PNW Quilt/Bag Recommendation?

I live in the PNW. I have used down for 25+ years, no problems whatsoever. You just have to keep the sleeping bag/quilt protected while in the backpack (either in waterproof stuff sack and/or, waterproof pack liner). And also, make sure the tent is well -protected from precip while in the tent.

I just mention this to suggest that a synthetic bag is not necessarily a “must have” for this climate/region.

Is your brother looking to go on very long hikes or only a few days at a time? Biggest complaint I’ve read is people having to deal with wet bags which have wetted out after days and days of no sun. This may not be your brother’s use case. Synthetic may be a good option if your brother is into minimal tarp setups with a bivvy, but I’d not suggest that in the PNW climate. A solid DWR, a cheap pack liner and a good bathtub floor will keep the sleep system dry. FF, WM and good quilt options can be had in your brothers budget.

Same as Paul S.   I live in Seattle and have used a down bag for 25+ years with no problem.

When it’s in my backpack and I’m expecting rain I keep it in a Gossamer Gear Clear Waterproof pack liner.  When it’s not going to rain I simply stuff it in the bottom of my pack.

I’m currently using a Katabatic 22F Flex Quilt Wide.  I like everything about it.

BPL recently had an article about a new quilt company called Gryphon Gear.  They have a quilt called the Aries 20.  Looks nice.

I use down. Currently using 5deg Zpacks_Classic 1/2 zip bag. Due to it’s colder rating I bring less clothing to sleep in and overall base weighs less to have more down. If you know what I mean. If I happen to get too hot, I’ll unzip fully and use as a quilt. The bag does get damp when camped in poor locations. I keep a towel handy to wipe off during the night, flip the bag over and my body heat dries out the damp side while underneath me and repeat as necessary. If camped in proper locations/ideal conditions, I have no issues. Week long trips. Proper storage as described above is also key.

I live in Seattle and have used down for over 40 years no problems(and never the hydrophobic down regular down)

Another 25+ year PNW backpacker. I used synthetic in my early days & they were heavy, bulky, or cold & “flattened” very quickly. Switched to down and have been using pretty much the same bag for over 20 years. Wouldn’t trade it for anything on the market today. Down is just fine in the NW.

Glad to hear down won’t be an issue. Thanks all, this really opens up possibilities.

<p style=”text-align: right;”>Been climbing and backpacking in the Cascades since 76. Always used down in good tents or shelters. New Apex is good but down compresses better meaning smaller pack. To quote Todd Bibler back when MSR was touting pilarguard. Great stuff. Sleeps cold when warm.</p>