Ashwin Lewis
The Appalachian Trail is a notoriously wet hike, so it's important to consider a sleeping bag that holds up in wet conditions. Synthetic bags are more water-resistant, but natural down bags are more lightweight and compress to a smaller size. Down bags are generally more expensive, but they often have the best warmth-to-weight ratio. This is because down feathers loft beautifully, trapping heat and insulating the bag. Fill power measures the quality of the down and its lofting capabilities, with higher fill power indicating superior insulation and a better warmth-to-weight ratio. For example, an 850 fill bag will provide better insulation and warmth than a 650 fill bag. When choosing a sleeping bag for the Appalachian Trail, consider the expected temperatures, your budget, and whether you prioritise weight and space savings or water resistance.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Sleeping bag type | Traditional sleeping bag or backpacking quilt |
| Temperature rating | 30°F, 40°F |
| Fill type | Natural down, synthetic, treated natural down |
| Fill power | 550, 650-750, 800+ |
| Weight | Ultralight models weigh 1.5 pounds or less |
| Price | Premium fill and premium weight-savings come at a premium price |
| Warmth-to-weight ratio | Higher fill power equates to a better warmth-to-weight ratio |
| Compressibility | Down bags are more compressible than synthetic bags |
| Insulation when wet | Synthetic bags retain insulation when wet |
| Durability | Down bags are more durable than synthetic bags |
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What You'll Learn
- Sleeping bag fill types: natural down, synthetic, or treated natural down
- Synthetic bags are cheaper, retain warmth when wet, but are heavier
- Down bags are more expensive, have better warmth-to-weight ratios, but don't insulate when wet
- Temperature ratings: 30°F for lower elevation camping, 40°F for summer backpacking
- Sleeping pads: Air Pads and Closed-Cell Foam Mats are lightweight and compact
Sleeping bag fill types: natural down, synthetic, or treated natural down
When choosing a sleeping bag, it's important to consider the type of insulation. The insulation type directly affects the warmth, weight, water resistance, compressibility, and price of sleeping bags.
Natural Down
Down is the insulating soft and fluffy plumage found underneath the exterior feathers of waterfowl such as ducks and geese. Down bags are often more expensive but lighter than their synthetic counterparts. Down bags do not insulate when wet and need to be washed and stored carefully. If you choose a down bag, be sure to look at the fill power. Fill power measures the loft and warmth that down provides—essentially, it indicates overall quality. The higher the fill power, the better the warmth-to-weight ratio. For example, a sleeping bag rated +20°F with 700-fill-power down will be lighter than a +20°F bag using 600-fill-power down.
Synthetic
Synthetic sleeping bags use synthetic insulators, often polyester, and are sometimes blended with down. Synthetic bags do not have the same weight or space-saving properties as down, especially in cold weather, as they are not as easily compressed with a stuff sack. Synthetic bags can still insulate if they get damp and are often less expensive than down bags. Synthetic fills provide warmth even when wet compared to down sleeping bags, which lose their loft when they get wet.
Treated Natural Down
In recent years, manufacturers have started applying hydrophobic treatments to down feathers to address the issue of down getting wet. These treatments allow down to resist light moisture without compromising loft. However, if submerged in water or exposed to heavy rain, even treated down will get wet. Treated down performs better in tests when it comes to its ability to resist water.
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Synthetic bags are cheaper, retain warmth when wet, but are heavier
When choosing a sleeping bag for the Appalachian Trail, there are several factors to consider, including cost, weight, and warmth. Synthetic sleeping bags are a good option for those who want to save money and don't mind carrying a little extra weight. They are perfect for those just starting with car camping or backpacking and are usually cheaper than down sleeping bags. Synthetic bags use synthetic insulators like polyester instead of down, and some bags are a mix of both.
Synthetic sleeping bags retain their ability to insulate when wet, which is a significant advantage over down bags. The Appalachian Trail is notoriously wet, so synthetic bags are a good choice for this particular hike. Synthetic bags can also be easier to clean and dry than down bags, which is worth considering if you plan to be outdoors for extended periods.
However, synthetic bags do have some drawbacks. They are typically heavier and bulkier than down bags, which can be a consideration if you are backpacking and have limited space in your pack. Synthetic bags also don't have the same weight or space-saving properties as down bags, especially in cold weather conditions. Down bags are often more expensive, but they offer a better warmth-to-weight ratio due to the lofting capabilities of down feathers, which trap heat and insulate the bag.
Ultimately, the decision between a synthetic or down sleeping bag depends on your specific needs and preferences. Synthetic bags are a good choice if you're looking for an affordable option that will keep you warm even if it gets wet. However, if weight and packability are more important factors, a down bag might be a better investment. It's essential to carefully research and consider your priorities when choosing the right sleeping bag for your Appalachian Trail adventure.
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Down bags are more expensive, have better warmth-to-weight ratios, but don't insulate when wet
When choosing a sleeping bag, you must consider how and where you'll be using it. Down sleeping bags are considered the gold standard for backpacking as they have a better warmth-to-weight ratio. Down bags are more expensive and lighter than their synthetic counterparts. The insulating plumage of geese or ducks used in down bags loft beautifully, and it's that loft that traps heat and insulates your bag. The more the plumules can expand to hold air, the greater the insulative capacity they have.
