Date:         Thu, 14 Dec 2000 22:16:07 -0800
Reply-To:     Bill Davidson <wdavidson@THEGRID.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Bill Davidson <wdavidson@THEGRID.NET>
Subject:      Re: Cold Weather Camping Question
Comments: To: Steve Shane <shane_steve@HOTMAIL.COM>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"

> If you want warmth.. DO NOT get a synthetic filled bag. I don't care what
BS
> the marketing people say.. synth bags are NOT warmer. and they simply do
NOT
> last as long. I have had both. I just came back from 6 MONTHS trekking all
> across Europe and  N. Africa believe me I know. Go for DOWN. The only draw
> back it has, is if it gets REALLY wet. Like a BIG TIME soaker-job. Down
does
> not try as well as the synth, but if you are sleeping in your VW or tent,
> then it is irrelevant.

Mostly I agree... I love down....
BUT...
one time I was in the back of a camper and the weather was so humid that I
could almost watch my down soak up the moisture as it lost loft by the
hour.... after two days I had lost much of the loft and my 5 degree bag was
modified to about a plus 40 bag! That would not happen with synthetic.

Bill