Something to be aware of is that modern lightweight synthetic insulation loses 50% of its loft very quickly after repeated or prolonged compression. Tests have shown 30% within a few weeks, the next 20% a little slower. The filaments are made of melted, extruded thermoplastic, which moulds itself into a flatter, less springy shape under pressure. This also applies to puffy jackets. This can happen very quickly indeed if the bag is compressed tightly when very warm, say after tumble drying or heating up in the sun. So a three season bag becomes a two season bag, with the same weight of filling. Down also suffers but is much more resilient and puts up with repeated compression for years. To avoid a down or synthetic sleeping bag becoming damp from your body in very cold conditions you can use a vapour barrier liner. Remember that many/most sleeping bags are kept tightly packed in the shops for maybe months before you buy them.
Nice video .. Im a synthetic guy.. Here in Norway its damp atmosphere in summer and in winter its freezing .. With synthetic quad fill technology they've come along way.. but you cant beat down for pack size
Thank you, yeah that's fair enough when living in Norway, such a beautiful country as well. was planning a trip there. Yeah they both have their pros and cons but depends what suits your environment :)
I love your videos together. It really makes me wish I would have had being outside to share with my Dad. It is so heart warming. Your comparisons are so cool. Take care
So funny and informative. My daughter is Beckys age and when Becky said she wasn't smelling your sleeping bag "down there" we had such a good laugh! 😂 thanks guys! 🙏🏼
The only thing that I don't like about the down, is that you not only lose feathers, but also sometimes they jab you into feeling uncomfortable. I live in a much colder climate (Cascade Mountains near by), so I went with the Corinthian 6 as part of my survival gear with a Savotta M Camo backpack. After seeing so many reviews on sleeping bags, it's really hard to judge which to go with, but I have found that the Corinthian is well made and has a very robust zipper configuration, which really swayed my answer. It's not uncommon for the mountains here to get 20 below at times, and warmth is definitely a choice of survival. I also recommend stocking up on foods that last (costs are always going up) and other survival equipment. I could not find an affordable quality gas mask... as you never know if nuclear will ever be an option that they may take. Be ready for anything now days and don't count on the governments!
Every now and then in the shower I find what I think is a painfull pimple. It turns out to be a down quill that somehow penetrated skin and tried to migrate, getting infected. I do not use as much down anymore, and I think I found the culprit.
Ive tried drying a down bag in -24 deg celcius.. its not easy to beat the ice out of.. 1 or 2 nights is ok.. but by day 4 a down bags retaining moisture from your body.. But thats just my expierence... So I too only use synthetic
If you need a bag for one, maybe two nights, and size/weight is an important factor (through hiking, etc), down is a good choice. If you know in advance that you will be out in inclement weather, or as PREPFORIT, lilevil, and Atctic Wolf pointed out on extended trips, the performance of down WILL diminish as moisture accumulates. Long term, synthetic doesn't work it's way through the fabric, or settle unevenly in pockets as down is prone to. In winter, I carry most of my gear on a pulk, so the size or weight of my sleeping kit is not an issue compared to carrying it in or on a ruck.
My Canadian army and Korean army down sleeping bags breath very well and I havent ever experienced this mythical idea of the dangers of a down bag. However, poor breathability of the fabric of a sleeping bag does create the ice cube effect.
I'm a big believer in down bags. Yes, synthetic bags can keep you (at least somewhat) warm if they are wet, but down is very warm, light, packs down wonderfully, and it lasts longer! I'm willing to bet that after the fill in your dad's bag has started clumping up and creating cold spots, your bag will still be fluffy and warm. I also use my side zip down bag in my hammock without any problems. Cheers, Gareth
I'll take the extra bulk and weight in southern Ontario. It's either humid or damp cold. I also like the idea of having my pad in the bag which the extra room allows.
Older guys DO get up more often due to constricting bladder volume tissues become less elastic or as the prostate gland enlarges. Becky would do well to familiarize herself with the basic product vocabulary: loft, insulation/R-value; draft tube, baffle; the technical description of the down... and the name of the polyfill on Bushwhacker Man's bag. How about condensation INSIDE each bag. I noticed my polyfill bags' insulation materials tended to move a bit or to compress a different rates in different places, producing cold spots. Entertaining idea nonetheless!
According to online specks the "Carinthia's Defence 4" is rated down to -15°c and the Rab Ascent 900 duck down to -18°c. Long-term durability and versatility synthetic might have an advantage...
