Re: [Paddlewise] Down VS Synthetic

From: Michael Daly <michaeldaly_at_rogers.com>
Date: Wed, 24 Sep 2003 13:30:32 -0400
On 24 Sep 2003 at 8:45, jfarrelly5_at_comcast.net wrote:

> Does this sound like the way to go in such a relatively warm climate?
> Typical nights are 55F with a few in the low 30'sF

The typical nights are easy to handle with a summer weight bag.
The colder nights, touching the freezing point, are iffy. I know
my summer weight plus a liner can handle it, give or take the 
wind.

If you were talking about a heavy bag, down has definite advantages.
For cold conditions, the synthetics are really bulky. For summer 
weights, though, I've compared my Polarguard to a friend's summer 
weight down and there's a big difference in volume, but both are 
relatively small.  

My personal preference would be to get a light synthetic, a fleece 
liner and a compression dry bag.  Bring the liner for hot nights, the 
sleeping bag for cool nights and both for cold nights.  Find a bag 
that can handle about +5C (I think metric... that's 41F) for you 
(since ratings are approximate).

If you paddle a really low volume kayak and space is at a premium, 
get a down bag.  While there's a risk of getting it wet, I've never 
had such a thing happen to me in decades of kayaking and canoeing.  
Mind you, fog and constant rain is not an issue in the areas I 
paddle, so YMMV in such conditions (PNW).

Mike

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Received on Wed Sep 24 2003 - 10:23:32 PDT

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