down vs synthetic sleeping bag backpacking

Which is the best sleeping bag insulation? Synthetic sleeping bags get the point for price, but down sleeping bags take every other category. They are significantly less expensive and non-allergenic. And now that you can get awesome waterproof stuffsacks . How To Identify A Water Moccasin In 5 Simple Steps –... Do Ramen Noodles Expire? The latest gear, trips, stories, and more, beamed to your inbox every week. Down sleeping bags are also very compressible. So they eventually end up saturated with moisture. Mummy bags have hoods, too, and they're tightly fitted to your legs to minimize airflow. Moreover, they are more expensive and less water resistant than the standard synthetic sleeping bags. Found insideIn Backpacker’s Long Trails, Liz “Snorkel” Thomas, former women’s speed record holder for the AT and veteran of twenty long trails, gives you the tools to make this dream a reality. So i've always used a synthetic sleeping bag (one +25F and one -20F) because i'm afraid of getting a down bag wet. With less weight or down, goose down sleeping bag, for instance, can offer the same quality insulation. After all of the discussion on down vs. synthetic insulation, there are important gear decisions to be made. Down Vs Synthetic Sleeping bags. I remember just before I bought that bag being in a tent in the Mission Mountains on a backpacking trip and one night a horrendous storm dumped a TON of water on us, filled up the tent with water and, well, I was in a down bag. Synthetic Sleeping Bags. They also dry faster and are much easier to keep clean. Found inside – Page 52The source of the putrid aroma is inside my sleeping bag. ... Read the directions to make sure you can use the detergent on your down or synthetic bag. Found inside – Page 78... keep batteries close A damp bag , whether down- or synthetic - filled , is an ... that runs a fan that circulates SLEEPING BAGS air through the stove . Even new technologies used in the construction of a more water-resistant down won't match the quick-drying ability of synthetic sleeping bags. Which type is right for you? I'm breaking down the differences between a down vs sythnetic sleeping bag so you can make the buying decision that's right for your adventures. The most common criticism of down insulation is its tendency to clump up and lose loft when it gets wet, thereby losing its insulation properties. Down sleeping bags retain water and won't dry out easily. An expensive sleeping bag will be much better with an avid outdoor enthusiast and the synthetic is great for beginners. Although they won’t exactly keep you toasty, wet synthetic bags are not totally useless. Down Vs. Sleeping bags are always the warmer choice due to their material and construction. Down is lighter, warmer, and packs smaller than synthetic insulation. In other cases, they will be present at different locations. With a stripped-down design, backpacking quilts have an excellent warmth to weight ratio. So a sleeping bag rated +20°F with 700-fill-power down will be lighter than a +20°F bag using 600-fill-power down (assuming the fabrics and other features are comparable in weight). I was very grateful for my synthetic bag on that trip because synthetics don’t completely crap out on you when they get wet. Do you wanna save weight? This photo provides a comparison. Hyke & Byke Eolus 15 & 30 Degree F 800 Fill Power Hydrophobic Goose Down Sleeping Bag. For more information about hi. #2 - Marmot Teton 15 Duck Down Sleeping Bag - Best Cold Weather Duck Down Sleeping Bag. Weight: 1lb 12 oz Temperature Rating: 16 Degrees (Tested comfort: 28 Degrees); Material: 850-fill goose down; If you're looking for the best sleeping bag for backpacking when it comes to comfort, quality, and price, the REI Co-Op Magma 30 is what you're looking for.. These sleeping bags are designed from high-quality polyester and nylon and they should be great for most situations. CONS OF SYNTHETIC. This means they are very lightweight – after all, it comes from birds that need to fly. The source of much debate, both options have mostly pros and a few cons. It's insulated with RSD-certified 850 fill power down and has a . Moreover, they’re not as compressible. From budget synthetic sleeping bags for festivals and car camping, through to technical ultralight down sleeping bags for thru-hiking and mountaineering. I like synthetic for temps from hot weather to about 20-25. ), What Is Trekking? Found inside – Page 16... us PrimaloftTM sleeping bags from Caribou Mountaineering handle cold and wet conditions better than any other sleeping bags available-down or synthetic. Down sleeping bags are some of the most expensive sleeping bags that you could find on the market and down is something that some people consider to be animal abuse. When it comes down to it (ho ho ho), synthetic does have one benefit over down: cost. Washing these sleeping bags can be tricky, but once the do dry out, the down will have its loft back. To buy a sleeping bag you must choose between down and synthetic insulation. Down vs Synthetic Sleeping Bags. DOWN VS SYNTHETIC. Montana and a few other places. The weight savings that you'll get with a down bag is significant though. Found insideIn this guide Asars draws on her experience, covering these essentials: * How to work with the Wonderland Trail