Sea Kayak Trips Bulletin Board

Re: Sleeping bags for camping

Posted By: Larry C.
Date: Wednesday, 27 January 1999, at 8:01 p.m.

> That is my down bag also. It is a nice bag. I take it if space is at a
> premium.

> But on lake shores where there is fog or temperatures near the dew point,
> your sweat (1 pound a night) will keep your bag wet. Compared to most
> materials I think wet down feels better, but wet light loft (polypro)
> feels better than wet down.

You guys keep talking about wet down. I dont know what that is!! I have been using down bags for 30 years in all four seasons and I have NEVER slept in a wet sleeping bag. I know that sweat vapor will degrade the loft of any insulating material in a sleeping bag and it is accumulative with successive nights usage. I control excessive perspiration by venting with the zipper, not breathing in the bag, and in the case of my Blue Kazoo, shifting down according to temp. If the temps are below +20F I use a vapor barrier liner which eliminates the vapor problem. The VBL is not practical for 3 season paddling trips. There are other ways of controling moisture buildup in any bag. one that seams to help: when getting out of your bag on that cold damp morning, Immediately squeeze all the air out of your bag. This helps prevent the warm moisture laden air from condensing as it cools. I just sleep better in a down bag and dont worry about getting it wet( I protect it like my camera) and when I carry the 2# football sized bundle of warmth on a portage my back thanks me. To each his own!!!

Larry C.

Messages In This Thread

Re: Sleeping bags for camping
Larry C. -- Wednesday, 27 January 1999, at 8:01 p.m.

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