When the time comes for you to pick out a sleeping bag, one of the most important things to consider is what type of insulation it will be made of. Today sleeping bags are usually made with either down or synthetic fill. Each type of sleeping bag has its own advantages and disadvantages. However, in the long run the best choice is usually the down filled sleeping bag. Let’s face it; goose down is just a better insulator.

Down Sleeping Bags Weighs Less When you happen to go hiking on trails or even when you are climbing a mountain, your backpack’s weight and its contents is crucial. When you carry more weight, you will tire out that much sooner and will need a break. If you carry a down sleeping bag, your pack will be a little bit lighter. Since you know that your sleeping bag is one of the largest items you will carry when you go hiking, this will most definitely be a good place to save some precious weight.

Down is Warmer than Synthetic Fiber Surprisingly, there have not been any synthetic fills that are able to match down’s weight when it come to warmth ratio. You simply must have a warm sleeping bag when you are camping in very cold weather. If you do not want to loose sleep because you have been shivering all night, then it is best to get a down-filled sleeping bag. After all, you will have to expend a lot of energy for that early morning mountain ascent.

Down Sleeping Bags Take Up Less Space We all want our camping gear to be as compact as possible - and one of the best things about a down sleeping bag is that it can be folded to fit into a smaller space; so you’ll have more room for other essential supplies than if you were bringing a synthetic sleeping bag along.

Disadvantages of Down Sleeping Bags Although there are many benefits to having a down sleeping bag, you will find some drawbacks such as versatility and price. When you experience wet conditions, a down sleeping bag might be a rather poor choice. This is due to the fact that a wet down sleeping bag will become very compact and will provide very little insulation. This will, for all intents and purposes, leave you without a sleeping bag for the night. In order to solve this problem, look for a down sleeping bag that is made with waterproof or water resistant material. Therefore, you will still be able to get a down sleeping bag for one of your kayaking trips or for rainy camping.

Many down filled sleeping bags are not the best choice for camping in wet conditions. A down sleeping bag tends to compress when it’s wet, which means it’s not a good insulator or a comfortable place to sleep. You can find down sleeping bags with a waterproof or water resistant outer shell, making them suitable for wet weather and kayaking excursions. There is also the fact that a down sleeping bag is more expensive than those filled with synthetic fibers. The higher price does have a reward though, since these sleeping bags are of much higher quality.

Conclusion Unless you have a big concern with the price factor, down sleeping bags are usually your best bet for the money. When you choose to have a down sleeping bag, your backpack will weigh less and you will have more room in it. You will keep warmer as well.

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