I recently purchased a WM Megalite bag from the forums. The bag arrived and seemed quite clean so I didn't wah it but brought into the mountains for a trip last weekend. It should be noted that I have asthma. After the first night I felt tight in the chest and had trouble breathing. The next night I awoke in the night with difficulty breathing and swapped sleeping bags with my girlfriend who has a fairly new Montbell bag.
After switching bags I felt better. I have had down allergies in the past but it seems that new down doesn't affect me. I have also had issues with a down jacket in the past which subsided after I washed it.
So, I have several questions. I know Montbell claims to use hypoallergenic down. I feel a bit skeptical about this claim. Anybody have any insight or experience with this?
I know that washing your down products reduces their usable life. Should I just wash my down products as necessary for my allergies? Should I just switch to synthetic insulation? I love down so it would seem a shame. I love the Megalite also so…
I was considering buying a UL down parka but am hesitating now. Any insights would be greatly appreciated.
