Choosing the best sleeping bag for camping adventures requires attention to a few details. You may tailor your purchase to your requirements by considering various parameters, including insulation, compression, cost, weight, etc. So, what is the difference between a down and a synthetic sleeping bag, and how do you choose?
Down sleeping bags consist of the fluffy plumage layer between a duck or goose’s feathers and skin. Down offers exceptional insulation. Synthetic down replicas made from plastic fibers are used in synthetic sleeping bags, making them much more water-resistant than down.
If you’re planning a backpacking or camping trip and are unsure whether to get a down or a synthetic sleeping bag, you’ve come to the right place! We’ll break down the key distinctions between a down and a synthetic sleeping bag so you can make an informed decision.
So want to see how a down vs synthetic sleeping bag compares? Read on!
Down Vs. Synthetic Sleeping Bags: Which Is Better?
Everything hinges on what you expect from the sleeping bag. What are your main requirements? The insulation’s efficiency isn’t the only thing that will shift, though; durability and cost will be too. You should know what the sleeping bag’s filling offers if you intend to get one that lasts long and will serve you well.
It’s imperative to understand the difference between a down sleeping bag and a synthetic one if you wish to go camping, hiking, or backpacking. The last thing you want is an uncomfortable sleeping experience throughout your outdoor adventure.
Sleeping Bag Description & Characteristics
Before we compare synthetic and down sleeping bags, let’s learn what they are and which characteristics set these two materials apart.
Down Sleeping Bags
Contrary to popular belief, down is not simply a collection of feathers but rather the fluffy (plumage) layer between the duck or goose’s skin and feathers. Downy filaments (that extend from the plume) trap air, keeping the birds warm.
This means that the production of down is a labor-intensive and time-consuming process. However, it also makes it an excellent method of combating and avoiding the cold. The filling power is a common metric for down. This is a reference to the insulating properties of the down.
The range of typical fill powers ranges from 450-900. A product provides greater insulation with a higher fill power. “Fill power” refers to the ratio of cubic inches to warmth in ounces. For instance, 550-fill power down means it will warm up 550 cubic inches of safe for every ounce.
Having a higher fill power means that less down is needed to get the same level of warmth as a lower fill power; this, however, does not automatically imply that a 900-fill power bag is warmer than the 550-fill power sleeping bag.
Therefore, a sleeping bag with a higher fill power will insulate more effectively and be lighter. The only catch is that a down sleeping bag is rather pricey. It might get expensive once you go for a sleeping bag with 800 down and over.
This is why campers and hikers in chilly regions often opt for a down sleeping bag like this ECOOPRO Down Sleeping Bag. It serves various purposes and is often rather lightweight. The only real drawback is the higher price tag and the fact that it becomes useless when wet.
Synthetic Sleeping Bags
You might argue that synthetic attempts to replicate down by employing plastic fibers rather than real fluffy feathers. You may choose between tiny, long filaments that trap air well but lack compressibility and short staple fibers that resemble the “3D structure” of down with outstanding durability and compression.
You can find alternatives to down inside synthetic sleeping bags that appear and feel like down and provide about as much warmth but don’t last as long. You’ll also notice threaded plastic. This doesn’t look or feel like down but is warmer than staple fibers and may be found in many common products.
Synthetics are one-of-a-kind because of their ability to repel water, dry quickly, and alleviate allergy symptoms. And the best part is that it usually doesn’t cost too much, so you can get a sleeping bag that will last without breaking the bank.
One drawback of synthetic bags is their weight (because it requires more filling to get the same heat level as a naturally insulating product.
However, this works to its benefit in hot climates, which makes it an excellent choice for anyone who needs a sleeping bag like this Hyke & Byke Hiking & Backpacking Sleeping Bag in, say, a desert or tropical setting.
Down and Synthetic Sleeping Bags Compared For Durability
Both options are equally effective in this respect, which is to say, the sleeping bag’s overall durability is of the utmost importance.
