Down or synthetic?

[barchetta]

I would really like to see a packed size comparison.
The price difference is quite substantial enough that the few ounces wouldn't matter if pack size was negligible .

In my experience the pack size for synthetic is always quite a bit bigger

[Zilla]

I have always found my down to hold up better over the years…with proper care.
My 4¢ worth……
Shug

I agree,and you can be sure that Shug gets alot of use out of his gear!, just look at how long he has been draggin around that frankenquilt, and i am pretty sure that it is down..

[_jstevens2010_]

We love his Franken-Quilt! I wish I was a DIY type.

[Moondoggy]

Down does compress down smaller ! I use my 3/4 down in summer and my full synthetic in winter!

[sr1355]

Down hands down will last longer, that's part of why it is more expensive, as it is a durable. With proper care & storage, i.e. washing, it will last a life time, or at least until the fabric wears out. People usually see a loss of loft and assume the down is getting old, just give it a good proper wash and dry it properly, it will be back to good as new. I have 20 yr old sleeping bags that have just as much loft now as when purchased. I washed them once a year when I was using them and they performed great.

Just how durable is down, there are plenty of folks here that recycle down out of 30 yr old gear. There has been discussion in the down industry of recycling down due to rapid cost increase of high fill power down. I think we will see it in the future as it becomes a viable option for business to help keep cost down for the consumers.

http://www.backpacker.com/gear/ask_kristin/293

[Ghilliechef]

Now we have to pay attention to whether the down is rated GOLD , SILVER or BRONZE for 2014 .