I need an under quilt…but allergic to down:(

**Towellie** · 09-29-2011, 07:30

Synthetic insulation is bulkier, heavier, and less effective period. It is without a doubt an inferior insulation in every way, except if it gets wet, which I can't ever remember dunking my sleeping bag in the creek, which is always stuffed in a dry bag. As a matter of fact in the decade I've been backpacking (many more times per year than the avg packer) I've never gotten my sleeping bag wet once, ever. Don't swim with it and don't sleep in a creek and your bag won't get soaked.

Here is a video showing the HUGE difference between a high-end 20F synthetic bag and a high-end 20F down bag -----> COMPARISON

If properly cared for down lasts forever, synthetic doesn't. The only reason to ever have a synthetic over a down bag is cost. If you can't afford down, get some synthetic and get out in the woods anyway, but I promise you, once you experience down, there is nothing else.

**Raul Perez** · 09-29-2011, 07:38

Originally Posted by Towellie

Synthetic insulation is bulkier, heavier, and less effective period. It is without a doubt an inferior insulation in every way, except if it gets wet, which I can't ever remember dunking my sleeping bag in the creek, which is always stuffed in a dry bag. As a matter of fact in the decade I've been backpacking (many more times per year than the avg packer) I've never gotten my sleeping bag wet once, ever. Don't swim with it and don't sleep in a creek and your bag won't get soaked.

Here is a video showing the HUGE difference between a high-end 20F synthetic bag and a high-end 20F down bag -----> COMPARISON

If properly cared for down lasts forever, synthetic doesn't. The only reason to ever have a synthetic over a down bag is cost. If you can't afford down, get some synthetic and get out in the woods anyway, but I promise you, once you experience down, there is nothing else.

All I can think of is.... ditto.

**Jcavenagh** · 09-30-2011, 16:43

The KAQ Potomac is syntheic fill and fits well on a WBBB 1.7 dbl. I know this is true because it is what I use.

**DaleW** · 10-02-2011, 22:05

I just got a Wilderness Logics 3/4 synthetic underquilt and I am very pleased. It will be all I need for Summer use ans I plan on combining it with other insulation for colder weather. I think it is an excellent bargain at $95. The workmanship is excellent, as well as the service. The photo really doesn't do it justice--- it looks just like a shorter version of the full length UQ they offer. I was able to adjust it to my Hennessy Expedition Zip in a couple minutes.

http://wildernesslogics.com/Under-Qu...-Quilt-SYN.htm

As far as down vs. synthetic fill:

Down usually has higher loft for the weight
Down is dead if you get it wet
Synthetic lends itself to other construction techniques
Synthetic can be wrung out and will dry better in the field
Synthetic is tougher and batt-constructed items won't leak like down if ripped
Synthetic costs less in general
Down can retain its loft longer
Down can have allergy issues

I hike in the Cascades and Olympics, with a wet, humid climate with little direct sun. If down gets wet here, you can count on being able to lay it out in the sun to dry-- it stays wet and clumped until you can get it to a big dryer. If you have to compress wet down for travel, it will be like concrete. You will have a slight weight penalty with synthetic fills and some don't have as long a service life as a quality down item. All my clothing and sleeping insulation is synthetic. I don't typically camp in conditions below 20F.

I prefer synthetic for rough, wet, lowland conditions above freezing or where cost savings are a priority. I would prefer down for high altitude, sub-freezing, low precipitation conditions or where weight is the highest priority.

**MrClockWork** · 10-31-2011, 20:13

Originally Posted by exup

My vote is Arrowhead equipment as well. I have a top quilt made by a friend using apex climashield insulation. The stuff is pretty darn good. Very compressable and only weighs 15oz for a 40 degrees quilt. That's not much more than down would weigh or be rated.

Do you know what Apex Climashield your friend used to get around 40 degrees?

**HomeMadeHiker** · 10-31-2011, 20:22

You might need to become a DIY-er. Primaloft is as close to down as your gonna get. Quest outfitters sells it.
Arrowhead equipment does Synthetic quilts.
Or Leighlo (member name) might be able to customize something up for ya.
http://leighlounderquilts.webs.com/

**Towellie** · 10-31-2011, 21:45

Originally Posted by HomeMadeHiker

You might need to become a DIY-er. Primaloft is as close to down as your gonna get. Quest outfitters sells it.
Arrowhead equipment does Synthetic quilts.
Or Leighlo (member name) might be able to customize something up for ya.
http://leighlounderquilts.webs.com/

Still pimpin' Leighlo huh?