Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Equipment, Travel > Camping Equipment and all Clothing
Sleeping Bags: Down or synthetic? Sleeping Bags: Down or synthetic?
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Camping Equipment and all Clothing Tents, sleeping bags, stoves etc. Riding clothing, boots, helmets, what to wear when not riding, etc.
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland




Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 4 Sep 2003
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: East Sussex, England
Posts: 174
Sleeping Bags: Down or synthetic?
Hi
I need to replace my old synthetic bag. I've never had a down bag but am tempted by the smaller pack size and weight than synthetic.

I am concerned that down will need more care - especially to avoid dampness. (what if I decide to sleep out without a bivvy?)

Additionally I'll be paying 80% more on the cost of synthetic. Is down worth the extra cost?

Second question:
What temperature rating should I consider?

I expect that my most extreme use will be frosty mountains (Spain , Marocco) during the winter mounths
Winter camping in the UK is very unlikely
Will a -5 degree bag be adequate? Or should I go a step lower to a -12degree? (I know it's very subjective but some comments from personal experience would help)

I'm considering the Mountain Equipment range of bags:
Down: Dreamcatcher 500 and 750
Synthetic: SLeepwalker I and II
Any comments\recommendations are welcome?

Thanks
David
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 5 Sep 2003
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Eureka, CA USA
Posts: 323
Down or synethic... humm a personal choice.IMHO If you are backpacking alot the extra cost may be worth it. Me I am cheap and would go synethic unless you are trying to cut every ounce and inch. Saying that you can not go wrong either way. Find a bag that fits you ie crawl in before you buy. No one can make that choice for you. They can recommend but only you know how it feels, and we are all built diffrently and sleep diffrently. As for the rating if in doubt get the warmer bag ie the -12 deg. If it is to warm you can unzip it and ventilate some of the heat out. If you opt for the other bag and it is to cold it is harder to get warm than cool down in that situation. Been there done that it is miserable. Have fun and happy camping

------------------
John
__________________
John
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 5 Sep 2003
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: UK
Posts: 163
Hi David

I've had a few down bags - mainly Mountain Equip' and they are good, especially having the synthetic coating to help keep the damp out. That said I've converted to synthetic and haven't regreted it. I found that even with the coating for down bags they still got damp and lost their thermol properties - worse they started to get mold which really knackers them.

Synthetic bags are a little heavier and take up more space gram for gram but not enough to make any difference if you're buying a quality bag.

As for temp range, a really good bag for between -5 and -12 is the North Face Cats Meow. Stupid name but a really good bag. It'll take you down to -7 OK and has a 'silk like' liner so you don't sweat like you do in nylon bags. It also has an internal pocket to make a pillow for your head. They come in 2 lengths depending on how tall you are as well. The question is - do you sleep hot or cold? If you sleep hot you'd be OK with a lighter bag, if not go for a higher rated bag of -7 to -12. If you're 6ft plus have a look at the Rab sleeping bags. They're good kit and a bit longer than most bags. As with the last post - get in it and give it a go. If the shop won't let you then go somewhere else.

Chris
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 6 Sep 2003
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: London, UK
Posts: 270
Hi David

My preference is synthetic as I prefer the flexibility of not having to worry if it gets wet. You have to make sure that a down bag is dried properly or as stated above it'll go mouldy.

The weight and space savings are minimal.

The North Face Meow is an excellent sleeping bag or the mountain equipment range are also good value.

Try different ones out to see what you like best, which is the most comfortable or if you want one that expands to allow better movement.

Drop me a line at Overland solutions when you decided on what you'd like and we'll see if we can get you a better price on it.

Cheers

Julio
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 12 Sep 2003
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: East Sussex, England
Posts: 174
Thank you all for your very useful responses. Synthetic it is!

The North Faces Cat's Meow is ideal (-7 and 1250g approx) but it is significantly more than the Mountain Equipment bag. (which is only a minus 5 rating. I suspect with TNF I'm paying for the label two

Thanks especially for the tip to try them out. That will keep the other cutomers amused!

David
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 24 Dec 2003
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: sydney australia
Posts: 174
i have been preparing for a long rtw trip next year and have been doing allot of camping lately. i bought a very warm and comfortable sleeping bag (synthetic) that was brilliant.
i then went on to buy my girlfriend the same bag...on its first outing she let the bag blow into a large fire and it was totally ruined...arrhhh

yesturday i went to the shop to buy a replacement for her and walked out with two new down bags one for each of us...the reason was the size difference is huge, about half the size for the same warmth.

if you are after extra storage space which is almost always the case on a bike go for the down..
now i wish i had bought this one in the beginning ...but ..its a natural progression. horses fo coarses....phil.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 26 Dec 2003
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Wolverhampton, UK
Posts: 50
Howdy, just thought I'd sling in my two 'penneth:
I've quite a bit of camping round Spain and Italy (also a fair bit here in UK) and I have found (for me)a very good solution to this perennial problem. I bought a double duvet and sewed a long zipper along the bottom and side, it will then slide nicely into a single duvet cover. It makes a really comfortable and warm sleeping bag. The reason for this D.I.Y. was that I couldn't find a bag that I felt 'at home' with - so I made it myself. True, you get what you pay for, (and mine was not expensive) but it has served me well. On the road it stores into a smaller space than any other bag I've had because after use I roll it and slide it into a plastic carrier bag, then evacuate the air with a small 12v air pump (run from the 12v plug on my Wing). This may not be everyones ideal solution but inside the vacuumed plastic bag it has never got wet, even thru torrential rain.
Have fun, George (Oletimer)
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-15
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 00:03.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top