag bc they are more functional in wet
> weather, easier to wash and not a problem when you sweat in your sleep.
> I'm not doing any super intensive woods living, nothing longer than a
> week or two so weight is not my main consideration.

I think the salesman was correct, although it is possible, with
careful packing and use, to keep it dry.  I believe the down bags are
also more stuffable than most synthetics.  As a proud(?) owner of a
Northface Manatee (0) with the old impossible-to-stuff Polarguard, I
can attest to the importance of stuffability.  The darned thing is
half the size of my pack!

I notice the following down bags in Campmor's catalog:

Campmor's Mummy (0) Long is 3 lb. 8 oz. ($190).
Sierra Designs' Mens Clyde (0), 3 lb. 14 oz, $220 (sale)

The following are synthetic bags:
 
North Face:

Bigfoot bag (-5) at $255 for the large one. Fill is
Polarguard 3D.  It's heavy (4 lb. 5 oz.)

Sierra Designs:

Northernlite (0) at $214 for the large. Fill is LiteLoft.  
	At 4 lb. 4 oz., this is also heavy.

Firelite. At 4 lb. 15. oz., a very heavy bag.  LiteLoft fill. $235.
Wyatte Earp (0), 4 lb. 4 oz., $225.  

Check Campmor's catalogue and Backpacker's gear guide for more
specifics.  Also, you can always improve the rating of a bag by using
a liner, with obvious trade-offs of weight and space.

Dick Hihn

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