RE: [Paddlewise] Down VS Synthetic

James:

I will concede that in some circumstances a synthetic bag may be the best
choice, but I still maintain that such is the exception, not the norm.  I
have never been in a situation where the humidity was so consistently high
and the rain so constant that a modern down bag would lose its performance.
If you keep the bag in a dry bag, take it out only once your tent and
sleeping pad are set up, and stuff it while still inside the tent, it
usually stays plenty dry.  Using a bag liner or a vapor barrier (depending
on the conditions) will also help keep the bag dry.  Whether your bag is
synthetic or down, keeping the bag dry must be a top priority.  When I was
less competent at keeping stuff dry, I had occasion to sleep in a damp 0
degree Sierra Designs Primaloft bag (I chose this bag because of my fear of
wet down) and it was a chilling and miserable experience.  It was my fleece
that saved me, not my wet synthetic bag.

Dave



-----Original Message-----
If someone is incapable of keeping a bag relatively dry, then they really
need to question their camping skills.

David Jenkins



David:

You really threw down the gauntlet here didn't you?  It is sort of like
saying that a paddler with a great roll doesn't need to worry about self
rescue or water temperature, etc.  Does it make sense to allow for the
worst case?

Have you ever been on extended trip in a rain forest? I might counter
your statement with the thought that I would question the experience of
anyone saying what you did.  I recently returned from a 2 week trip in
Gwaii Haanas [the Queen Charlotte Islands' national park].  Pure rainy
rain forest with moderate temperatures.  After being in the rain a lot it
was nearly impssible to get into the sleeping bag dry. Or to keep the
inside of the tent dry. The "breathable waterproof" shell doesn't do much
for the moisture coming off one's body.  With a tarp over the tent and
fanatical vigilance I could keep everything dry, but the margin for error
is pretty fine. Especially in a gale.

My Wiggy synthetic bag compresses pretty well and was almost always dry
in the morning after I went to bed wearing my wet clothes, my technique
for drying them.  I can't imagine what that would have done to a down
bag, but I wouldn't try it to find out.

I think this issue is somewhat like the issue of food on an expedition.
Some paddlers enjoy living like ascetics - they appreciate the minimalism
of eating beans and rice and nuts and having the same meal over and over.
 Others like to live the good life and eat better than they would at
home.  Skinny person that I am, I like to be warm and know that I will be
warm tomorrow night, so I use up the extra space with a synthetic bag.


Jim Tibensky
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