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pizzuti
Mar 27, 2006, 9:05 PM
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Registered: Mar 27, 2006
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Hi,
First let me apologize in advance if this question comes up repeatedly. I did try and read up as much as possible in the pros and cons of down vs. synthetic sleeping bags. I guess I'm having a hard time deciding on what temp of bag to buy, and if I should get a synthetic or a down bag. The plan is to climb Forbidden Peak in July. My fellow climbers say to buy synthetic. However, I've seen all the down bags that you can get waterproof compression sacks for, and some down bags are waterproof themselves. So what do you guys use? And what do you recommend?
Thanks,
Nick
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yakiman
Mar 27, 2006, 10:22 PM
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Registered: Jun 15, 2005
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I got a Kelty Light Year down bag two years ago and I would recomend it. The foot zip is nice for when temp. is above freezing, but the best thing is its price ($125.00/2lbs.) to quality ratio. Its not waterproof so I usually use a plastic tarp from the Dollar store and roll myself up like a burrito.
Another option I like is to sleep with a down coat on and my lower half inside my backpack. With all my clothes on I am usually warm. This saves weight and is great if the weather isn't too nasty and if your pack has a flexible backsheet (aluminum stays don't make for good nights rest).
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timl
Mar 27, 2006, 11:16 PM
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Registered: Jun 8, 2004
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You really need to think what you want the bag for? Just the N. Cascades? How many bags do you have? How warm do you sleep?
Generally, I would buy a synthetic for the N Cascades. I have one that is 30/40de and another that is 0/15 deg. I sleep cold. I find I use the warmer bag a lot. Mostly in the spring and fall as summers are short. Usually I use the lighter bag for summer.
I have been looking into getting a light down bag. It saves weight, but you risk having a useless bag if it gets wet. But you also have to understand that if it is raining that hard and is that wet, I doubt you'll be climbing. It also depends on how many days in a row that you will be using the bag.
You might try renting a bag at Feathered Friends (the best) or REI in downtown Seattle and seeing what you like best. I have a Marmot 0/15 bag and I find it too warm for the summer, but it is perfect for the spring and fall. With the light bag in summer, I just wear all my cloths while sleeping.
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nedsurf
Mar 27, 2006, 11:18 PM
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Registered: Nov 9, 2004
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Most good down bags these days are coming with a DWR outerlayer. It has really helped with the shortcomings. of a down bag.
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guanoboy
Mar 28, 2006, 5:52 AM
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a little off topic, but ...get your permit now. Boston basin is a very popular spot. Another option is to do it as a day climb and camp somewhere else. I've done it car to car in 8hrs. you should have about 15 hrs of daylight in july giving you some extra time. If you don't get an early permit, daily permits are given first come first serve. as for the bag, I would go with synthetic. If you want another option I go light for summer alpine with a down jacket and bivy sack. Enjoy Forbidden, it is probably my favorite climb.
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csproul
Mar 28, 2006, 6:11 AM
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Registered: Jun 4, 2004
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Get a bag for what/where you will be using it most often. I only own down bags, having used them in drier places like CO and CA so I've never had a synthetic. But I have taken many trips to the Cascades and down has worked just fine. It is not just the outside moisture that you have to pay attention to, it is also condensation from inside. Take every opportunity to dry out your bag when it is sunny outside. And for Cascades in summer (or most anywhere else for that matter), I have never used anything rated colder than 20 degrees.
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dr_monkey
Mar 28, 2006, 8:00 AM
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Registered: Nov 16, 2005
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IF you are very careful a down bag is fine. I sleep outside in the N. Cascades 20 + days at a time from June to August. Last summer I used a cheap down bag (REI sub-kilo) rated 20 degrees but probably more like 40 degrees (way under stuffed.) I will probably use it again this summer though.
If you are just going to be out a couple nights a down bag is fine. If you are out for much longer it takes exponentially more care to keep your bag functional. For me the space and weight savings of the down bag plus the fact that it lasts more than one season make it worth the extra time and care it takes. I do spend a lot of time fretting about keeping my bag dry though.
On the other hand if was buying a bag specifically for Forbidden I would probably get a cheap 40 degree synthetic bag and a belay jacket. If you are there to climb and not to sleep synthetic is easier to deal with and longevity of use is not as much of a consideration if you don't use it everyday for months at a time.
Either way I recommend a waterproof stuff sack or lining your pack with a tough plastic bag. The bags that airlines give out to keep backpack straps out of the conveyor belts are bomber. I suggest not wrapping up in a tarp for more than one night, it will just make your bag wetter from the inside. If it is pouring you have to pick the lesser of two evils.
Cheers,
DRS
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pizzuti
Mar 28, 2006, 1:05 PM
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Registered: Mar 27, 2006
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Thanks everyone for your replies!
I'm kinda leaning more towards synthetic now. I would really like a down bag, but I don't think I'm responsible enough. I'm a warm sleeper, so I'm hoping a 20-30 degree synthetic should do me right.
Thanks again!
Nick
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blakester
Mar 28, 2006, 1:47 PM
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Registered: Dec 20, 2004
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if you are only ever going to use the bag for one night, on one climb, prob to do the W. Ridge of Frobidden, then just get something cheap that you wont suffer too bad. (or better yet borrow or rent one) If you want a real bag to use time and time again, get a nicer/lighter/lasting bag with a temp and downVSsynth based on where you will use it most, not one night.
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angusmacginny
Apr 11, 2006, 3:33 PM
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Registered: Jan 10, 2006
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Dont know if you made up your mind already, but I live in the pacific NW and have never had anything but a down bag. You need to be carefull but if you are you will be fine. DONT use a down bag with a light weight bivy sack, but other than that down is fine especially in July. It stops raining here July 4th ;-)
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