Sleeping bags- Down vs. Synthetic
- Thread starter Viggen
- Start date
Corey
OverCamping Specialist
I like down.
I have had both very expensive synthetic, and my last down bag was an REI Fat Cat which was a wide mummy/rectangle bag.
As long as you keep down dry, it is superior IMO.
Now that I have the roof top tent though, I have a winter weight high quality down comforter on top of flannel sheets.
Exact same setup that I have on my bed, only the sheets and comforter are bigger for the bed.
If I were buying a down bag again, I would perhaps get the Cabelas Alaskan Guide one.
I like how thick it is.
Cabela's Alaskan Guide® Model Rectangle Sleeping Bag
Comes in mummy too.
I have had both very expensive synthetic, and my last down bag was an REI Fat Cat which was a wide mummy/rectangle bag.
As long as you keep down dry, it is superior IMO.
Now that I have the roof top tent though, I have a winter weight high quality down comforter on top of flannel sheets.
Exact same setup that I have on my bed, only the sheets and comforter are bigger for the bed.
If I were buying a down bag again, I would perhaps get the Cabelas Alaskan Guide one.
I like how thick it is.
Cabela's Alaskan Guide® Model Rectangle Sleeping Bag
Comes in mummy too.
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Christophe Noel
Expedition Leader
This is not much of a debate. Down.
Moody
Needs to get out more
I bought two bags in the summer of 97, one a North Face synthetic, and one Mountain Hardwear down filled bag. My wife still uses the down bag now, as it "keeps her the warmest" and I gave the synthetic bag away years ago to a BSA troop that was doing a gear drive.
Down all the way. Marmot makes some nice down bags for the cost.
Down all the way. Marmot makes some nice down bags for the cost.
hurricane harry
Observer
Hands down, down.:camping:
cnynrat
Expedition Leader
As far as warmth goes, it's mainly about loft. A synthetic bag with 4" of loft will be just as warm as a down bag with 4" of loft all other things being equal. Some characteristics of the way the bag is constructed and sewn factor into warmth, but those are less about the insulating material and more about the quality of the bag.
Synthetic's have the advantage of retaining more of their loft when damp or wet. Note that wet in this context doesn't necessarily mean you left it out in the rain. A down bag used in a high humidity environment for several days will loose some loft.
Down has the advantage of compressibility. A down bag with a given amount of loft will generally pack smaller than a synthetic with the same loft, but they have made advances in synthetic fibers over the years to narrow the gap. Down used to have a big weight advantage also, but that gap also has narrowed somewhat.
Living in the western U.S. with our generally dry climate, and always purchasing my bags with at least a thought about backpacking where weight and packed volume are important, I've always chosen down. For car camping I think the options would open up to include synthetics.
Synthetic's have the advantage of retaining more of their loft when damp or wet. Note that wet in this context doesn't necessarily mean you left it out in the rain. A down bag used in a high humidity environment for several days will loose some loft.
Down has the advantage of compressibility. A down bag with a given amount of loft will generally pack smaller than a synthetic with the same loft, but they have made advances in synthetic fibers over the years to narrow the gap. Down used to have a big weight advantage also, but that gap also has narrowed somewhat.
Living in the western U.S. with our generally dry climate, and always purchasing my bags with at least a thought about backpacking where weight and packed volume are important, I've always chosen down. For car camping I think the options would open up to include synthetics.
Christophe Noel
Expedition Leader
I have this discussion at least five times a week at the store. We only sell premium synthetics but a lot of 600-850 fill down bags.
There's another factor that's seldom mentioned. Breathability. Down bags allow a certain level of moisture transference that usually has down bags feeling more dry and "airy." Some synthetics lack the ability to allow body vapor to escape well enough to escape that clammy feeling that so frequently plagues synthetics. In the most mild of circumstances, this makes for a bag that just sleeps better. At worst, some synthetic bags can gain water weight like a pregnant woman. I've pulled a bag out of my mountaineering tent after several days on a peak only to find it weighs 10 pounds. Not to say this doesn't happen with down, but having a bag that can allow body vapor to pass through it is ideal.
Down bags will also far outlive synthetics given the same level of usage and care.
I seldom buy sleeping bags as I usually buy 800 fill down bags from premium brands like Feathered Friends, Western Mteering or Marmot. Those usually last well more than a decade. That said, I recently purchased a Mountain Hardware Phantom 32. It's a fantastic bag.
There's another factor that's seldom mentioned. Breathability. Down bags allow a certain level of moisture transference that usually has down bags feeling more dry and "airy." Some synthetics lack the ability to allow body vapor to escape well enough to escape that clammy feeling that so frequently plagues synthetics. In the most mild of circumstances, this makes for a bag that just sleeps better. At worst, some synthetic bags can gain water weight like a pregnant woman. I've pulled a bag out of my mountaineering tent after several days on a peak only to find it weighs 10 pounds. Not to say this doesn't happen with down, but having a bag that can allow body vapor to pass through it is ideal.
Down bags will also far outlive synthetics given the same level of usage and care.
