RE: [Paddlewise] Down VS Synthetic

At 10:21 AM 9/25/2003 -0400, David Jenkins wrote:

>  Folks:
>
>Here is my two cents worth:  I really think that synthetic bags are a poor
>choice for most people.  The wetting out issue for down was a real issue in
>the past, but this is simply not the case anymore.  If someone is
>incapable of keeping a bag relatively dry, then they really need to question
>their camping skills.
>
>David Jenkins
>
>
Couldn't disagree more, David.  I'm not familiar with all these bags, but I 
have a Marmot Goretex winter mountaineering bag, which I love and that I 
don't use for kayak camping. In winter mountaineering (and in summer with 
only transient dew or rain), down bags can dry out in part because the 
humidity is low. Kayaking in persistent wet conditions for days on end, 
everything gets damp if not frankly wet. A wet body, wet long under ware or 
even sweating will introduce water to down no matter how careful you are 
about what happens to the outside of the bag. Once damp, it will never dry 
out but rather will stick together more and more each time you switch 
camp.  The analogy is between a dry tent in summer and a wet snow cave in 
winter. The only way to dry out a bag in a snow cave is via body heat, and 
it isn't easy even then.  I might use down for short dry summer kayaking 
trips,  but anything in the maritimes or when prolonged wet weather is 
expected, down is not only not a good idea it may not be safe.  I've seen 
people get out of damp reduced loft down sleeping bags hypothermic after a 
cold night; I've also experienced the difference between trying to warm up 
in a dry bag with full loft and a damp bag that is no longer capable of 
performing at its full warmth rating.  Why take a chance? Buy a synthetic 
bag that is substantially warmer than what you'll need--you'll appreciate 
it when cold, tired and wet.


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