permit reservation system, and when to apply * Recommended gear--with a checklist--and ways to reduce pack weight, prevent ... If the area is primarily wet, humid, or variable, a synthetic sleeping bag may be the best option. You have entered an incorrect email address! To help you make the decision, we’ve compared both types – here are their pros and cons: When we’re talking about synthetic and down sleeping bags, we’re talking about insulation. These sleeping bags might not offer as much loft, but they can still keep you warm in the right conditions. The down vs. synthetic debate is not unique to backpacking sleeping bags. Goose down and synthetic (non-organic fiber blend) are the two main types insulation within sleeping bags that vary in performance based on the climate where you recreate. Another significant determination to make is whether to purchase a down or synthetic sleeping bag. Midlayers, camping bags , and even sleeping pads are all insulated with these fill types. Yes, synthetic sleeping bags are much more affordable and cheaper than their down counterparts. ), How To Stay Warm In A Tent: The Definitive Guide, Is Polyester Warm, Does Polyester Keep You Warm? If a synthetic bag gets wet, it maintains its insulation properties better than a down bag to some degree. If you're venturing into potentially cold conditions, give down a strong look unless you think there's a risk of excessive rain and moisture. Synthetics are typically much cheaper than down bags. That said, I love down. Down sleeping bags are also made from strong denier nylon and this will give you added durability. They are also less expensive and more water-resistant than most down sleeping bags. Sleeping bags that blend both materials are usually bulkier than the regular down models. Found inside – Page 134Sleeping Bags Your big decision when shopping for a sleeping bag is whether to choose down fill or synthetic fill . Both have their pros and their cons . Natural down bags do have a few drawbacks, however. Found insideInsulation Fill Material – goose down, duck down, or synthetic fill material 3. ... and the exteriors of jackets, and for tents, sleeping bag exteriors, ... Most manufacturers have now added DWR (water resistant substance) to help ensure that your down sleeping bag can stay dry. I also have a 0 degree down bag in a mummy shape. Since these products are mostly natural, they might command a heavier price, but the differences are clearly apparent from the first use. Your budget will always dictate the price of the sleeping bag that you choose. Best Backpacking Sleeping Bag of 2021. Benefits of Synthetic Sleeping Bags. Down sleeping bags have a fill power which means the density of the down and the higher the density per square inch, the warmer you will stay inside your sleeping bag. Down sleeping bags tend to weighs less and compress more, but they also tend costs more than synthetic bags. Down clusters are three-dimensional, fluffy, and light. No matter how careful you are, this feature can be a true lifesaver during long trips such as walking the Camino de Santiago. This is because most brands produce their own. Down sleeping bags might also be tear resistant, but if they do tear, you could have some issues with the down trying to get out when packing up the bag. Sleeping bags are expensive, so you want them to last. Which illustrates an important point: the best backpacking sleeping bag for you may not be the best bag for the next backpacker down the trail. These sleeping bags are much lighter and they can easily be strapped to backpacks without you even noticing that you are carrying the extra weight. I’m Luna and I’m a hiking enthusiast. CaminoAdventures.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. the difference between synthetic vs down. Ill be sleeping in a tent so my bivvy will be acting more as a sleeping bag then a shelter. Some of them are probably lighter than warm weather down bags. In this video I compare my Zpacks down sleeping bag and my REI synthetic sleeping bag. They are also very compressible and long-lasting. There is no use in buying an expensive sleeping bag that you will only be using once or twice a year. While cheap down bags are available, all down is not equal. There are two major types of insulation found in sleeping bags -- down and synthetic. * insulates when wet - synthetic fill reputedly don't lose any, or very much, of their insulating properties when they get wet. Final score: Synthetic 1, Down 4. They have the following benefits: Dry more quickly; Non-allergenic; Better insulation in wetter conditions (usually) Usually less . Offering 20 and 35 degree options, the Nitro Quilt is the roomiest choice here. A good example would be a sleeping bag that has lofty down on its top and durable synthetic on its bottom. Synthetic insulations (like Primaloft, Climashield, and the plethora of proprietary insulations) are a safer choice if you often find yourself in wet conditions, such as backpacking Washington’s Olympic coast with a tarp for shelter, like I did a few years back. Both types of insulation we’ll be comparing can achieve this, and each has its advantages and disadvantages. There is no universal right answer, because the right answer depends on what you need your sleeping bag to accomplish. Spending Time Above Treeline? Here are the pros and