I seldom buy sleeping bags as I usually buy 800 fill down bags from premium brands like Feathered Friends, Western Mteering or Marmot. Those usually last well more than a decade. That said, I recently purchased a Mountain Hardware Phantom 32. It's a fantastic bag.
spressomon
Expedition Leader
Like some here I've used all types of sleeping bags. Comfort, lack of compressibility (comparatively), wider temp range and shortened overall useful lifespan, being a few of the reasons for converting to down, drove me away form synthetics about 20-years ago.
I'm sure technology has made in-roads with respect to synthetic fill during this time. However I have zero reason/dissatisfaction with the numerous premium (Western Mountaineering and older Marmot) bags to remotely consider a change back to synthetic fill.
And to the 'sleeping in a wet synthetic bag being better than sleeping in a wet down bag argument': Neither is fun! Much better off taking the pre-emptive measures to ensure either will be dry when it comes around to sleep time
.
I'm sure technology has made in-roads with respect to synthetic fill during this time. However I have zero reason/dissatisfaction with the numerous premium (Western Mountaineering and older Marmot) bags to remotely consider a change back to synthetic fill.
And to the 'sleeping in a wet synthetic bag being better than sleeping in a wet down bag argument': Neither is fun! Much better off taking the pre-emptive measures to ensure either will be dry when it comes around to sleep time
.
Viggen
Just here...
I will be keeping them as dry as possible. They will be stored in a sealed case and then taken into the tent and set up on a cot that I sleep on. I am curious about durability, general warmth and comfort. HTO is having a killer sale on long down filled Marmot bags. Longs are a requirement as I am 6'4" and also like to put a shirt or two at the bottom of the bag so that I can put on a warm shirt when I wake up.
Its looking like down is the no brainer.
Its looking like down is the no brainer.
Errant
Explorer
In the RTT, we use a down comforter in a heavy flannel duvet and cotton sheets.
Motorcycle camping, it's the BA King Solomon and a silk liner, with the BA Insulated Air Core pads. Very comfy! But I'd like to switch out the silk liner with cotton. Too much slip and slide in the silk, or maybe I just need to sew more attachment points.
One thing to remember with down is to make sure it's completely dry and aired out when storing. Don't store it compressed and make sure it can breath. The Big Agnes bag came with a large cotton sack for storage and that's what we use. It only goes into the compression sack when we're packed and ready to roll.
Motorcycle camping, it's the BA King Solomon and a silk liner, with the BA Insulated Air Core pads. Very comfy! But I'd like to switch out the silk liner with cotton. Too much slip and slide in the silk, or maybe I just need to sew more attachment points.
One thing to remember with down is to make sure it's completely dry and aired out when storing. Don't store it compressed and make sure it can breath. The Big Agnes bag came with a large cotton sack for storage and that's what we use. It only goes into the compression sack when we're packed and ready to roll.
CanuckMariner/Nomad
Love having fun 😊 in the 🌞 by the ⛵ and the ⏳
Down is usually goose (better [smaller finer feathers] but more expensive) or duck down. Down is actually a cluster of thousands and thousands of interlocking, overlapping filaments that look like a dandelion. The reason why down makes such a good insulator is because of the loft (as mentioned above), which is the space between the filaments that traps and holds the warm air. Keep in mind that you might not have to think twice about making a decision if you're allergic to either type of down. Synthetic maybe the way to go then.
The quality of the down depends on the type, age, and maturity of the goose or duck. Generally speaking, goose down is considered to be better than duck; however, a mature duck's down is better than a young goose's down. As the age of the down is impossible for you to know, you have to depend on manufacturer's reputation and fill rating. The higher the number the better the down - for example an 850 down is better than a 650 down.
Down sleeping bags are very warm and comfortable because they are light and compressible. Down is thermostatic, which means it keeps you warm in the cold and cool in the heat (like most natural fibres, cotton, wool, etc.). On the down side (no pun intended) the bags have a habit of losing their insulating properties when they become wet. In fact, they can sometimes lose up to 80 per cent of their insulating powers when dampened. This is why it's important that you keep a down sleeping bag as dry as possible, and it's also the reason you should look for a model that has a waterproof, protective shell material. If your down sleeping bag does become wet, it will also take quite a while to dry out properly.
Another drawback to a down sleeping bag could also be the cost as they generally cost more than synthetic sleeping bags.
A down bag should only be washed with specific soaps and detergents, as the wrong kind could break down the insulating properties.
Synthetic sleeping bags are insulated with all types of "synthetic" materials, most of which you've probably never heard of. In fact, that can often be one of the drawbacks for consumers. The different types of insulating material can often lead to confusion because consumers aren't really sure what the fabrics are made of, and what their insulating properties are.
Synthetic bags are basically the only choice for those who are allergic to goose down or duck down. These sleeping bags generally insulate well, but they don't compress as well as down bags. In general, they also weigh more than down models and don't quite live as long, but they usually cost less.
On the bright side, a synthetic sleeping bag will usually still keep you warm, even when it becomes wet, and it will also dry out pretty quickly so you can use it again the same night. Most synthetic materials can be made very water-resistant. It's also easy to machine wash and dry a synthetic sleeping bag.
