[Philmont]: Down vs synthetic bags?

For the record, synthetic-filled sleeping bags are just fine in many camping situations. It's my opinion, however, that down sleeping bags are the best way to go in the long run for nearly any outdoor trek.

* Down bags are lighter.
* Down bags pack smaller.
    ("Lighter and smaller" - the two main packing goals for backpackers.)

But also:
* Down sleeping bags last longer. (In all liklihood, you'll be using the same bag 20 years from now.)
* Down doesn't have a "memory" after being packed. Sythetic fibers will break down and lose their "loft" over time. Down must have "loft" or "fluff" for it to keep you warm. Stored properly, the feathers inside will be good for many, many years.
* A quality 20 degree down sleeping bag will provide nearly anyone (at least in the upper midwest) a comfortable sleeping situation in at least three seasons.

Regarding the ol' "if down gets wet, it's a worthless insulator" argument... Yep, it's true.

To circumvent water getting ANY sleeping bag wet while in the backpack, use the stuff sack that comes with your sleeping bag, then place the stuff sack inside a plastic garbage bag or two. I always use two on canoe trips, just in case my gear should go in the lake. Your chances of having an issue with a sleeping bag getting wet while double or triple protecting it is nearly zero.

How does one prevent a down bag from getting wet in the tent?

First of all, make sure your tents are waterproofed. Rainfly and floor. Make sure you're camping in a quality "shelter".

Secondly, use an inside ground cloth. Some people refer to this method as an "innie". (The "outtie" is using a plastic ground cloth between the ground and the tent bottom.) The "innie" will keep all your gear dry should water come up through the floor of your tent.

Don't forget to "air out" your sleeping bag on a daily basis, if for no other reason, to dry the moisture your body gave off the previous night.

What does one do if their down sleeping bag gets wet?

If you're returning to civilization, put the bag in a large clothes dryer like at a laundry mat, put several tennis balls in the dryer with it, and tumble dry on a low temperature setting. This will dry the bag and the feathers inside. The tennis balls will work to "re-fluff" the bag.

Down feathers tend to "clump" together when wet. Drying the bag and having the tennis balls pounding away at the "clumps" will get your bag back to "good as new" condition within a short time. You may have to interrupt the drying cycle to break the "clumps" apart. Doing so will speed the drying and re-fluffing process.

If you're on the trail and your down bag gets wet, common sense must prevail. Sans a real clothes dryer, one must improvise to accomplish the goal, just like any other situation that may occur in the backcountry. Hanging on a line or warming over a fire comes to mind. But in this case, you'll have to work the down fill with your hands to break it apart allowing it to dry. It will take time, but it can be done.

There are a lot of reasons to buy sythetic sleeping bags instead of down sleeping bags. Price usually is one of the first arguments. Synthetic bags, temperature rating for temperature rating, cost less than down bags. Many of the new sythetic fills are pretty lightweight and pack pretty small, too.

Over time, however, the natural insulation of good ol' goose feathers will outlast sythetic fibers.

Pete Swiggum
Troop 1173
Green Bay, WI
Peter.Swiggum@sbcglobal.net
Philmont 2005
 
  ----- Original Message -----
  From: Bob Beauter
  To: Multiple recipients of list philmont
  Sent: Sunday, November 27, 2005 11:27 AM
  Subject: [Philmont]: Down vs synthetic bags?

  Talked to a parent yesterday who just bought a down sleeping bag for her son. The Scout is small so weight is definitely an issue. She explained to the sales person at a local outdoor shop what he would be doing and he reccomended a down bag that weighs 2 lbs.

  I told her I didn't think that down was the best way to go because of what happens when it gets wet. He will be at Philmont in late June/early July. Is he better off staying w/down or should he go to synthetic?

  Bob Beauter
  SM-48
  Philmont '04 & '06

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Received on Sun Nov 27 13:25:23 2005