View Full Version : Snow Lion Down Bag
Anyone know much about them. I just purchased a used one (purple in color) that is in excellent condition. Also, your opinion on what to use to wash it. The guy i got it from thought it was about a 20 degree bag.
Wow, really old school!
If the nylon is good the down will be excellant!
Any good down wash, or take it to the cleaners!
Great find.
Thanks Elder, im hoping some of the old school folks here, remember this bag and know the rating on it. It's in great shape
Snowleopard
03-09-2010, 10:25
Don't dry clean it.
Do wash it. Be very careful lifting it while it's wet; it's easy to rip the interior baffles. Squeeze the water out first. Here's some directions:
http://www.westernmountaineering.com/index.cfm?section=Product%20Tips%20and%20Care Don't "re-treat the outer shell", yours is too old and never had a DWR treatment to renew.
http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/showpost.php?p=981840&postcount=8
Once you've washed and dried it and have it nicely fluffed, lay it out and measure the thickness. The thickness through top + bottom is the loft. Compare this loft to other good down sleeping bags specs and that'll give you a rough temp rating.
They were the bast bags made in the late 70's early 80's.
Top quality stuff.
I have a -40dF snowlion from that era I bought new.
Still have it and its good to go. Weighs 4# even, 10" loft and still today,
the only real improvement to a -40dF expedition bag like this is DWR in the new fabrics. Even the new ones with the SUL fabrics weigh about 4#.
I also still have an early snowlion polarguard 35dF bag. Its still good although a bit deflated. Heavy by today's standards for a 35dF bag.
If I were you I would send it off and have it washed professionally.
Cant remember the name of the best place to have this done, but
I believe skinewmexico knows the name of the company. Its not that expensive either.
If you use the wrong detergent or rip the baffle ends you are screwed.
Oh, also have a winter Snowlion polarguard parka I bought in 77. I still own/use it today and its very warm and has taken a beating over the years. When it gets really really cold that is the jacket I grab. Of course I have to fight my 85 YO mom for it sometimes.
Its got a few rips tears and holes in it here and there.
The zipper ends are worn out a bit. Its got some patches and repair tape on it here and there but I taped it together and they still work fine.
I would not hesitate to take it on a long winter hike even at 33 years old.