Sleeping Bags--Down ups and downs

I can remember my father pulling out his ancient military sleeping bags for our camping trips. They were always green and filled with down feathers. Most of the time, even though I thought they were "flat" and wouldn't do the job, they always surprised me and kept me toast warm.

Let's look at the types of down which you can find on the label.

• Down-fill referes to the loft and has various ratings: good loft 550, better loft 650, and very lofty and fluffy 750.


• Goose down comes from geese, obviously. Geese live in colder areas and provide the best down: longer feathers and better insulating.


• Water fowl down usually consists of a mis of duck and goose plumes

Pros:

• Light, warm, and compressible, down gives a warmth that is easy to carry on the back and fit in a small space when stored.


• Down sleeping bags will last for 20 to 30 years if you take care of them.


• Down feels good. It's soft, light and very breathable, which you can't quite match with a synthetic.

Be sure to follow directions on care. A clean, aired out bag, stored properly could last a life time of camping.

Cons:

• Expensive! Down bags under $200 are not worth it.


• Don't get it wet! A wet down sleeping bag is a worthless sleeping bag. It dries out quickly, but that won't do if it's pouring rain, your bag is sopping wet, and it's 10 degrees Faherenheit with a wind.