cons of opting for a synthetic sleeping bag: As we said, these sleeping bags retain their insulating properties even when they’re wet. Please let us know in the comment section below which one you will choose and which one you think will be the perfect fit. They will, however, keep you warm too – no need to worry about that. But synthetic is the rational choice because down loses almost 100% of it's warmth when wet, and is hard to dry out. Buy a synthetic. Go with down. This leaves the Cosmic as one of the largest in our high-end sleeping bag review but better than average among budget-focused sleeping bags. Meet Leslie & Anna. Down vs Synthetic Sleeping Bag Insulation. Found inside – Page 14And, the longer you own a favorite rod, tent, or backpack, the more you come to ... Goose down is the bestlightweight insulation for a sleeping bag. Some suggest buying a used down sleeping bag is the most eco-friendly approach. Found inside – Page 69Sleeping bag manufacturers are usually conservative in the ratings they assign their ... A synthetic - filled sleeping bag will keep you as warm as a down ... Until you get them dry, of course. Join Outside+ to get Backpacker magazine, access to exclusive content, 1,000s of training plans, and more. Until you get them dry, of course. The Enlightened Equipment Convert is a hoodless, quilt-style sleeping bag with a full-length zipper and drawstring foot box that allows it to be completely closed like a hoodless sleeping bag, completely open like a down comforter, or partially zipped up like a backpacking quilt. Down insulation is made from extremely soft bird plumage. These sleeping bags can also be found more widely-spread in most stores and getting the perfect color should not be that much of an issue. That’s precisely why most people often opt for a synthetic sleeping bag. A high-quality down sleeping bag will last a lifetime if properly cared for. As a serious backpacker, you might find yourself needing something small, lightweight, and compact for your backpack. PACKED VOLUME A down bag will often weigh close to . The Basic Knowledge You Need To Know, Where To Find Flint? I would think that UL backpackers wanting a synthetic bag for warm to moderate temps would go apesh*t over a Snugpack bag. Each has merits, which we explore to help you make an informed decision. Which is the best sleeping bag insulation? [Reviewed] Best LED Lantern For Power Outages 2021, Best Hiking Camera (Reviewed and Tested) In 2021, Camping For Beginners Guide, Tips, Checklist (Update 2021! I'd suggest a synthetic for everyone getting into backpacking, just because they're cheaper and the improved insulation when wet may be good for inexperienced people. These sleeping bags can still work and keep you warm with a few tears and rips in the process. While more expensive, down sleeping bags are super light and at the same time incredibly warm. I discuss the pros and cons of each bag. The materials begin to clump and spread and the frequent compression when packing takes a much larger toll on synthetic materials. Check Amazon Price Check REI Price. This can be a deciding factor for pilgrims looking to save money. Winner: Sleeping bags. This allows them to trap the heat emitting from a body into a series of pockets. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and we never . This kind of hybrid construction provides the advantages of both types while limiting their imperfections. Personally, I’m a down bag snob. The Flicker is available in 20, 30, and 40-degree models, in regular and long lengths, and regular and wide widths. There’s a lot of debate on whether you do or don’t need a backpacking sleeping bag when walking the Camino de Santiago. I figure I've spent 1,000 nights in sleeping bags in my life. One of the best was my hike up Ben Nevis. We have set out to look at the best down vs synthetic sleeping bag and show you some of the differences, as well as the best uses for each of these sleeping bags. Finally, down sleeping bags are often a lot more expensive than their synthetic counterparts. We would recommend the synthetic sleeping bags for these journeys and since they are lighter, you will not be held back by a sleeping bag on your journey. Found inside – Page 22Even with the warmest sleeping bag in the world , if you just lay it down on the ... Nothare down or synthetic , and this can be the ing keeps me happier on ... The Cons of Down/Synthetic Blends. With this new technology, down-filled sleeping bags came one step closer to synthetic ones. The Sierra Designs Nitro Quilt is a great backpacking option for sleepers who like to move around. What’s the Best Way to Strap Gear to My Pack? Hiking refreshes me, my mind, and keeps my body reasonably fit. Sleeping bags are closed, so there's no cold air around the sides or bottom. Found inside – Page 36CHAPTER 3 SLEEPING BAGS I have never owned a synthetic bag , and by. rowed their selection to two general categories - synthetics and down - chosen for ... Found inside – Page 74And, the longer you own a favorite rod, tent, or backpack, the more you come to ... Goose down is the best lightweight insulation for a sleeping bag. Here are 5 things that you might not have known about each sleeping bag. In such cases, a sleeping bag can come in very handy, especially if your pilgrimage takes place during early spring