So, both are about as warm as each other, allergy considerations, wet/damp climate versus dry, weight, storage volume, care and cost should all be considered. However neither choice will be a bad one, as these two forms of fill both have strengths and weaknesses.
Having said all this, sorry to be a bit repetitive but this sorta summarizes it; I have had my down (Western) for over 40 years in all kinds of regimes from deserts, to the Arctic and the jungles in between. it has served me well and still use it always. Yes it was expensive even in those days.
Another advantage for synthetic bags is they are washable. But then so is my down, I use natural organic cleaner (woolite) on a lite cycle with tepid water and a couple of tennis balls in the dryer (low heat) to fluff (loft) the bag. Most people I know, that have down bags, take them to a dry cleaner which is about $50 plus.:costumed-smiley-007
The quality of the down depends on the type, age, and maturity of the goose or duck. Generally speaking, goose down is considered to be better than duck; however, a mature duck's down is better than a young goose's down. As the age of the down is impossible for you to know, you have to depend on manufacturer's reputation and fill rating. The higher the number the better the down - for example an 850 down is better than a 650 down.
Down sleeping bags are very warm and comfortable because they are light and compressible. Down is thermostatic, which means it keeps you warm in the cold and cool in the heat (like most natural fibres, cotton, wool, etc.). On the down side (no pun intended) the bags have a habit of losing their insulating properties when they become wet. In fact, they can sometimes lose up to 80 per cent of their insulating powers when dampened. This is why it's important that you keep a down sleeping bag as dry as possible, and it's also the reason you should look for a model that has a waterproof, protective shell material. If your down sleeping bag does become wet, it will also take quite a while to dry out properly.
Another drawback to a down sleeping bag could also be the cost as they generally cost more than synthetic sleeping bags.
A down bag should only be washed with specific soaps and detergents, as the wrong kind could break down the insulating properties.
Synthetic sleeping bags are insulated with all types of "synthetic" materials, most of which you've probably never heard of. In fact, that can often be one of the drawbacks for consumers. The different types of insulating material can often lead to confusion because consumers aren't really sure what the fabrics are made of, and what their insulating properties are.
Synthetic bags are basically the only choice for those who are allergic to goose down or duck down. These sleeping bags generally insulate well, but they don't compress as well as down bags. In general, they also weigh more than down models and don't quite live as long, but they usually cost less.
On the bright side, a synthetic sleeping bag will usually still keep you warm, even when it becomes wet, and it will also dry out pretty quickly so you can use it again the same night. Most synthetic materials can be made very water-resistant. It's also easy to machine wash and dry a synthetic sleeping bag.
So, both are about as warm as each other, allergy considerations, wet/damp climate versus dry, weight, storage volume, care and cost should all be considered. However neither choice will be a bad one, as these two forms of fill both have strengths and weaknesses.
Having said all this, sorry to be a bit repetitive but this sorta summarizes it; I have had my down (Western) for over 40 years in all kinds of regimes from deserts, to the Arctic and the jungles in between. it has served me well and still use it always. Yes it was expensive even in those days.
Another advantage for synthetic bags is they are washable. But then so is my down, I use natural organic cleaner (woolite) on a lite cycle with tepid water and a couple of tennis balls in the dryer (low heat) to fluff (loft) the bag. Most people I know, that have down bags, take them to a dry cleaner which is about $50 plus.:costumed-smiley-007
rusty_tlc
Explorer
If you store your bag out of the compression bag, it will last a lot longer, whatever the fill type. The ideal would be to hang it up, fully zipped but unrolled.
Using a liner is a pita but it will also extend the life of a bag.
CSG
Explorer
I prefer down and have a couple semi-rectangular ones. A 20 year old Marmot (made in USA) and a new Kelty (not made in USA). The Kelty also has some sort of microfiber material that's very static prone. I usually just use the Marmot as a comforter over a Thermarest type mattress. This is in the vehicle. If it's really cold I'll break out the Kelty and toss it on top.
Love the Marmot, the Kelty, not so much even though they are quite similarly spec'd.
Love the Marmot, the Kelty, not so much even though they are quite similarly spec'd.
cruisertoy
Explorer
I have a North face synthetic bag that I recieved when I was 11yrs old and getting into Boyscouts. After 26 years of heavy use is temps from -25F on up I have finally worn through the inner lining. Other than that it always served me well and kept me warm. Because of my growing family and being a Scout Master I now own at least 12 sleeping bags. 4 of them are cheaper synthetic mumy bags that you see for around $35. I've slept in one of those in below 0f weather and been just fine. They tend to be a little bulky, but in most car camping situations that isn't a problem. I purchased 6 new bags in July at the Outdoor Retailers show from a manufacturer, 3 sythetic and 3 down. They are mostly lighter wt warn weather bags that are very compact. One of the down bags is rated down to -10f. I'll take it out with the scouts on Klondike here in January. We have a nice warm campsite at 7ooo' with cool breezes blowing off the frozen lake.