Down bags are rated by fill power (FP) – a measurement of how many cubic inches one ounce of down will fill. The higher the fill power, the better the warmth-to-weight ratio. For example, a down sleeping bag with 600 FP will be heavier and bulkier than a bag with 700 FP to achieve the same result. Higher fill power gear is more expensive, with top-of-the-line jackets and sleeping bags using around 900 FP.
Down bags are less durable than synthetic bags and lose their insulating power each time the bag is stuffed. They also need to be washed and stored carefully. The main drawback of down insulation is its tendency to clump up and lose loft when it gets wet, thereby losing its insulation properties. This is a significant consideration for the Appalachian Trail, which is known for being a wet hike. Synthetic bags are more water-resistant and continue to insulate when wet.
However, synthetic insulation will not pack up as small and will weigh more to provide the same level of warmth. Synthetic bags are also less durable and will not retain their loft over the years. Synthetic insulation is much cheaper than down, but it takes a long time to dry and is less compressible. Some manufacturers make sleeping bags with a combination of water-resistant down and synthetic insulation to balance the benefits and drawbacks of both materials.
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Temperature ratings: 30°F for lower elevation camping, 40°F for summer backpacking
When choosing a sleeping bag for the Appalachian Trail, it's important to consider the temperature ratings and whether you want a synthetic or down bag. The temperature rating on a sleeping bag tells you the coldest temperature the manufacturer believes you can stay warm at while inside the bag, assuming you're wearing long underwear.
If you're looking for a sleeping bag with a 30°F temperature rating for lower elevation camping, you might want to consider the Enlightened Equipment Revelation APEX 30. This synthetic quilt uses namesake synthetic insulation and a lack of baffles to give a 30°F limit rating. It comes with a variety of features to keep you warm and comfortable. Alternatively, the Feathered Friends Flicker 40 UL is a versatile option that can be used as a quilt or a fully enclosed hoodless mummy bag. While the 40°F version of this bag is suitable for temperatures above 30°F, Feathered Friends also offers the Flicker in a 30°F version for colder climates.
If you're looking for a sleeping bag with a 40°F temperature rating for summer backpacking, the Feathered Friends Flicker 40 UL is an excellent choice. This bag can be used as a quilt or a fully enclosed hoodless mummy bag, offering protection in a variety of situations. On warmer nights, it can be used as a spread-out blanket, which is also ideal for two people. On colder nights, the full-length zipper allows you to seal it up entirely to trap warm air inside. The Flicker 40 pairs super high loft, 950+ fill power down with a shell made of water-resistant and breathable Pertex Endurance UL.
It's worth noting that down bags are considered the gold standard for backpacking sleeping bags due to their superior warmth-to-weight ratio. Down feathers loft beautifully, trapping heat and insulating your bag. However, down bags are more expensive, lighter, and need to be washed and stored carefully. Synthetic bags, on the other hand, are more affordable, dry faster, and can still provide warmth when damp. They are also better suited for wet conditions, as down bags do not insulate when wet. Ultimately, the decision between synthetic and down comes down to personal preference and the specific needs of your hike.
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Sleeping pads: Air Pads and Closed-Cell Foam Mats are lightweight and compact
When planning a backpacking trip, it is essential to consider the type of backpacker you are and the nature of the trip. If you're an Appalachian Trail (AT) hiker, you'll want to prioritise warmth, weight, comfort, and compactness when it comes to your sleeping system, which includes your sleeping bag and sleeping pad.
Sleeping pads are crucial for providing added protection from the cold ground and helping to retain body heat. Air pads are lightweight, comfortable, and compact, but they tend to be more expensive, especially as they become lighter and more compact. They are also prone to punctures and rips, and fluctuations in temperature may cause them to lose air. Additionally, moisture from breath can get trapped inside, leading to potential bacterial or mould issues. However, field repairs are possible with the appropriate patch kit, and using a hand pump can help prevent moisture buildup.
Closed-cell foam mats, on the other hand, are also lightweight, durable, and inexpensive. They offer consistent insulation in all conditions and are virtually indestructible, making them ideal for rugged outdoor adventures. However, they are less comfortable, relatively stiff and firm, and tend to be bulkier.
When choosing a sleeping pad, consider factors such as comfort, weight, durability, noise level, and R-value, which indicates how well the pad can keep you warm by measuring its resistance to heat loss. The Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Xlite Pad (now the NeoAir Xlite NXT) is a recommended option for the Appalachian Trail.
As for sleeping bags, down bags are considered the gold standard for backpacking due to their superior warmth-to-weight ratio, but they are more expensive and do not insulate when wet. Synthetic bags, on the other hand, are more affordable and can still insulate when damp, making them a good choice for the notoriously wet Appalachian Trail. The Kelty Cosmic Synthetic Fill 20 Degree Backpacking Sleeping Bag is a popular option for thru-hikers on the AT.
Regardless of your choice, a good sleeping system is essential for a comfortable and safe overnight trip on the Appalachian Trail.
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Frequently asked questions
Fill power measures the loft and warmth that down provides—essentially, it indicates overall quality. The higher the fill power, the better the warmth-to-weight ratio.
The Appalachian Trail is notoriously wet. Synthetic fill is more water-resistant, but natural down fill is more lightweight and compresses to a smaller size. Synthetic bags are also cheaper. Down bags are better for insulation and warmth, but they are more expensive. If you opt for a down bag, a higher fill power will provide better insulation and warmth. For a premium model, look for 800-fill power or above.
The temperature rating you should look for depends on the season. For summer backpacking, a rating of 40°F should be suitable. For three-season use, a 30°F rating will be more suitable.
