Down vs Synthetic Puffy in the Brooks Range

These expeditions from Andrew Skurka and Bruce “Buck” Nelson are worth looking at

Andrew Skurka’s Alaska-Yukon Expedition

Gear Lists

Explanation of Gear Selections

His Trip on National Geographic Live

Buck Nelson’s Alaska Brooks Range Traverse

Alaska Traverse Gear List and Review

Both are members here

Andrew Skurka

Buck Nelson

I'm a big fan of down insulation under most conditions, but I used a synthetic hoody on that Brooks Range traverse and I'm mighty glad I did. Old Eskimos were saying it was the rainiest summer in memory, but up in the Brooks you can get cold rain in the middle of summer in any year. I often had to wear my puffy under my rain jacket due to the cold and rain. At times the loft of a down jacket would have been at least partially compromised and with days of rain in a row it would have been difficult to dry.

It's a different world where there are no options to bail out to get dry, and in many places and times there is no firewood except for soaked willow and alder.

That said, I used a down bag making sure I kept it dry and that worked fine.

Andrew Skurka said in his book he would have preferred a fleece to a synthetic hoody on his trip. Reason being they are better in rainy weather.

14 days, Sheenjek to Achilik, my partner and I both had synthetic. (Down sleeping bags). Fleece can work, but may be heavy for the warmth it will give you compared to my Montbell hooded synthetic or similar.

Have fun!

Buck , really enjoyed the movie you made of your trip… great job !

Thanks! I appreciate that.