RE: [Philmont]: Down vs synthetic bags?

On my first trip to Philmont I took a down sleeping bag; we had three
straight days of non-stop rain, and one of the few dry things I had was
my sleeping bag. On my most recent trip to Philmont, I took a synthetic
bag; we had rain every day but I had a dry sleeping bag. The first trek
was in July-August, the latest in June-July. "Traditionally" the
monsoon doesn't start until mid July, but weather conditions are highly
variable, and anything can happen.
 
A down bag will keep you warmer at less weight than a synthetic bag,
although the gap is closing. A down bag will last longer (with proper
care) than a synthetic bag. If either gets soaked at Philmont, it is
practically impossible to completely dry either one on the trail,
although you can wring out the synthetic bag (and possibly destroy the
batting attachment) and still get *some* insulative value (it will a
chilly, damp, clammy night - not warm & toasty by any means).
 
It would be very hard to find a synthetic bag with an acceptable
temperature rating in the two pound range. And if weight really is that
big an issue, I think I might recommend a down bag for that reason. I
think I would have a heart-to-heart discussion with the Scout and his
parents on the relative merits of each. Down works, but it is "mission
critical" that the bag stay dry - plastic bag inside your stuff sack,
waterproof tent, make sure tent flaps closed when leaving, careful where
you set your pack, etc. etc. I'm guessing that the Scout is also in the
14 - 15 year old range, so maturity might also be an issue. The Scout
needs to step up and take full responsibility for keeping *his* sleeping
bag dry. Synthetics are more forgiving, but you still need to take care
of them to have a comfortable night, and a dry sleeping bag, regardless
of the fill material, is the last refuge in the event of hypothermia.
 
Happy Trails,
 
Roy Fisher
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?

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Received on Sun Nov 27 16:30:39 2005