[pct-l] Heavier Sleeping Bag versus Lighter Sleeping Bag & Extra Clothing

[James Vesely]

What was the bag weight in the end?   

 

 

Jim

________________________________

From: chiefcowboy at verizon.net [mailto:chiefcowboy at verizon.net] 
Sent: Friday, January 06, 2012 8:21 AM
To: James Vesely
Subject: Re: [pct-l] Heavier Sleeping Bag versus Lighter Sleeping Bag &
Extra Clothing

 

You're welcome James.

 

Couple of things I did.  First I had it professional sewn ($40 or so)
because I am NOT a seamstress plus I didn't want it falling apart on the
way.  Second I had the seamstress make a little "boot" by folding the
sides together near the feet for about 18".  This made sure my feet
stayed covered while sleeping.  Finally I had some velcro sewn in at the
top so I could pull it together in the event of wind while cowboy
camping.  It worked out great for me.

 

From: James Vesely <mailto:JVesely at edmsupply.com>  

Sent: Friday, January 06, 2012 7:00 AM

To: chiefcowboy at verizon.net ; pct-L backcountry.net
<mailto:pct-l at backcountry.net>  

Subject: RE: [pct-l] Heavier Sleeping Bag versus Lighter Sleeping Bag &
Extra Clothing

 

 

 

I have been skeptical about switching to a quilt sleeping bag but after
reading this on Ray Jardine's website I am considering on giving a quilt
a try.  http://www.rayjardine.com/ray-way/Quilt-Kit/index.htm

 

I have copy/pasted a part of the linked web page below. 

 

Has anyone had the same problem of a down bag failing because of
moisture like Ray writes about below?  

 

Thanks for the post Chiefcowboy.  

 

Jim

 

 

Goose Down vs Synthetic insulation   

 

Goose Down

 

Why I recommend synthetic insulation over goose down

 

I was in high school when I bought my first down-filled sleeping bag.
The year was 1960 and the company that made the bag was Holubar. In
fact, Mrs. Holubar sewed this particular sleeping bag. And it sure was a
big improvement over my cotton filled bag. The down was the highest
quality prime northern goose down. Even so, after several years of
rigorous service it lost its loft and had to be thrown out.

 

In 1971 I designed and sewed together a two-person down-filled sleeping
bag. Working with goose down is an unbelievably messy experience. I used
this bag for a few years until it was stolen.

 

In 1987 Jenny and I hiked the PCT using a top-quality goose down
sleeping bag, unzipped and draped over the two of us. During this trip
the sleeping bag failed us twice. Both times were when the bag became
wet and lost its loft.

 

One of these failures occurred during an uncommonly heavy deluge in the
mountains of central Oregon. The main problem was