[pct-l] Sleeping Bags, Down vs Synthetic

[Bighummel at aol.com (Bighummel@xxxxxxx)]

Hooey,  my original Polarguard bag went through 9 straight days of rain and 
serious cold in the PNW thoroughly soaked and I slept damp but warm.  Compared 
to a down bag you couldn't do what I did with mine;  literally ring the 
majority of water out.   In a wet-anticipated year I would definately carry a 
synthetic bag, specifically in Washington. 

If I were to re-hike (hopefully one day) I would carry a light weight down 
bag with a 25 degree rating and a good water resistant outer material from Campo 
to the Columbia River and then change over to a synthetic 20 or 25 degree 
bag.  

Of course, I would be moving slow and would expect to get to Washington in 
late August, when Fall weather and temperatures can begin to change in an early 
year.  For someone who plans to go ultra light and average 30 miles per day 
and finish in early August a down bag all of the way could probably work.

YMMV,

Greg
"Strider"
Hummel

P.S. The old Polarguard bag, originally a 15 degree bag is now a good summer 
bag that I would rate at about 35 degrees.  It is a lot heavier now and 
compresses less than when it was new, most likely due to the amount of dust and body 
oil that it has semi-permanently absorbed!