I'm considering getting my first down bag and would like some advice on whether it would be a good idea. Has anyone used a down bag for military type activities? Was it difficult keeping the bag dry? I don't think I've ever really got my synthetic bag particularly wet even in fairly shite conditions.
It'll need to be reasonably drab colour - currently looking at one of these: http://uk.thenorthface.com/tnf-uk-en/equipment/sleeping-bags/superlight.html (ignoring the lime green inside!)
I would stick with synthetic. I ain't worth the chance. If your bag gets wet on tour or exercise it can ruin your day! There is always room in a bergen for the difference between a down bag and a synthetic one and the weight won't matter much compared to everything else you will have.
I had both but always used my synthetic bag. I've seen lads come a cropper and it ain't funny.
Yes, you need a decent bivvy to try to keep it dry or see above! and in the field you may not get it dry again and have more uncomfortable nights.
I guess this is the real problem, if you got a down bag wet on a week's exercise then you have a bad week, so on a tour it's a whole lot worse :-/
Looks like an upgraded synthetic bag for me then... I already have a Softie 9, any ideas for something to upgrade it?
I already have a Nanok bag from before the Softie, it's completely useless. I think there's too much space around me, so every time I move all the warm air is expelled. Also the hood seems a bit of a primitive design and doesn't really keep my head warm. Also - two zips wtf?
Looking around on the Net, apart from the ubiqiotous Snugpaks I've seen Ajungilak Tyin and Haglofs Zensor. Any experience or thoughts on these? Any others I should consider?
I have one of the old issue bags and they where pretty good. The part that made them good is the "taurpauline" like bottom on them that kept them dry. The down side of this is they weighed about 4kgs and took up most of your bergan. I used mine for undercover nights, such as barns or in the back of a 4 tonner, when I didn't have to carry it on my back. I think the Falkland conflict taught the army a lesson about those bags. They got wet from the top and made for very unpleasant times. They brought out the synthetic bags as used today.
My modern synthetic bag is smaller, lighter and warmer.
It just isn't worth being cold and wet when you do get the chance to get your head down.
