The BPL Podcast: What Are Your Questions about Synthetic Insulation?

So my question about synthetic insulation is, how much does the insulation degrade over time if not in use. I know synthetic doesn’t last nearly as long as down but I have an arsenal of different jacket for different weather and environments. I just bought my first synthetic last year and i have not used it very much, maybe 10 day. Will the insulation break down if just hanging in the closet?

->  Which synthetic fill (brand and type) has the best resistance to losing loft after a few hundred stuff cycles? I have read that Climashield is one of the best.

-> Which synthetic insulation fill brand is the best for both loft retention and R value?

-> is there a “best” synthetic insulation for insulated air mattresses? (And a best way to stabilize them inside the mattress?)

What is the impact of long-term moderate compression on synthetic jackets?  i.e. bottom of pack for 4-6mo vs fully compressed for a few days at a time

Given that all of the commonly held synthetic insulation myths are false:

• warmer when wet (it’s not, because it’s still wet)
• hydrophobic (the fibers may be, but the air gaps soak up water like a sponge)
• dries faster than down (only if it’s 100% soaked through and through)
• less maintenance than down (not if you have a washer and dryer and some tennis balls)
• better for active pursuits (100% polyester fleece dries faster)

What should synthetic insulation manufacturers focus on? What kind of innovations should we expect in 2019 and 2020?

Perhaps a stupid question (apologies – relatively new to the site), but where can I access the podcast itself?

Ah – got it!

Really well hidden

https://backpackinglight.com/podcast/?utm_source=drip&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Podcast+No.+1+%2B+Synthetic+Jackets+State+of+the+Market

Would be nice to have a run time posted in the notes. This podcast is an hour and twenty minutes long.