Great comparisons of bags. I ve had the US military sleep system for about 3 yrs and love it. Many options reversal 4 seasons. Love seeing these comparsions of similar products yall use. Reflects your styles of camping and bushcrafting. Be safe and have fun becky ----joe
Another Canuck here - I have a couple of Carinthia sleeping bags and I swear by them. Between a D4 and Tropen, every season is covered very well. They are more bulky and heavier than down, the Tropen less so, which is the price one pays to have something that works after getting more than just slightly damp. Carinthia compression sacks are a fantastic and often under-rated bonus with their sleeping kit.
I have both down and synthetic, I will choose a down bag over synthetic everyday, especially in the extreme cold weather of Northern Wisconsin. Awesome exit test! I don't think I ever had to go that bad though!!
Nice video, so cool. My sleep system so different, designed to absorb moisture. A combination of terry cloth and cotton, with a straight up beach towel as a pillow. Sleeping on it, not in it, like sleeping on a sponge, haha so one doesn't wake in a pool of sweat. Some can't handle the cold, some can't handle the heat. Luv you guys, stay cool.
The synthetic bag is functional and less fussy, but I use my down bag more often, and is my bag of choice when backpacking. A down bag does need more looking-after, but with care it will keep you toasty for years of happy camping/hiking. Becky has (is) a winner. Cheers.
How do the two bags compare in weight? -- For winter camping I used to use an old WWII U.S. Army goose down mummy bag, and when it was real cold I would put a North Face goose down mummy bag inside of it. It was quite heavy, but super warm. In that setup I once slept on the ground in the Nevada desert. When I woke up in the morning it had snowed and I was buried under 2 foot of snow. With the extra insulation of the snow I was "too warm" and woke up sweating.
I looked them both up; The Rab 900 is 3.29 lbs (1492 grams), 0F degrees (-17.7C). The Carinthia Defense 4 Large is 4.40 lbs (2000 grams), 5F degrees (-15C). The Rab is lighter and warmer, but quite a bit more expensive than the Carinthia. I like the duel wind flaps over the Carinthia zipper.
love the interaction you two have..Dont loose it... My first bag was an old grey woollen red cross bag, centre zip and I could totally zip myself away inside it..It had a huge user instruction label stitched to the side. ..Had it for many years on cub and scout camps in the 60s ...I did have a cotton inner liner that my mum ran up on the old treadle singer sowing machine ...without the cotton liner it did get a bit chilly in spring and autumn...for my money I preferred down filled bags ideally goose rather than duck. But as was pointed out They dont like getting wet and they weigh heavy ...so made sure I was in a dry zone whenever I went out.
Bushwacker Man, I didn't know, I check it out:) and subscribed. Bushwhacker Man's bag looked more rugged and durable, but Becky's looked more comfortable maybe, IDK... it's a toss up.
Down or synthetic, side zip or center, water resistant or untreated, lightweight or heavier outer shell. There is really no perfect sleeping bag for all seasons or occasions. I keep several bags on hand for different circumstances. That being said I will always be on team Becky's side. Sorry Bushwacker Man. Love the comparison videos. Very funny. BTW: Becky if you do decide to wash your bag use Nikwax Down wash and then Down Proof. It will clean and then make it water resistant. Good stuff.
Very true, theres always a right sleeping bag for the environment. Thank you very much, that's very useful i was wondering how you wash down bags, taek care :)
I enjoyed this review! In my experience down just cannot be ever beaten Yes the artificial has certain advantages in wet or humid or washing conds But gram for gram down just cannot ever be beaten aswell as its more natural feeling of comfort I had a mixed goose n duck down 70% goose to duck for resistances from scrunching! Etc Duck is more resistant but you can get waterproof down treatments now that waterproof the feather itself!!! So for me down is best in winter For kayaking or wet conds use artificial top cover with light down cover or duvet down cant be beaten against your body Carinthia has a faster zip cuz it was designed for uses bye the military Down is still very much superior in my books You just have to keep it dry only Or place it in a goretex outer bag cover Bivi Or use silk or fleece liner to keep it clean If you wash it use only natural oils n detergents do not leach the feather of its natural oils As feather shafts can break become brittle If washed to harshly I see a place for both bags Are good But if i had to make a choices a down bag is superior always!!! I had a caravan s bag worth over £700 In 1980 Its the best bag i ever had now the co is named nordiska or northern feather leisure they make some of the best bags for expedition uses I walked coast to coast across scotland in it in mid winter blizzards atop cairngorms or ben nevis etc Remote areas in deep mid winter feb ice climbing etc And doing mt leadership or mt rescue training it Never once failed me in all every condition You just need to keep them dry only Thats easy to do For the superior benefits down awards you I am not impressed bye artificial fabrics as all of them are based upon the petro chemical industries if you stand next to a roaring fire or a log burner in a bothy In polyester thermal underwear its dangerous I have seen someone carted off to hospital from a remote scottish bothy once who was warming his legs up bye an open fire he felt searing heat suddenly then as polyester melted onto his legs Giving him burns to his legs etc The other thing is that polyester overheats in natural sunlight Making it less breathable less comfy to wear in direct sunlight The textile ind has spent billions of pounds trying to make plastics comfortable to wear But the very best natural fabrics or materials still have the edges over all of them? In my own opinions!! Im reverting to all natural Or natural artificial combos Like poly cottons But ventile Silk wool down canvases leather still cannot be beaten!!
