Trusted a forum dude about sleeping bags and froze my tail off

Some guy on a hiking sub swore the $40 synthetic bag from a random brand was fine for 35 degree nights. Took it up to the Sierras last March and woke up at 2 AM shivering so bad I couldn't even zip my jacket. Checked the tag after I got home, it was rated for 40 degrees but the fill was all bunched up after one use. I should've just spent the extra $60 on a decent down bag. Anybody else get burned by cheap gear advice from strangers online?

2 comments

2 Comments

anthony_jackson315d ago

That "fill was all bunched up after one use" part is the real story here... nobody talks about how cheap synthetic bags shift their insulation around in the pack, and once that happens you might as well be sleeping under a blanket. Even a decent down bag needs a good stuff sack and some care, but at least the loft stays put when you treat it right.

gray3145d ago

Used to swear by synthetic bags, but you just changed my mind completely.