I’ve been away from all manner of camping for a few years and have never owned a quality down bag. Coleman Peak 1 bags always worked for me.
I have an Enlightened Equipment quilt that I’ve used 14 times in nighttime temps ranging from 77F to 14F. I’ve used it by itself and on top of my synthetic bag. Every single time I’ve used it in the morning the top layer of the quilt is damp and the bottom layer isn’t. I have never experienced that with synthetic bags. I deleted a paragraph about sleep configuration, the bottom line being tent condensation has never been a problem.
Is this the normal wicking properties of down? If so, I’m guessing my synthetic bag traps that moisture and I’m just not aware of it. Bummer.
For now I’ve decided on a bag from Western Mountaineering (Terralite or Megalite) to use for motorcycle camping. My normal procedure will be the same as hiking; get an early start, then stop in the afternoon and first thing set up the tent and air out the bag…which might have been drying the bag based on current info. I’ve had to stop in the rain and set up camp and have never had a problem with a synth bag. Now if it’s raining I’m wondering about not having any outside drying time for a down bag. I’ve done a bit of reading this last week and I might stick with a synthetic bag.
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Western Mountaineering provides measurements for their bags. As far as the girth measurement goes, if I open my bag, lay it flat and measure zipper to zipper will that give me a rough guess to compare? I’m a side sleeper and want to buy the right bag the first time.
Thanks.