Question about down vs synthetic bags in wet conditions

I tested a 650 fill down bag against a synthetic one on a 4 day trip in Olympic National Park with rain every day. The synthetic bag stayed warm even when damp, the down bag turned into a wet mess by night three. Am I missing something with treating down, or is synthetic just the way to go for PNW trips?

2 comments

2 Comments

miller.avery28d ago

Look, you just learned the $300 lesson that every PNW hiker learns eventually. That down bag is basically a very expensive sponge once the humidity hits 90% for three days straight. Olympic rain isn't regular rain, it's that misty wet blanket that finds its way into every zipper and seam. I've seen guys treat their down bags with Nikwax and still end up sleeping in a damp puffball by night two. Your synthetic bag saved you from a cold, miserable fourth night. Welcome to the club where we all have a synthetic bag for the coast and a down bag for the dry side of the mountains.

emerychen28d ago

Oh great, so I spent all that money on a "premium" down bag just to learn it turns into a soggy pillow by day three. Thanks @miller.avery for confirming what I already suspected - my down bag is basically a fancy sponge with a price tag. I guess I'll keep it for the rare desert trips and admit defeat on the wet coast. At least my synthetic bag didn't complain when I stuffed it in the tent while dripping. The real question is whether my wife will let me buy another bag or if I'm sleeping in the car next time.