Re: [Paddlewise] Synthetic

In a message dated 9/26/2003 9:32:09 AM Central Daylight Time, 
dwalker_at_newwave.net writes:


> Anyone have other useful tips to extend the life or utility of a sleeping 
> bag ?
> 
> 
A. Don't wash it. When I get home I clean the shell with anti bacterial 
wipes, inside and out.My down bag with water membrane has lasted excellently for 
the past 3 years. My last 8 day rainforest trip, half of it in rain, it was just 
fine. To me it exceeded the temp rating on the first, as well as the last 
days. If you do wash it make sure you handle it very, very carefully when you 
remove it from the washer. Baffles tear easily. Dry with tennis balls to keep the 
clumping down. If you have it done commercially make sure you DO NOT dry 
clean as the finishes on any bag, down or synth, will be eliminated.

B. Hang it or stuff it in a large cotton sack at home.

C. When you land, let it loft in your tent for a bit. If there is still 
sunlight left the heat in a fully enclosed tent will dry anything fairly quickly, 
particularly if the tent is a darker color. 

D. Airflow through your tent at night is a good way to keep things drier. You 
may wish to address the quality of your tent if it has a difficult time in 
keeping things dry from constantly wet weather. Backpacker magazine often has 
excellent tent evaluation criteria and they are not afraid of stating how good 
or bad tents are with this in mind.The *rainforest* aspect to this discussion 
is interesting. Perhaps we are not factoring our tents and their suitability to 
the environment here. Tent site selection is a major factor too. I see an 
awful lot of tents pitched beam onto the prevailing breeze. You might want to 
pitch it with max airflow in mind. Indoor humidity is worse than outdoor and that 
is an airflow issue. Treat your tent seams with a sealer. This has much to do 
with your sleeping bag's longevity.  

E. Bag liners are very, very small and can be stored in a small water proof 
bag in the furthest reaches of a bow or stern. Some weigh as little as 10 
ounces. They can keep the bag cleaner and less humid. Additionally, they are a good 
option for keeping you warm if your down or synth bag gets wet. In 
conjunction with long underwear and a hat you can benefit from a wide range of warmth 
regulating options.

Buy the bag you want. The technology and options are increasing far, far more 
quickly than most of our consumption of these products. Your care of it 
includes the other factors of your tent and site and auxiliary products meant to 
increase the range of options for your comfort and safety.

Rob G



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