Down or synthetic?

[Moose2001]

down. Just a tiny bit of common sense will keep your down dry.

[Fur Queue]

down. Just a tiny bit of common sense will keep your down dry.

I agree....sat here at home.....but, in that case, why would anyone, budget excepted, choose synthetic over down?

[staehpj1]

I agree....sat here at home.....but, in that case, why would anyone, budget excepted, choose synthetic over down?

I prefer down, but use synthetic when sharing a tent with my down allergic daughter. So that is one possible reason.

[leaftye]

I agree....sat here at home.....but, in that case, why would anyone, budget excepted, choose synthetic over down?

Less expensive as you said. It also allows a high level of carelessness. With the homeless people I've been around, synthetic bags are perfect for them because they have little regard for taking care of their gear and using that gear well. If you are willing and able to learn and adapt, then go with down insulation.

[Mags]

My own take on sleeping bags, quilts and down vs synthetic. I tend to write about things that come up frequently..
http://www.pmags.com/sleeping-bags-a...dirty-overview

To sum it all up is Garlic's statement: "Down is always better...except when synthetic is better"

[Sarcasm the elf]

down. Just a tiny bit of common sense will keep your down dry.

Well said, down wins, no contest. Lighter, warmer, more comfortable, much more durable. I just retired my first down bag which has twenty three plus years of use on it, a synthetic bag would have been useless within the first decade.

It just takes a bit of common sense and a dry stuff sack for when it's in your pack, I recommend one from Sea to Summit. Most new bags also have a water resistant (not waterproof) coating on the outside, which will help a bit with your worry.