[pct-l] Sleeping Bag Compression Sack Damage?

[m.karon at comcast.net (Marshall Karon)]

I have heard the same thing said about compressing down bags. And, it may be
correct. But, the folks at Feathered Friends said not to worry. Of course,
we got 800 down. I think the better the down, the less it will be impacted
by repeated compressions. But, that is not a scientific statement - just my
thoughts.

I do know, however, that washing the bag when I got to Oregon sure made it
feel better and it was warmer after that.

Marshall Karon
Portland, OR
m.karon@comcast.net

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Daniel Gant" <danielgant@cox.net>
To: <pct-l@mailman.backcountry.net>
Sent: Wednesday, March 10, 2004 5:57 PM
Subject: [pct-l] Sleeping Bag Compression Sack Damage?


Hello PCT forumers~
I visited Adventure 16 today to scope out sil nylon compression sacks for my
new Mtn. Hardwear Phantom 15 Down bag (31 oz.) after using a comp sack for
years on my synthetic Sierra Designs bag.  The staff member told me that the
initial compression of a synthetic bag causes a 15% loss of loft (lower but
still damaging to down bags) and then a 1-2% loft loss with each subsequent
use of the compression sack!  Has anyone else heard this before (or worse,
experienced it)?  I've used my existing 15 liter Cascade Designs compression
sack on my synthetic bag for years and never really thought about it causing
serious damage.  I'm always careful to hang up the bag when not in use, but
I have washed it on gentle cycle and air dried it a handful of times over
the years.  I've always worried more about loft loss through washing, rather
than compressing - thoughts?  FYI, his suggestion was to use no stuff sack
OR a stuff sack slightly larger than the "stock" stuff sack.
Daniel Gant
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