I have owned and used both types, but have never used a down bag in a coastal climate paddling environment. I agree with the synthetic folks on the better suitability of synthetics in a rain forest environment. Plus, it is just not very cold, even in winter, in the temperate forest-clad slopes of BC, WA, OR (or CA). Inland paddlers have perhaps a good rationale for down when the air temp dips into the 'teens and lower. I've ski-toured with a down bag (a lot!) and though it works well in our wet mountains (Cascades and Olympics) for a one- or two-nighter, on longer trips body moisture and tent condensation reduce the effectiveness of down substantially, whether using snow shelters or tents. Drying a down bag in our mountains is a laughable proposition -- when is there a dry, sunny day? Again, in an inland climate with very low humidity, down would be a reasonable choice. All bags lose loft with successive compressions -- so store yours uncompressed. And, retire the sucker when it's no longer thick enough! My down bags lasted much longer than synthetics, FWIW. Lastly, no one has addressed the issue of cost: there, synthetics win hands down (yuck!). -- Dave Kruger Astoria, OR *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************Received on Thu Sep 25 2003 - 12:40:05 PDT
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