Each to their own but I’d never go back to down bags...they’re a pain to wash and dry.. I have 3 Snugpak military synthetic bags but really like the look of Carinthia’s Defence series...the Snugpak zips always snag and that’s really annoying if you have to get out in a hurry. I’ve written to Snugpak about it, hopefully they’ll consider addressing that issue for future versions but for military sleeping bags a non snag zip is to me an essential feature that should be taken seriously. if I get a new bag it will be the Defence 1 or 4.. thanks guys...
Hey great video! I have both down bags and synthetic. I have the defense 4 that you shown here and it's the best bag I've ever been inside. It's heavy though so you just have to accept that. I've tried and Tried with down and it always gets cold from moisture when I'm forced to spend all day in my tent in storms.
HF, That’s what I was looking for. I’m on Canada’s wet coast. Where weather conditions, run the full range. Sea level, to above the trees, with soaking wet forests, need a versatile bag. Have you had the pleasure, to compare the Corinthian bag, with the English army bag. Especially in wet conditions. The English bag sounds very close to the C, but at a fraction the price.
"Yeah, far better..." "...and a pretty bag as well." Good for you, Becky. Your bag doesn't have some of the amenities of your dad's bag (center zip, reversibility, etc.) but it better delivers what a sleeping bag is meant to deliver: compressible warmth & snugly comfort. Hike on.
I got a carinthin from a local car boot. Very expensive new but plcked it up for £12.00 . I did not like it myself because of the neck opening. . Keep up the good work.
great reviews and comparison, i'm looking for a good 4 season bag, the rab 900 would be my choice i think, if i can get one for right hand opening, and being 5'7 only in height, looks like it won't be too big, great work guys
Good review and of course we know you're both out there using them. Love the father / daughter banter.... we're the same in our house 😂 Great stuff, cheers 👍
Down bag with a Goretex bivvy bag.Not only does the bivvy bag keep the down bag dry and breathable it also adds insulation and keeps the outside of the bag clean.Down bags can last a lifetime.
Very good!👍😄 I did not even know that there was this Carinthia model! 😮 I think it must be due to the temperatures here in Brazil!🤔 Thank you for sharing this kind of information! ✌😉
Yes it was a bargain but not for me, passed it on to one of my scouts. He was really chuffed. Anyway keep up the excellent work that you are doing. A. T. B.
Uuuhhh...Down vs. Synthetic. There was a very intense discussion about this question here in Germany earlier this year. There´s one RU-vid-Chanel arguing very intense against Synthetic sleepingbags, especially the Defence 4.
Just trying to inspire you to do it. Age wise I'm way past my prime but I really enjoy videos from others doing it. Seems to me like these long hikes are like a once in a lifetime experience. For me I can only enjoy it through your video's.
u say camera I say maybe your eye sight only joking with you , don't mind me I love being cheeky its a gift or the Irish in me , still looks pink maybe you washed it too many times :P
Hey guys great video and comparison, I may have missed it somewhere but would it be possible to get a link to Bushwacker man's sleeping bag thank you very much and as always safe travels to you
hello you and your dad are great together . but i must say for stealthyness quick to get out reversable and quick drying mr bushwackers bag wins for me . if a want a duvet i take mine from the bed lol enjoy the great out doors x
That was really entertaining. Loved the banter between you both. I’ve got to say though I like my feather duvet at home but I do prefer a synthetic bag. Sorry Becky. Just tell your dad I think synthetic bags are for wimps lol.
lol Love the playful banter with you and your dad. Specially the evil eye you gave him with he called your rubbish..lol You guys are great love watching your videos. I think it would be a great time camping with you guys. Great review on each different bag. Keep up the great work.. :)
Most quality down bags nowadays are treated to make them water resistant so they retain their loft and warmth. I bet Bushwacker Dad would like it if it came in olive drab.