[pct-l] RE: down or synthetic

[m.karon at attbi.com (Marshall Karon)]

A word on Feathered Friends bags: that is what I used (the Swallow for me)
and they were great. The Hummingbird is really meant for a small person (at
least smaller than me). Mine was only a few ounces heavier and let me get in
the bag. So, watch the sizing. (Of course, by the time I finished hiking, I
would probably have fit in the Hummingbird). Get the highest quality down
possible - 800 or higher. Spendier, but worth it.

Marshall Karon
Portland, OR
m.karon@attbi.com

----- Original Message -----
From: "John Brennan" <john@frozenpoodle.com>
To: "'Marissa Ferejohn'" <ferejohn@hotmail.com>; "PCT List"
<pct-l@mailman.backcountry.net>
Sent: Wednesday, May 07, 2003 8:22 AM
Subject: [pct-l] RE: down or synthetic


> I was weary of down, but tried it a bit (3-week trip) and decided to
> carry it on my thru-hike.  It was great.
>
> As you probably know, synthetic is heavier and bulkier than down.  I got
> a Western Mountaineering Ultralite (20/25 degree, 1lb 12oz).  It was
> expensive, but worth every penny.
> I slept out all but maybe 10 nights. Its shell is water resistant, so
> even a night of dew was not a big problem.  I'd just haul out the bag a
> lunch and let it dry.  On the one day I couldn't do that, we built a
> fire in an early camp. I'd use the bag as a quilt on all but the most
> cold or windy nights.  I might have been able to get by with a 25/30
> degree bag, but I liked knowing I could be toasty.
>
> One trick to using down is avoiding moisture.  One of my criteria for
> selecting a sleeping site was to be under a tree.  Many times I'd sleep
> out under a tree and be dry while people in the open with tents would be
> wet, or even soaked (from dew and condensation).
> That said, we had very little rain last year.  I'd still do down again.
>
> Another brand to consider is Feathered Friends.  I've heard the
> Hummingbird is good for a thru-hike.
>
> John B./Cupcake
>
> >I am looking into getting a new, lightweight sleeping bag and I was
> >wondering if anyone who has hiked the PCT has strong opinions on down
> or >synthetic bags for this trail.  familiar with the weather condition
> >variables in a typical hiking season on
> >the PCT.  Any thoughts?
> >-Litha
>
>
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