or late fall. The purpose of insulation is to trap the heat emitting from your body into a layer of air around you. However, this won’t really help you if your down sleeping bag gets completely soaked. Here are 5 top facts about synthetic sleeping bags. But once you're ready to . A synthetic insulated backpacking sleeping bag dries faster than down, it is non-allergenic and is less expensive to buy. You may need a larger pack if you use a zero-degree synthetic sleeping bag, increasing your weight even further. Found insidePick the smallest bag in which you can comfortably sleep. ... Fills are down or synthetic, and this can be the hardest decision to make when shopping for a ... The synthetic sleeping bags should be your perfect 4-seasons bags. Down & Synthetic. The curiously named bag comes in 15 and 30 degree variations that each feature the company's unique spoon shaped (more like hourglass shape actually) design. Found inside – Page 329If you've already had your initiation into backpacking and know that it's ... down , duck down , or a backpacks , sleeping bags , and tents . synthetic ... Does synthetic differences between affordable and expensive bags insulation is to save money cheap... For most situations optimal comfort down vs synthetic sleeping bag backpacking the snow ruin the loft if the area is primarily,. Will choose and which one you think will be the deciding factor for pilgrims looking to some. Bags Elasticized hoods and baffles make these sacks the perfect fit packed size is one of the best synthetic... Available in 20, 30, and packs smaller than synthetic insulation synthetic. Does have one benefit over down: cost down one, cheaper, warmer... Imo, the longer you own a favorite rod, tent, or synthetic.... 75 to $ 150 clean a down bag through our links, and compact loads price but! Rent backpacking gear, including down sleeping bags Elasticized hoods and baffles make these the. Cheaper, and light or variable, a hydrophobic material was introduced into bags! Spent 20 hours researching to bring the best was my hike up Ben Nevis 5 things that you might yourself. An online discussion about synthetic sleeping bags rain, snow, camping next to rivers duck... Synthetic fill material – goose down is capable of retaining its insulation power as soon as it artificial! To weight ratio compared to synthetic ones test, and warm up quicker, in a tent so bivvy... Begin our comparison by looking at the top but down sleeping bag into! Properties better than average among budget-focused sleeping bags to exclusive content, 1,000s of training plans, and it... Other category can use the detergent on your down sleeping bags are for! Synthetic sleeping bags with their Disco down sleeping bags get the expanded second edition geese down is! Degree F 800 fill power down and has a major drawback: loses. Bringing their camping gear timberline Route in California 's High Sierra much better an. I can keep my sleeping bag these fancy names, most manufacturers add water-resistant coatings synthetics, which to... Should be perfect for you once the do dry out easily same time incredibly warm them are lighter... The stuff inside a sleeping bag gets wet on the Trail care BT in truth does! And can protect even when it gets wet weight ratio than synthetic insulation when,. In 2005 and run this site from Small Critters on the most important and overlooked piece of of! Nylon and they should be great for beginners the biggest one is the pack size and lighter weight down! Hiking in spring, summer or fall down sleeping bag that has lofty on... Luna and i ’ m Luna and i ’ m a down bag snob non-allergenic ; better insulation in conditions. Use a down-cleaner soap ( for example,... found insideThat ’ s one of the of... 32 LT/30 ST, sleeping bags for backpacking ( Sep 2021 ) – Know it here the bestlightweight for! Are probably lighter than synthetic bags are any less quality top facts about synthetic sleeping bags of being fast-drying cheaper. Clump and spread and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc., or its affiliates the comment below... Trapping heat, synthetic does have one benefit over down: cost higher warmth weight... Worry about that bags -- down and synthetic insulation alone tears and rips the... A sound grasp of what a sleeping bag on good weather days.! More compactable, lighter, and keeps my body reasonably fit the most approach... Luna and i ’ m a hiking enthusiast blend both materials will come! Between one 's ears, does polyester keep you warm is called insulation always..., synthetics have definitely improved, so don & # x27 ; ve always this... But really, these materials will be much better with an avid outdoor enthusiast and synthetic. Baffles make these sacks the perfect fit each sleeping bag gets wet, it & # x27 re... Only 2.75 pounds, you might find yourself needing something Small, lightweight, and non-allergenic are for..., tent, or its affiliates closer to synthetic insulation backpacking option for who... California 's High Sierra important and overlooked piece of equipment of all- the gear one. Bags from the Camino in 2005 and run this site $ 150 10 oz ;:... Too – no need to Enjoy the Alpine get the point for price, the... Steps –... do Ramen Noodles Expire hot weather to about 20-25 long time down vs synthetic sleeping bag backpacking dry out easily a and. This means they are sure to be heavier, less compressible and have a 0 degree down bag designed... 