Down Sleeping Bags
A well-cared-for down sleeping bag may serve you well for several decades. All you need to do is keep up with frequent washings and avoid tearing the armored material.
However, down often deteriorates and loses effectiveness with time. A down loses some of its insulating properties as time passes since it is made from natural materials.
When the going gets rough, it also tends to shed a lot of feathers quickly and perform poorly.
For instance, if you go for a down that doesn’t rip or tear, you can rest assured that you have a durable and trustworthy sleeping bag such as the Kelty Cosmic 20 Degree 550 Down Fill Sleeping Bag for 3 Season Camping. It will serve you well for longer than the average alternative and could continue functioning adequately after the fabric has been torn.
Synthetic Sleeping Bags
In contrast to down, synthetic somehow does not deteriorate with time.
It also can protect against harm brought on by moisture. For example, suppose you’re camping in a warm climate. In that case, synthetic sleeping bags such as the Hyke & Byke Katahdin 0 F Hiking & Backpacking Sleeping Bag (4 Seasons) prevent moisture from accumulating in their various layers for as long as it would in a cotton one.
Synthetic sleeping bags also require less maintenance than down sleeping bags.
Down Vs. Synthetic Sleeping Bag: Insulation
Nothing else is needed so long as you have a comfortable sleeping bag. However, proper insulation is essential for it.
Down Sleeping Bags
Nothing beats the incredible insulation down provides. That’s the primary piece of information. However, its benefits extend beyond its enhanced capability to generate and retain heat.
Down sleeping bags such as the OMVMO 10 Degrees F 650/800 Fill Power Down Sleeping Bag have exceptional fill power.
Loftier means more warmth. It excels at this, particularly when it comes to snow-related customizations. Exceptionally soft bird feathers are used to create down insulation. Due to its insulating properties, it is no surprise that feathers are commonly utilized in apparel.
Don clusters are 3D, light, and fluffy. This permits them to collect the heat radiated from your body in a set of compartments. Sleeping bags often feature either duck or goose down.
Synthetic Sleeping Bags
Synthetic bags are not nearly as functional. In most cases, they will be bulkier, heavy, and less effective as a heat source.
Suppose you’re looking for a bag that won’t keep you too hot but will provide excellent compression all over your body. In that case, a synthetic one like this Yordawn Sleeping Bags – Camping, Backpacking, & Hiking Lightweight Waterproof is the way to go.
Conversely, synthetics are useful in warm weather, specifically the lighter, thinner varieties.
Even yet, artificial is not a good choice for cooling. However, it is rather warming, and most of them will do wonders for temps below 10 degrees Fahrenheit. But they aren’t as airy and light as down and will feel dense and constricting. However, they are superior to down when damp.
Down Vs. Synthetic Sleeping Bags: Comfort
There is little more crucial than the comfort level of a sleeping bag; this is a good indicator of how much you will ultimately appreciate the item.
Down Sleeping Bags
More compression does not necessarily offer more comfort. While compressible sleeping bags may not be the comfiest, they typically provide superior insulation. In addition to superior compression, down’s unrivaled loft ensures that you won’t have to sacrifice softness or comfort.
Synthetic Sleeping Bags
Sometimes, a high-quality synthetic sleeping bag might be cozier than a less expensive down one. However, down is superior since it provides the same level of warmth without using as much fabric.
Down Vs. Synthetic Sleeping Bags: Water Resistance
Always check the product’s waterproofing before purchasing it. Let’s see which sleeping bag material has a better defense against moisture.
Down Sleeping Bags
When down becomes wet, it stops being an effective insulator. Even technological advances in creating a more effective water-resistant down cannot equal the fast-drying capabilities of a synthetic sleeping bag.
Down can’t resist water like plastic sleeping bags, which absorb a lot of water and become completely soaked. Therefore, a synthetic choice might be preferable if you plan on visiting a damp location or a region with high humidity.
