Down & damp weather

I'm fairly new to down gear in general. I've always had fleece jackets and synthetic sleeping bags. I now have two nice down sleeping bags, 0° and 30°. Also two down jackets.

I've been lucky to so far always being out in dry weather on trips. But when people say "if you're in damp conditions, go with synthetic". Does this primarily mean you should only avoid down if you think you may get wet, like from showers or dew? Or are you screwed no matter what due to moisture, condensation, etc. even if you're under a good tarp or bombproof tent?

Take care of your down gear and it won't get wet from rain, river crossings, your own sweat, etc. I've been camping all my life with down bags and have never gotten one wet - but I'm careful.

Now, lets discuss humidity which can be in any form of condensation, including fog. If you build or buy a high quality down bag/quilt with a good DWR shell, it will stand up to a foggy night. For weekend warriors like myself, this has no appreciable affect for 2, 3 or 4 nights. However, for long treks or thru hikes, there can be trouble because the weather may not dry out for long periods and the accumulation of moisture will eventually take it's toll.

So, if you're a weekend warrior kind of a backpacker, go with down but take care of it.

I wouldn't worry about it. As Mad777 said just be careful and take care. If you paddle use dry bags. If you hike throw it in a dryer once and a while. I've slept for weeks with dew on my bag and it wasn't a big deal. If it gets very cold as in well below freezing it starts to make a bigger difference in its ability to keep you warm if it gets damp.

bill

As mbiraman said above, I throw down bags in the dryer from time to time (on air fluff, no heat) to fluff them and dry them out. I’ve never had any trouble while I was out. My longest trips have only been in the neighborhood of a week or so… But even if you’re through hiking, you’re going to need to do some laundry eventually.
A little common since goes a long way… take care of it and you’ll be able to enjoy your new down gear for years to come!