RE: [pct-l] sleeping bags

["Eriksen, Svein" <sveri@wmdata.com>]

If you've decided on down then Feathere Friends
(http://www.featheredfriends.com) is an obvious option. Marmot also makes
some interesting bags, and I'm sure there are more options.

Used a FF Swallow on my thru-hike this summer. It's rated at 20 in standard
configuration. I had the Dryloft and 800-fill options which both should
improve the temprature rating slightly. The 20 degree might have been true
the first nights, but it certainly wasn't by the end of the trip. I usually
sleep fairly warm, so if you want a 15-20 bag you should probably opt for
one of the warmer models.

I'm not sure if you should go for DryLoft or not (FF has replaced Dryloft
with a similar product). It certainly seemed to protect the down in slightly
wet conditions. Dryloft also add some weight and reduce breathability to
some extent. My old down bag (Mountain Equipment) weighing almost exectly
the same (but rated to 30 because of lower down quality (or more realistic
rating)) seem to stuff better, so Dryloft might also influence stuffability
(Any comment anyone - I'm just guessing). It's also pretty expensive.

I probably would get Dryloft again for a bag used on longer trips. If
weekend trips/nice weather only are the goal then I would go without. You
can always keep a bag dry one night even in bad weather.

Svein

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I am in the market for a down sleeping bag in the 15-20 degree range.  I
have
used synthetic (an old Cats Meow) for almost 20 years.  It was originally a
25-30 degree and is more like a 45 degree bag do to wear and tear.  I am
interested in a lighter and smaller packing bag.

On particular concern in moisture,  particularly here in the east.  Is a
shell
made of dry -loft (or some other Gore type material ) important?

David Craft
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