Down versus synthetic is the debate of the century and perhaps far more entertaining than the current political affairs, at least for the outdoorsy type that spend their free time talking shop at the local outfitter over arguing the McCain Obama debate.
If you walk into any outdoors store and ask the time told question down versus synthetic you will get varied answers, but each with carry a fast and strong opinion and after an evening intense debating of which fill was the best I decided it was time to weigh the options!
Each contender in this battle royal has pros and cons to tilt or sway your opinion and since I am Girl vs. Wild lets get debating!
First up in the debate is down. Now down is said to be the warmest insulation on the market which does make since. Think about it, God didn’t make ducks or any fowl for the matter out of synthetic. They are all protected by fluffy down feathers and they stay warm in the coldest of temperatures.
Down will also hold its shape or loft better over time, but you must keep in mind the care instructions for down do require a bit more effort. You can not throw a down bag or jacket of any sort into the washing machine at home like you can synthetic. They do require special care at a dry cleaners.
Down wicks moisture away and does allow it to evaporate, however once the down is wet it does take awhile to dry. If you find yourself in moist, wet, or humid conditions down, basically anywhere in Oklahoma down might not be your friend.
Down packs compact as well and in most cases weighs less that it’s synthetic counterpart. When backpacking for me every ounce counts and if I can shed weight in certain areas of my pack I will take every opportunity I get.
For synthetic the facts top of the mark as well so before jumping on the down ban wagon take these into account.
Test have shown synthetic is more water resistant than down and dries relatively quick. Synthetics pride themselves in the Primaloft technology that coats each fiber with a permanent water repellant agent.
Synthetic usually costs less than it’s down equal. I did some research to see how the prices might vary and a 15 degree bags with down fill on Marmot.com starts at $199 and the synthetic 15 degree bags start $89. If price is important to you this might be a deciding factor.
Synthetic is also hypo allergenic. People do have allergies and some are allergic to down making the option of a synthetic best for them.
The facts are out and now it’s time to decide wether its pack weight, ultimate warmth, water repellence, or the bottom line price! Make you vote and get camping!
For more on the down versus synthetic debate head to Newsok.com/multimedia and listen to the featured Outdoors & Environment podcast.
Girl vs. Wild,
Jacquelyn Farris