Sea Kayak Trips Bulletin Board

Re: lite loft, down & thoughts

Posted By: Wes Boyd
Date: Friday, 29 January 1999, at 9:01 a.m.

In Response To: lite loft, down & thoughts (Barry Vee)

> I have and use both lite loft and down. My experience with other
> synthetics prior to light loft, (hollow fill and polar guard), kept me in
> a down bag, never a serious "wet" problem but some uncomfortable
> nights due to dampness. The performance of damp liteloft is amazing. There
> are other contrasts and similarities. They are nearly the same in price,
> stuff nearly the same and are nearly equal in insulation to weight ratios.
> Liteloft seems to loft quicker after unstuffing. The down side of liteloft
> may be it's durabillity. I take very good care of my bags. I've given away
> down that was in service for 25 years and still in good shape. Recently
> I've begun to notice the liteloft bag isn't lofting as well as it use to,
> and it isn't as warm. This bag is only fivish years old and has about 80
> nights on the ground. I've tried tossing the bag in a dryer with tennis
> shoes on the air cycle and it didn't help.

Well, let's see -- the busiest camping year I've had recently was 14 nights. Average is closer to nine or ten, although I hope to do better in the future. The old Hollofil bag dates back to the seventies, sometime; I know I bought it after I got married, anyway. Really, when you stop and think about it, 80 nights over 5 to 7 years ain't that bad. Hmmmm. I really don't get out in that difficult a conditions, although I prefer a warmer bag since I tend to sleep cold.

> oh..and color! If you live near one check out REI brand bags (made in
> china like most others). I've found them to be a good value when purchased
> on sale.

Good thought. I'm not in a big rush, and there is an REI within a hundred miles or so, and I'll probably get there sometime.

I can see there are some concerns about liteloft since it appears to be rather controversial, and apparently rather fragile. Fortunately, I've still got some time to work this out, and the old bag will do for another trip or two if needed.

Sure wish I was going to Elkhorn with you guys, but the drive from Michigan is a little too much for a day trip.

-- Wes

Messages In This Thread

Sleeping bags for camping
Wes Boyd -- Sunday, 24 January 1999, at 8:16 p.m.

Re: Sleeping bags for camping
Mike Scarborough -- Sunday, 24 January 1999, at 8:26 p.m.

Re: Sleeping bags for camping
Liz Leedham -- Monday, 25 January 1999, at 9:08 a.m.

Re: Sleeping bags for camping
Nick Schade -- Monday, 25 January 1999, at 9:39 a.m.

Re: Sleeping bags for camping
Randy Knauff -- Monday, 25 January 1999, at 1:50 p.m.

for what it's worth...
Rick C. -- Monday, 25 January 1999, at 11:51 p.m.

Re: Sleeping bags for camping
John Lange -- Tuesday, 26 January 1999, at 2:58 p.m.

Re: Sleeping bags for camping
Larry C. -- Tuesday, 26 January 1999, at 6:16 p.m.

Re: Sleeping bags for camping
Nick Schade -- Wednesday, 27 January 1999, at 9:25 a.m.

lite loft, down & thoughts
Barry Vee -- Friday, 29 January 1999, at 1:03 a.m.

Re: lite loft, down & thoughts
Wes Boyd -- Friday, 29 January 1999, at 9:01 a.m.

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