From: Alan R. Hamm (ahamm@alanhamm.com)
Date: Thu Dec 12 2002 - 05:39:09 CST
Anybody remember Frostline kits? My mother made me their top of the line down bag when I was 17 or 18 (in the 70's). That sleeping bag is the only one I have used since. I have been cold one time - ever. That was on top of Old Rag Mountain in VA, one January when the temps were below zero and the wind was blowing 25mph. We chose to sleep on a concrete shelter floor rather than set up a tent. That was COLD. Before anyone ever heard of thermarest pads.
When I returned from Philmont this year, after using the bag for many days straight and many memories and reflections, I came home and called my mother and thanked her for making that bag. I recall that it is at least a 0 degree bag and was much heavier than I needed, but it has never let me down. And guess what? It has never been real WET.
I may get a lighter bag some day.
Alan Hamm
Bethesda, MD
----- Original Message -----
From: Jason A. Cotting
To: Multiple recipients of list philmont
Sent: Wednesday, December 11, 2002 6:26 PM
Subject: RE: [Philmont]: Sleeping Bags
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
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Retired Ranger
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