Topic

What’s the story with Hydrophobic Down?

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PostedFeb 9, 2013 at 3:33 pm

Ok, I understand the science behind hydrophobic down, I think (polymer vapor is statically applied to the surface, giving it a 1-3 molecule thick layer of permanent waterproofing). I'm wondering if we have enough of a consensus in the community to say it's better than Synthetic, or better than Down, or neither.

Anyone have the scoop, or a good source for some more info? Please refrain from posting "It's all hype!" or "It's probably great!" unless you've got firsthand experience or a source that does. I can speculate wildly, too, but we should have a thread to weed out the myths and rumors if we can.

I don't like hearing, so often, that it's "Not as good as people think" without knowing just how good it is, because a little bit better than down could go a long, long way on longer trips.

Thanks, guys- GO!

PostedFeb 9, 2013 at 3:42 pm

IMO, it is still too new for me to make any valid assessment of this technology.
The stuff is just beginning to appear in products. I have no way to know how well this stuff will work or how long it will last, or if there are any unknown problems associated with it.

I will take a "wait and see" position on this until more data is available.

PostedFeb 9, 2013 at 3:44 pm

I thought that initially, but Sierra Designs launched it in July, and the technology was in use for waterproofing iPhones two years ago. Now, the cottage dealers all have the treatment available, too; surely there must be some 6-month reviews out by now?

I love data; I'm asking here if anyone has any for us!

PostedFeb 9, 2013 at 3:53 pm

Have you seen the videos of the tests on Zpack's website? From memory it takes two hours for the treated down to sink into a glass of water, but only a few minutes for untreated. Not really sure how this relates to the real world with sodden gear all squished together in your pack. I bought their resistant down quilt, I think it was an ounce or two heavier with 850 instead of 900 loft. But it hasn't rained over here (W Australia) in months, so I've still to see if it is any better.

PostedFeb 9, 2013 at 4:11 pm

I don't have too hard a time keeping a down sleeping bag dry, and if I do, I'll use a synthetic. In most conditions, I can keep it dry just fine.

What i'm interested in is the state of the down after 7 days, or more; does the buildup of moisture while sleeping leave the treated down faster so that it keeps its low weight and stays lofted longer?

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