Polarguard Delta vs. down

imported
#1

Hello all.
just want some advice because i am about to buy my sleeping bag for my Long Trail through hike this summer…

I am torn between insulation, which is better, synthetic polarguard delta or 600 fill down?

Here are the links to the bags i am interested in…

http://www.rei.com/online/store/ProductDisplay?storeId=8000&catalogId=40000008000&productId=47693485&parent_category_rn=4500653&vcat=REI_HP_LD

or

http://www.rei.com/product/47855366.htm?vcat=REI_HP_LD

Conch Shell

#2

The synthetic bag is cheaper ($159 vs. $229) and lighter (45 oz vs 51 oz), so I'd go with that. If price is not a big issue, then you can do better with a high-quality down bag:

Eric

#3

I have both the Helium and the Ultralight, and they are extremely good bags for long distance hiking.

They are pricey if price is a factor, but I’ve that you shouldn’t skimp on your sleeping bag. It should be considered a good long-term investment.

Jeff T

#4

Down bags are cheaper in the long run anyway. Synthetics will lose 5-10 degrees of temperature rating after just 1 year depending on how well you store it. I have a Marmot Mavericks 0 degree polarguard Delta bag which was always stored unstuffed. After 1 year the insulation is bunched up in places and there is no insulation in other places. I just bought a new Marmot Sawtooth 20 degree down bag. The new 20 degree down bag has more loft than the year old zero degree synthetic bag!

Shane

#5

Hey Conch,
I have a few bags now andthe most versatile/cost effective/weight concious bag I have (and like, of course), is a Mountain Hardwear Phantom 32. 800 fill “power” down, 23 oz., EXCEPTIONAL quality throughout, yada, yada, yada…Check it out here.

Sprocket

#6

As an aside…I’ll be leaving for an LT NOBO thru-hike July 5th or so…Hope to see ya 'round. If you want, you can check out the begginings of my journal here::slight_smile:

Sprocket