synthetic vs down

Either will work. I know plenty of people have thru-hiked the PCT with down bags for example. I personally like snythetic quilts. I carry about a half pound more but I can go to bed damp and not have to worry about it. Thats really nice in rainy weather especially if you're under a small tarp and don't have a lot of room to work with to dry out. Also if theres a bit of condensation or rain splatter on my quilt its not as big of an issue. I occassionally do us a down quilt and I like it but on longer trips, trips with bad weather or solo trips I just feel better with the snythetic quilt and its one less thing to worry about.

^I agree- either will work, both need to be cared for (kept dry)- down more so. Obviously there are some advantages w/ down- weight and volume (at a higher $), synthetic will outperform down when damp, but there are several strategies that can help keep your down bag (or synthetic bag for that matter) dry. A pack liner is the first line of defense (keep the clothing you want dry in it too). If you're using a tarp, a light bivy sack goes along way in keeping blown in rain off of your bag (along w/ adding some warmth to your sleep system)- also serves as a ground cloth and keeps bugs out. If a bag becomes damp take the first opportunity to dry it out- this goes for syn or down.

There are many high end bags (both syn and down) that come w/ good a DWR finish, this helps as well.

I think there is somewhat of a misconception that a soaking wet syn bag is going to keep you warm, while a down won't- if your bag is soaking wet- you're basically screwed regardless of your bag :) Somewhat damp and the syn does have some advantages.

One last consideration, a down bag will last a lot longer than a syn

There really is no hard and fast rule which one is better, you have to weigh all the +'s and -'s for both systems- both have been used successfully in the PNW.

Mike

Yes, whatever the insulation, keep it dry at all costs! Both synthetic and down are equally COLD when wet! (Been there, done that, don't recommend it!) The only difference is that it's a bit easier to dry a soggy synthetic bag than a soggy down bag. For the latter, you have to pull apart clumps in the down as it dries. A clothes dryer is a distinct advantage, but not exactly something you'd carry in your backpack!

Note that a high-quality down bag, well-cared for, lasts about 3 times longer than synthetic. That's because synthetic insulation loses its loft sooner after being compressed multiple times. Cost per year of life is not much difference between a $400 down bag and a $180 synthetic. Of course a lot depends on if you have the cash up front–credit card interest will make either bag twice as expensive.

The one place synthetic has a slight advantage is in case of a week of continuous rain (which we do get in the PNW in winter), when there is no chance at all to air out the bag. Synthetic will keep its loft longer under those conditions, while down will absorb moisture from the air and from your body and gradually lose its loft. This won't matter unless you'll be out 3 nights or longer and there are no "sunbreaks" during the day when you can stop and air your sleeping bag for half an hour.

If you are new at backpacking under wet conditions, a synthetic bag, although heavier, might be better until you become more proficient at keeping everything dry. Practice in your back yard or at a state park under soggy conditions is a good way to gain this proficiency, although it takes a lot more will power when either the car or your warm bed is only a few feet away!

As the others have said – both work. I'm in WA state and have a Western Mountaineering Summerlite and Ultralite, which are down and I absolutely love them. What I do:

– Sleeping bag goes into a trash compactor bag that serves as a waterproof barrier while in my backpack and doesn't compress it down as much as a stuff sack.
– Bag comes into the tent with me and is taken out. Likewise, in the morning the sleeping bag goes back inside the compactor bag then into my backpack inside my tent. This also prevent it from getting dirty. I do the same with my inflatable sleeping mat to prevent punctures. I figure the probability of the bag getting dirty or picking up a puncture on the mat is much higher outside the tent than inside.
– If the bag does get wet while in the tent, the shell is fairly water-resistant and beads up a fair amount of water. If I notice the issue during the night, I'll try to improve ventilation/get a breeze to get rid of the moisture. If not possible I'll see if there is a point in the day to let it dry out.
– When I get home, I take the bag out, undo the zipper and lay it out and let it dry for at least 2 days – want to remove all moisture prior to putting it back in the storage sack

My take:

– Down bags in general cost more up front but last longer.
– Synthetics are easier to clean
– Synthetics will provide warmth even if the insulation gets somewhat wet. Neither provide warmth if soaked, however.
– Both down and synthetic bags nowadays have excellent water resistant shells
– Some people like down bags with continuous baffles so they can shift down to the top/bottom to adjust temperature
– A synthetic bag of the same temperature rating and quality level will weigh more and take up more pack space than the equivalent down bag
– My personal opinion is down is comfier

Short of a long trip in the Hoh rainforest, SE asia during rainy season, etc, I'd pack down. Clothing wise it's different, I prefer synthetic.

the real question is how long and how much sun youll see to dry out yr down bag in a 90%+ humidity environment

squamish … the outdoor capital of canada in early oct … can you imagine having to hike and not being able to dry out the dampness that will accumulate in yr bag … for those that dont believe it will happen i suggest you read the last PCT article that was on BPL earlier this year …

thank god i managed to run 12 pitches to summit the chief before the season ended today ;)

Marcia,

Send me a PM if you want to try out various UL gear. I work in Kirkland at the intersection of N. 85th and I-405. I live in West Seattle.

I have a half dozen down bugs…sorry no synthetic. I also have down jackets and a couple synthetic jackets. Lets not forget a cuben tent. I'm 5'-9" so the bags will fit you.

John