Synthetic Sleeping Bags
Customers claim they favor synthetic choices primarily because their water-resistant quality is superior to down options.
Indeed, synthetic sleeping bags like the Clostnature Sleeping Bag – Lightweight Camping are far better at keeping out water than down ones since they absorb less moisture without sacrificing warmth.
They have much higher water resistance and dry faster than down because of their plastic structure. Choose a synthetic bag if you want to use it in a damp environment. They have insulating properties even when wet, reducing heat loss during rain or snow.
Down Vs Synthetic Sleeping Bags: Pros & Cons
As with everything else in life, down and synthetic sleeping bags also have their advantages and disadvantages. Let’s compare;
Down Sleeping Bags: Pros
The remarkable lightness of a down sleeping bag is one of their main selling points. Being derived from flying creatures, this implies they are extremely lightweight. However, you need not worry about being cold since they will also serve this purpose.
Additionally, a down sleeping bag is quite compact. As a result, they are significantly simpler to repack than their synthetic counterparts. The durability of these bags is another perk. You may maintain insulation characteristics of high-quality down for a long period despite repeated handling.
Down Sleeping Bags: Cons
The biggest drawback is that this insulation loses its loft and clumps together when it gets wet. Most factories use special coatings that prevent water from penetrating the material. This won’t be much assistance if a down sleeping bag becomes entirely drenched.
Also, particular care must be used when cleaning this sort of insulation. Therefore, you can forget about throwing your down sleeping bag in the washer when it becomes dirty.
Synthetic Sleeping Bags: Pros
Even when damp, these sleeping bags provide enough insulation. You might say this is their biggest strength. During extended journeys, this function can be a literal lifeline.
These totes also have the added bonus of being completely washable in a washing machine. They are also much cheaper than down-insulated bags.
Those devotees trying to cut costs may base their decision on this. Considerations for animal well-being are equally important to consider. Because it is made from artificial materials, synthetic insulation has no such problem.
Last but not least, synthetic sleeping bags fare much better than natural alternatives when exposed to body oils over time.
Synthetic Sleeping Bags: Cons
The greatest disadvantage of synthetic sleeping bags is their inferior warmth-to-weight ratios. The ones with the same filling power as a down sleeping bag are typically much heavier. To add insult to injury, they don’t compress nearly as well.
The repacking of synthetic sleeping bags into its bag is a difficult business. As the last point, these sleeping bags aren’t as long-lasting as their down rivals. The durability of a synthetic bag suffers greatly with each time it is handled since the insulation it provides loses its effectiveness.
And The Winner Is…
The winner is the one that meets your requirements for the environment you will be camping or backpacking in. A synthetic sleeping bag is ideal for someone visiting a damp location, where you won’t require significant insulation but will want one guaranteed to protect you against wetness.
A synthetic sleeping bag may also be preferable if you’re on a tight budget. If you want the finest warmth, convenience, and overall outdoor experience while sleeping, it would be best to go for a down sleeping bag.
Are There Alternatives To Down Or Synthetic Sleeping Bags?
Apart from these fantastic sleeping bag materials, you also get the following alternatives, including;
Duck Down Sleeping Bags
A duck down duck has a soft undercoat of feathers that protects them from the harsh elements. Soft and lofty duck down originates from these feathers.
Raising such ducks is always done for human consumption, and the down is produced as a by-product, like sleeping bags and duvet inners.
Product Example: Hyke & Byke Quandary 15 F Duck Down Hiking & Backpacking Sleeping Bag.
Hydrophobic Down Sleeping Bags
Hydrophobic down is a typical word for down coated with a hydrophobic water-repelling treatment.
By adding this hydrophobic chemical, down will absorb much less water and also dries quicker. It is as insulating as down but also resistant to dampness.
Product Example: ZOOOBELIVES Hydrophobic Down Sleeping.