When you are choosing a sleeping bag, one of the major things to consider is the insulation fill type. Sleeping bags are typically made with either synthetic fill or down fill. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages, but a down filled sleeping bag is usually the best choice.
Down Sleeping Bags Weigh Less
The weight of your backpack and its contents is crucial when hiking the trails or even climbing a mountain. The more weight you carry, the sooner you will tire out and need a break. A down sleeping bag can make your pack a little lighter. Since a sleeping bag is one of the biggest items you will carry while hiking, this is definitely a good place to save some weight.
A Down Filled Sleeping Bag is Warmer than Synthetic Filled
Surprisingly, no synthetic fills can match down's weight to warmth ratio. Down traps more air and acts as a better insulator than any manmade fibers. When you are camping in cold weather, a warm sleeping bag is a must. You don't want to lose sleep shivering through the night, especially if you need energy for an early morning mountain ascent.
Down Bags Are More Compact
Pack space can be an importance factor when choosing camping gear. A down sleeping bag will compress more to take up less backpack space than a synthetic sleeping bag. That leaves you more room for things like food and extra clothes.
The Disadvantages of a Down Sleeping Bag
Although down sleeping bags have a lot of benefits, there are some drawbacks such as price and versatility.
In wet conditions down may be a poor choice. This is because a wet down bag becomes very compact, providing little insulation. This essentially leaves you with no sleeping bag for the night. To prevent this problem there are down sleeping bags made with water resistant or waterproof material. So you can still get a down bag for kayaking trips or rainy camping.
The only other real drawback is that down sleeping bags tend to be much more expensive than synthetic sleeping bags. You are usually paying for a higher quality sleeping bag when you choose down though.
Conclusion
Unless price is a big concern, down insulation is usually the best choice for sleeping bags. When you choose down, your bag weighs less, you have more room in your pack and you are warmer.
Got a Question? Ask.
Ask the community a question about this article:
Q&A Powered by:
Latest Camping Articles
Riviera Maya: a Diamond in the Rough
By: ricardo lumbardo | 05/09/2008
The Riviera Maya is an up-and-coming tourist-friendly city in Mexico. Travelers are slowly discovering a gem in its sapphire waters and unspoiled beaches as well as its rich heritage. Accommodation is abundant in the area, and the Grupo Mayan hotels and resorts reigns supreme in this place.
Victory on Wings: a Symbol of Independence
By: ricardo lumbardo | 05/09/2008
The Angel of Independence is a well-known tourist attraction and national symbol in the city of Mexico. It symbolizes the freedom that the Mexicans have worked hard for. Today, there are millions of people who frequent the area, amazed at the masterpiece Mexicans have done to it.
The Mayan Civilization: the Collapse
By: ricardo lumbardo | 05/09/2008
The Mayas were a powerful and influential civilization during Mesoamerican times. However, today, they seem to be totally non-existent, except in the artifacts that remained and in the pages of our history. What brought about their decline and eventual collapse?
California and the Nearby National Parks
By: Jeff | 05/09/2008
California is one of the states that counts with vast amounts of natural resources and because of that the local government has established several areas that need to be kept as a...
Limousines for Corporate Travelling
By: SLLimo and Buses | 28/08/2008
Corporate travelling is a completely different type of travel involving business sense and elegance to the maximum level. While on move, corporate executives prefer to travel either in Limousine of in specially designed vehicles for corporate travelling along with all the desired amenities in place. The charm and position held by senior executives of large enterprises can be managed by lavish and exclusive looking limousines only.
What not to Bring Backpacking: Ten Things to Leave at Home
By: Stephen james | 27/08/2008
What Not To Bring Backpacking: Ten Things To Leave At Home
When setting off an extended backpacking trip for the first time, it's common for people to bring far more than they need; the uncertainty of what the trip may bring can lead to a mentality of packing things "just in case", or for comfort. To help you towards the way of travelling light, here's a subjective and irreverent list of ten common backpacking items which should you should consider leaving in the wardrobe.
1. A Huge Back
Camping in Himalayas
By: dev seo | 27/08/2008
Camping in the Himalayas is once-in-a-life-moment, and you must experience the exquisiteness of the great Himalayas. Camping in the heart of the Himalayas means a moment where there's no hustle bustle of city life, no tension, no pollution; just surrendering our souls to the Mother Nature and unveiling its hidden dimensions.
4 Vital Safety Tips for Hikers
By: Donald Saunders | 23/08/2008
Millions of people enjoy hiking every year without incidence because they follow a few simple safety rules.
More from Jeremy Biberdorf
Educating to Prevent Student Credit Card Debt
By: Jeremy Biberdorf | 11/04/2008 | Credit
Many professionals in the financial industry warn against the dangers of student credit card use. They fear that young people will let their credit card use run out of control. Instead of fearing that young people will fail, try educating them about credit card use. After all, the benefits of getting a credit card while young far outweigh the risks.
Campfire Safety Tips
By: Jeremy Biberdorf | 05/03/2008 | Camping
Camping and campfires go hand in hand. It is difficult to imagine going camping without building a fire to roast marshmallows over and to tell ghost stories around. Without proper safety etiquette, your campfire could turn your camping trip into a disaster.
Food Safety to Help Avoid Bears in the Wilderness
By: Jeremy Biberdorf | 03/03/2008 | Camping
If you plan on venturing into the wilderness on a camping or hiking trip, you need to be prepared to deal with potentially dangerous wildlife. Bears in particular need to be respected and avoided. One of the easiest ways to avoid bears is to be careful with storing and preparing food.
How Gore-tex Clothing Keeps you Dry
By: Jeremy Biberdorf | 28/09/2007 | Clothing
When looking for waterproof clothing, you will most likely come across clothing made from Gore-Tex fabrics which are waterproof, windproof and breathable. These Gore-Tex fabrics are actually guaranteed to keep you dry, but how does it work?
The Advantages of Using a Backpacking Water Filter
By: Jeremy Biberdorf | 28/08/2007 | Camping
When you go hiking, one of the most important things that you will bring is fresh drinking water. Next time you go hiking, consider brining a portable water filter instead. You could be saving backpack weight and enjoying the cleanest water available.
Save Money on Newspaper Subscriptions
By: Jeremy Biberdorf | 23/08/2007 | News and Society
In an age of electronic media such as websites, e-mail and cell phones, printed newspaper is still a very popular way to receive news. Spending a dollar at the newsstand everyday adds up though. There are ways to save money on newspapers.
Inflatable Kayak Review - the Best Cheap Kayaks
By: Jeremy Biberdorf | 23/08/2007 | Sports and Fitness
The fastest growing trend in the kayaking industry is clearly the use of inflatable kayaks. Today’s technology makes these inflatable crafts more rugged and maneuverable, while remaining lightweight and portable. Even seasoned kayakers are gradually making the switch to inflatable kayaks.
Bank of America Student Credit Card
By: Jeremy Biberdorf | 02/04/2007 | Credit
One of the most popular student credit cards is the Bank of America Student Visa Platinum Plus Credit Card. Unlike most other student credit cards, a student doesn’t need a cosigner to apply for this Bank of America student credit card. They won’t need to ask their parents to put their credit at risk. In some cases, their parent’s bad credit could even prevent them from getting other student credit cards.
Travel 
