[Date Prev][Date Next][Thread Prev][Thread Next][Date Index][Thread Index]
[cdt-l] synthetic versus down bags ...
As an advocate for "down" I'd like to add a few things. Over the years I
have owned around 10 sleeping bags. The first 7 were synthetic. I purchased
synthetic because that's what "everybody" recommended when I got into
backpacking back east. I have heard the arguments for both, but can clearly
state from experience that the first time you stuff a synthetic bag it loses
loft from compression. After a couple weeks of use the synthetic bag withers
into little more than a sheet.
On the other hand down is lighter and warmer due to it's loft to weight
ratio. For those who are paranoid of getting their bag wet there are some
precautions you can follow to prevent "wetting" your down. First, stow your
bag in a trash bag liner or waterproof, not water resistant, stuff sack.
Another option is to purchase a down bag with a micro-fiber shell or
equivalent. However I do not recommend Goretex due to condensation problems.
Also, use a tent that ventilates if you are having condensation problems.
On the CDT it rained everyday non-stop for about 2 weeks from Glacier down
to Rogers Pass. Despite the rain and fords my down bag has never gotten wet
either from condensation or direct contact with precipitation. I slept
comfortably every night on the CDT with a 20 degree down bag. The trick with
bag ratings is that you need to look at loft and ignore the "rating" because
there is no universal sleeping bag rating system, or at least there wasn't
the last time I checked. This means that one company's 20 degree is anothers
45 degree. The loft is what's important and the ability to continually
re-loft is even more important. Therefore I suggest you find the highest
quality down possible.
Another tip with down is to use a bag-liner. A liner prevents sweat and body
oils from compressing the down which affects its lofing ability.
IMO, down is less expensive due to its longevity and lighter and warmer than
any synthetic product on the market.
YMMV,
David Patterson
_________________________________________________________________
Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com