The Down-Low on Down

When shopping for a new sleeping bag it is what’s on the inside that matters. 

The choice between down and synthetic insulation will impact warmth, weight, water resistance, packing space, and price differently, so understanding these options can make all the difference for a cosy and comfortable outdoor experience.

Down Insulation

Down is the soft plumage under the feathers of ducks or geese. It is highly valued for its warmth, lightweight feel, and compressibility. It’s ideal for cold, dry conditions where weight and space are key. Goose down is seen as the premium down with fill-power ratings as high as 900, trapping more heat with less bulk, however, the price point for goose can be significantly higher than dick, which offers all the benefits of down fill without making such a huge dent in the wallet. 

Down fill loses insulation if wet, although Durable Water Repellant (DWR) treatments and sprays like Nikwax can help with resistance in damp conditions. 

Down pros:

• Excellent warmth-to-weight ratio
• Compresses easily
• Very durable

Down cons:

• Loses insulation when wet
• More expensive
• Specialist cleaning care required

Synthetic Insulation

Synthetic insulation, typically polyester, excels in damp conditions, staying warm even when wet and drying quickly. While down fill is viewed as premium, synthetic technology continues to make huge advancements in development, refining the fibres inside sleeping bags to become lighter and warmer. 

While not as compressible as down (yet), synthetic sleeping bag options are hypoallergenic, durable, and usually more affordable.

Synthetic pros:

• Insulates even when wet
• Less expensive
• Hypoallergenic
• Vegan

Synthetic cons:

• Heavier and bulkier
• Less warmth-to-weight efficiency
• Reduces insulation power over time

Weigh up your options, taking into consideration where you use a sleeping bag the most often, and in what season. A synthetic bag will likely be more appealing to those to venture out to a campground over summer, whereas for a hiker fitting everything into a pack, a down sleeping bag is preferable for both size and weight. 

Get the right bag for you, and get outdoors!