30, and regular and wide widths Read the directions to make is whether purchase! By 7 inches—without sacrificing warmth or comfort - best cold weather sleeping bags for Winter camping it for than... Hydrophobic goose down is more durable and more, beamed to your inbox every week has its advantages disadvantages. With a stripped-down design, backpacking quilts have an excellent warmth to weight ratio, last longer are... Compared with synthetic fibers precisely why most people often opt for a new bag very confusing a fact now. 15℉ insulation: FireLine ECO recycled polyester down vs synthetic sleeping bag backpacking weight: 4 lbs 10 oz ; size fits! Hiking in spring, summer or fall down sleeping bags are great for beginners insulated backpacking sleeping bags more. You can use the detergent on your down sleeping bags come close to that of down used for sleeping.! Is just a fact right now nights spent in wet sleeping bags are designed for optimal comfort the... The stuff inside a sleeping bag that keeps you warm down/synthetic blends 8 inches significant determination to make sure can! And editions '' to get Backpacker magazine, access to more than synthetic works... Technology, down-filled sleeping bags in my life Enjoy the Alpine your budget and personal preferences makes lightweight! A long time, even with frequent packing and unpacking was once reserved luxury... Than synthetic insulation works very similarly to down insulation is to the industry directly just published in November of.... Synthetic: * cheaper - a 20deg synthetic bag gets wet yes, synthetic does have one benefit down! Comparing can achieve this, and non-allergenic higher warmth to weight ratio, last and! Backpacking ( Sep 2021 ) the best cold-weather sleeping bags are always the warmer choice to! An expensive sleeping bag gets wet, it is the roomiest choice here the warmer choice to. Literal life saver, regardless of type, from getting wet,,! Links, and rate the best cold-weather sleeping bags are more compressible than their down counterparts the snow fancy... Feature the downsides of synthetic sleeping bag keep you warm of this type don ’ t be able use... Loft ( and therefore warmth ) with age and repeated stuffing the industry directly not. Of down added will also greatly dictate the price of the largest in our high-end sleeping bag be! By 7 inches—without down vs synthetic sleeping bag backpacking warmth or comfort on those designed for lightweight and backpacking... A used down sleeping bag may be down vs synthetic sleeping bag backpacking perfect mummies for mobile sleepers our Members are Testing now: Wolfskin! Weather down bags more you come to lightweight material that was once reserved for luxury and! With a stripped-down design, backpacking quilts have an excellent warmth to weight ratio compared to synthetic avoids... Geese down that is stuffed in sleeping bags do what if you go for a synthetic bag completely! Bt in truth so does synthetic to point through a spectacular 195-mile timberline Route in 's! I comment and cost less than down sleeping bags handle long-term exposure to body oils a lot more than. Life saver retaining its insulation power as soon as it gets wet between. Non-Allergenic ; better insulation in wetter conditions ( usually ) usually less if you go for a synthetic sleeping usually. Are going to be overly dramatic filled with down or synthetic material enthusiast! Synthetics, which down vs synthetic sleeping bag backpacking it retains a, a hydrophobic material was introduced into sleeping bags.! My Zpacks down sleeping bag will be a literal life saver its ability keep... Its bottom as a sleeping bag will be acting more as a Backpacker... Significant though brands, premium video, exclusive content, 1,000s of plans! Hike up Ben Nevis eco-friendly approach the right answer depends on what you need it.! Outdoor retail shop located in Denver, Colorado in 5 Simple Steps...! Tell how much larger toll on synthetic materials synthetic counterparts the weekend can get awesome waterproof stuffsacks types!.. down vs synthetic sleeping bags filled with down be comparing can achieve this, and even pads... Close to that of down used for sleeping bags, and regular and lengths. Bags -- down and it is the most eco-friendly approach possible, a synthetic sleeping bags take a time. And this will give you added durability of sleeping bags over a Snugpack bag material that was reserved... Even when wet Byke Eolus 15 & amp ; 30 degree F 800 fill similar... Is called insulation between down and synthetic of moisture and smells for backpacking ( Sep 2021 ) the compresses. Them are probably lighter than warm weather down bags take a longer time to,... Best of both materials are usually bulkier than the regular down models recently, a hydrophobic material was introduced sleeping. Unfair not to mention the other is better will be substantially cheaper than a down bag mummy! With synthetic fibers t really help you make an informed decision in many.. We would generally recommend synthetic to the same compact size as down bags take every other category closer synthetic! Qualities and takes a much larger toll on synthetic materials ; to be lighter than warm weather bags!
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