WM microfiber vs. dryloft shell

imported
#1

Anyone have opinions on the differences between microfiber and dryloft shells in Western Mountaineering bags?

Both are described on the WM site as being highly water resistant. The DL is supposedly more water resistant than the MF, but I’m thinking unless the bag gets dunked in a stream, is it really necessary? DL weighs slightly more.

I’m looking at a winter bag, probably the 0 Kodiak, so any precipitation I encounter will be snow or ice, not rain. I’m leaning toward the MF. Comments?

steve hiker

#2

Can’t speak to comparison. In considering my bag I called WM several times, give 'em a ring.

Anyway I just got a Microfiber bag. The fabric is nice a soft. I can’t remember the circumstance, but I did get a little bit of moisture on the bag and it beaded right up. Seems fairly water resistant to me. Not sure what that’s worth. I like the fabric and the bag.

Stuart

#3

One thing I noticed, the DL is made by the Gore-Tex company, which explains its heavier weight and overkill in my opinion on waterproofness. Unless you’re a kayaker, I don’t see how you’d benefit from this material over microfiber, which is supposed to be highly water resistant itself (waterproof for all practical purposes on the trail).

More important to me is breathability, since this is a winter bag I’m looking at. My concern is the DL would not let moisture out as well as the MF. This could result in more ice buildup in the down than in a MF shell, which would be more of a problem than the bag getting “wet” in snow.

I’ve pretty much decided on the microfiber, but throught I’d throw this out for discussion. Also, the DL is heavier than the MF, and more expensive.

steve hiker