I'm fairly new to the lightweight philosophy and am looking to update some of my gear this coming spring and would like some input. If anyone could answer my questions i would appreciate it. Thank you.
FABRICS
– Are there any other fabrics like Epic that repel water fairly well, breathes well and requires NO DWR?
– I understand Epic wets through in a downpour, but when it does, would my base layer get wet? or would it still repel water fairly well and not loose all repellency?
– Can i seal the seams of an epic sleeping bag. I know there are lots of them. but would it be worth it and would it last a while.. being constantly compressed.? and packed away
– I understand at lower temps Epic does not breathe properly, does it not breathe at all? or Breathes slightly… maybe someone can elaborate on the subject. is it safer to use as a shell rather than bivy in these temps? Does anyone still use the fabric in these temps?
– Risky, but can a down sweater be worn safely in a very humid environment where there is usually a high possibility of precipitation… Not wearing in the rain or anything but just as an insulation while not active… and very carefully protected.
SMD Gatewood Cape
– Does its fabric require a DWR?
– Compared to other tarps or other poncho/tarps how does it hold up in driving wind?
– Has anyone hiked with just an ordinary tarp around them as a cape? if so how does that work for them.
SLEEP SYSTEMS
– If I put an Epic Sleeping Bag on the ground… would it eventually get dirty and soak through? Would you do it if it was down?
– Would a quilt inside a bivy experience problems with drafts?
– How many more degrees can you add you a sleeping system wearing all your clothes and an insulating jacket… i know it would depend on a lot of things but if you could just roughly shoot a number.
– In lower temperatures, in an epic bag… when it fails to breathe a synthetic would be better than down, no?
– Does anyone have experiences with quilts on the bare ground inside a gatewood cape or underneath a tarp. if so how does that system work for you?
