[pct-l] Break Strategies now sleeping bags

[GottaWalk]

I like the idea of getting it slightly long and then pulling it up if I need a hood. I really like the weight!
Thanks,
...GottaWalk



On Nov 24, 2013, at 9:07 AM, Scott Williams <baidarker at gmail.com> wrote:

Hey Marcia,

You're right about cleanliness, but for what it's worth, I always sleep in the clothes I hike in and that was the same on the PCT and CDT, so why the down hasn't held up, I'm not sure.  Maybe I was just a way dirtier dude on the PCT.  Both are packed tight in a Sea to Summit bag when in the pack and that really takes it out of down, but the Zpacks has more miles on it and people still ask me if I just got a new bag because it fluffs up so well.   

The lack of a hood is no problem, actually I like it better.  I bought a Zpacks bag that was 3 inches longer than I technically needed.  I'm 5' 9'' and I got a 6' bag.  There is a draw string at the top to snug it all up, but whereas with a hood, when I turn in my bag, I often end up breathing right into the bag, as I end up facing a wall of down, or twisting the whole thing in some uncomfortable way, with the Zpacks, it is just a snuggly hole that sort of reconfigures as I turn.  I pull it right over my head like a hood, but that hood can be formed in any direction.  I just find it much more comfortable, and don't miss the hood in the least as the bag still forms a hood when I want one.  

Shroomer


> On Sun, Nov 24, 2013 at 8:28 AM, GottaWalk <gottawalk at pacbell.net> wrote:
> Two possible factors for a bag retaining its loft would be what do you wear in your bag and what fabric the shell is made of. Another factor may be body oils.
> 
> Our WM bags with DWR fabric still look new after CDT, AT, ADT, AZT, ICT and various hikes except Ken's beard oils make the collar soiled. We always wear thermals, socks and a hat to keep the bags clean.
> 
> I have been thinking about the ZPPack bag for weight savings except it doesn't have a hood. How do you get along without one?
> 
> This same thread is running on the G2G right now.
> Marcia
> 
> 
> 
> On Nov 23, 2013, at 10:39 PM, Scott Williams <baidarker at gmail.com> wrote:
> 
> Isabella,
> 
> I'll jump in here and say that the Zpacks 20 degree, 1lb bag is the best
> bag I've ever owned.  I used a Western Mountaineering 20 degree 2lb bag on
> the PCT and by the end of the hike, it was one very loftless looking bag.
> It is one sad bag after living in it for 4 months and a week.  On the CDT
> I used Joe's 1lb bag and at the end of 4 months and 2 weeks it still looked
> like a new bag.  I used it again this year for 3 weeks of backpacking on
> some of the best ofthe CDT and it still looks like new.  It is a much finer
> down and I've heard folks say that the finer downs don't hold their loft,
> but in the case of this bag, it is a far superior product than the WM
> similar bag.  The loft has not diminished at all.  Same price too.
> 
> Now that being said, I love a number of my WM items, the Flash Jacket I
> bought for the PCT has held up fine and I used it on the CDT too and will
> be with me on the AT next year.  Also WM down pants after 5 weeks in the
> High Sierra and another 5 weeks in the San Juans, look like new.
> 
> No question for me that the Zpacks bag is the best I've ever owned and has
> held up beautifully.  Joe makes good product.
> 
> Shroomer
> 
> 
> > On Sat, Nov 23, 2013 at 9:25 PM, P Isabella <isabella at bendnet.com> wrote:
> >
> > Mary,  super curious about your zpack sleeping bag.  I have a marmot
> > helium and it always keeps me warm.  I tried a western mountaineering
> > summerlite (1+#) and was really cold.  Wondering if you have any input?
> > Would love to get rid of nearly 1# of weight.
> >
> > Mademoiselle