Gear

I'm looking for a lightweight sleeping bag for 3 season use that has a small pack size.  What are the best options these days?

Thanks,

-Andy

What's longevity like with down compared to synthetic?  How long will a down bag last if properly cared for?

I was looking at one of the Mountain Equipment Xero bags online.  They look amazing.  Does anyone know if they come with a compression bag?

-Andy

My first down bag was a Mountain Equipment Lightline and that had pretty heavy use for more than 15 years, yet seemed as good to me when I sold it as when I bought it. It had been used with a silk liner and also washed a few times, which maintains performance. Other people have had down bags for much longer.

I'm not to sure on the longevity of modern synthetic bags, but from my experience with synthetic filled clothing I'd be surprised if they maintain their peak insulation performance for more than a few years.

Goose-Down has a useful life of 20+ years.  IF you look after it!

Synthetic jackets (Thinsulate or Primaloft) seem to have a suggested life of 4-6 years.  This was from speaking to a few manufacturers but it also assumes a harsh life from rucksack strap compression etc.  Synthetic sleeping bags may last a bit longer but not close to goose-down.

My father has an old British Antarctic Survey issue sleeping bag that was made in the mid 1960s.  It is a real beast!  OK, so it is probably a bit past its best but it still has loads of loft left in the down.  It went with me to Canada a few years back and was great.

Rules to look after goose-down:-

1.  Never store it compresses for long periond of time.  Store loose and in a place where it can air too.

2.  Keep it as dry as possible both in use and when stored.  Some say you can get down wet with no real problems but I disagree.  If it does get wet you'll need to completely dry it as soon as possible.

3.  Clean carefully.  I'd suggest a professional cleaning service because tumbledrying can take days!  It is expensice but worth it.

James

Sounds like I just need to bite the bullet and go with down.

-Andy

I've used down bags in the past for sleeping out in really cold (-25C) conditions, but I've never owned one for summer use.  At the time, I didn't consider weight and pack size like I do now.  Plus, when it's that cold, you carry what works.

I was thinking synthetic to save a little money, and I figured it would do better than down if it got damp.  Plus, synthetic is all I've ever had for summer use.  Down is making a lot more sense now.  Thanks for all the input.

I've seen a Mtn Hardwear Lamina 35 packed down, and it was pretty small.  It just weighs more than I'd like.

There's probably a Xero in my future.

-Andy

To keep to the orignal question without *** about down:

Ajungilak 3-season kompakt