Mountain Project Logo

Down vs Synthetic bags for shoulder seasons in ADK

Original Post
El Duderino · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Feb 2013 · Points: 70

I went up to the Dacks last weekend and was already freezing my buns off in a 30 degree bag. I figure that I can eek through October with my current bag if I sleep with a down jacket etc, but will definitely need a heavier bag (mine is 30F) for the months ahead. I am thinking about going to a 0 degree bag (or would 15 be fine through the end of Nov? I think probably not as I tend to sleep cold). Naturally, there's a lot of debate on down vs synthetic. I am worried about a down bag getting wet in the late fall, but the synthetic bags are huge and not nearly as warm (from what I can tell). Any suggestions as to going one way or the other?

Gunkiemike · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Jul 2009 · Points: 3,492

It's hard to get a down bag really disastrously wet. Maybe if you roll a canoe over or something. But normal care will keep it dry enough for a normal trip, even in the always-damp ADKs. So my vote is for a 0 degree down bag. (PM me if you might want to buy mine - see photo) Mike

0 degree bag, used 3 nights.

AlpineIce · · Upstate, NY · Joined Mar 2011 · Points: 255

I sleep in the Adirondack High Peaks lean-to's May - October with my Feather Friends 30 degree bag covered by a Wild Things eVent bivy (frameless). I've been very happy with this setup. In October, I may bring my Feather Friends sleeping bag VB liner for a little extra warmth / water protection.

Most down bags now are being constructed with hydrophobic down, so that should minimize a majority of your worries.

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

Climbing Gear Discussion
Post a Reply to "Down vs Synthetic bags for shoulder seasons in ADK"

Log In to Reply

Join the Community

Create your FREE account today!
Already have an account? Login to close this notice.

Get Started.