From: Jason A. Cotting (p2ranger@anvilgear.com)
Date: Wed Dec 11 2002 - 17:26:55 CST
I was a synthetic only man until I worked the off season last year with my
new down bag. I have never had a bag that was so comfortable. I doubt I'll
ever buy another synthetic bag unless I move to Seattle or something.
I have to disagree with John, but synthetic bags do keep insulation when
wet. Not as much as when dry but they do keep some. I had a wet bag once
on a mountain trek and I stayed comfortable as I slept under the stars on
Wilson Mesa (many years ago).
For that reason I wouldn't recomend a down bag for a youth. They may not
have the experience or understand the importance of keeping a bag dry.
Contrary to John's quote "Only an idiot gets their sleeping bag wet", well
there's lots of those I've come across at Philmont. Especially the kids
because they don't appreciate the importance of why their bag has to stay
dry. If they mess up then atleast they will have some insulation value.
That and the synthetic bag will dry properly in the field where as a down
bag probably won't. So let them get a down bag when they've had some
experience.
But if you are holding back on getting a synthetic bag simply because of it
maybe getting wet, think back at how many times you have ever gotten your
bag wet. Not many, I should hope.
Synthetic bags will not last as long. Especially with days on use like I had
for a few summers. My Mtn Hardwear 2nd demension was great for about 3 or 4
seasons. Its only a summer bag now. Synthetic fill just loses its loft with
repeated use. Down does much better. Either way, store it someplace where
it is not confined. Laundry bag or hang in your closet if you have the
space.
I haven't shoped for a synthetic bag in a while, but at one time the Sierra
Designs Sandman was a great bag that I often recomended. It has elastic in
the bag so you can move around instead of being confined. I tried out a TNF
Cat's Meow bag and I felt like I was in a coffin. Their bags aren't cut as
well for large folks like myself.
Kanik uses Coleman 15F bags. Combined with 2 foam pads and a fleece liner
they seem to do great for winter camping.
As a side note, The North Face's parent company is The GAP.
Jason
><>
Retired Ranger
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