Synthetic top - and under-quilts?

[hc0327]

Hi everyone - I have been a member of the forum for a few months here but didn't have much to post about - until now!

I am heading out on a fairly fantastic adventure this next summer. Ever heard of the R2AK? It's a boat race from Port Townsend, WA to Ketchikan, AK. I am going to take my WB Ridgerunner with me as I am going to need a good night's sleep after rowing all day.

My purpose for writing is to pick your brains about insulation. I have wonderfully warm insulators: Hammock Gear top quilt and my under quilt from Underground Quilts. I am worried about the wet-when-warm factor precisely. I am wondering if anyone has had any luck with synthetic top- and under-quilts. Or if you have suggestions for keeping my down (all pertex/water-resistant fills and shells I believe) not "damp" while in the coastal regions.

Thanks in advance for all those who have time to reply.

[PaPa K]

I would think roll top dry bags would keep them dry during transit, works for my canoe trips. My concern would be, given the length of the race, if they get damp at night while in use from any of the weather or body warmth/condensation issues, and then you get up the next day to hit the water and pack them up right away, when would they get some drying time? I have HG quilts and I like them to air out everyday weather permitting. Would there be time during your "down" time to air them a little? I also have a New River under quilt (synthetic) but I would have the same concern after several days with minimal airing out time.

[bkrgi]

Personally I would not worry about the treated down....takes a whole lot of wet to wet it out.

For the most part keeping dew and condensation off the quilts at night and into dry bags by day with a airing here and there.....there should be no issues at all.

[The Tree Frog]

If you decide to go synthetic, check out Arrowhead. Love my Jarbidge and New River UQ.

[hc0327]

Thanks Papa K, The Tree Frog and Bkrgi - I think I'll stick with my down then. I was mostly concerned with the dampness of the coast and also, you (probably Papa K and Bkrgi) know how damp it can get it in the PNW when it rains on end around here. Knowing though that you would be concerned with your synthetics as well makes me think I can stick with what I have. The tq and uq will be in drybags (is there a personal favorite brand of yours?) during the day. And Papa K you are correct, I am not sure how much drying time I will have. Maybe if there's a calm sunny day at sea I could lay one out but goodness gracious if that bag got wet I would be in big trouble. There's always drying things over a fire at night but that seems dangerous as well. Hmmm...maybe I should just stay home.

[stevebo]

I'm a big fan of down insulation, but.............if weight and bulk arn't a consideration, synthetic does have a few advantages! (super easy to wash, and dry out if it gets wet. )

[Freestone]

I think I would do a simulation this winter. During a long stretch of rainy, foggy weather, preferably close to/on the Sound (on your tug?), hang it outside all night (sleep in it if you can) and stuff it in a dry bag by day. See how it does over several weeks (or your estimated race duration). I think the R2AK people got lucky this year with the weather but who knows how next year's race will go.

I've done the Inside Passage twice from Anacortes up and back to Juneau and Skagway. It was in a 38' boat, once over 3 weeks and once in 4 weeks. Even in the boat with the heat on, bedding can get and stay damp when the weather is bad (but I'm sure you know this). At least in a bunk, it has a chance to dry out but it won't in a dry bag. I would do the test but if you can't, I'd consider synthetic. There is no point risking hypothermia when you are in the middle of nowhere.

[PaPa K]

hc --I have some older NRS bags that are heavy duty, meant for river rafting. I recently go some sea to summit bags for some lighter weight bags. All seal fine when rolled correctly and I have tested in tub to ensure they stay dry- When you do the race you will have to keep us up to date-Best of luck!!

[bkrgi]

I Agree with Freestone in that do as much testing as you can to better manage moisture so you know how your gear is going to behave.
Down will push moisture out very easily with you as the heat source at night so managing to keep fog/dew/condensation off the outside of the quilts will be priority and that is something to work on...just a good reason to go hang too.

[Monkeyboy42]

I use the heavy vinyl roll top dry gas for canoe trips. My stuff has stayed dry through seven days of rain. Everyone in tents had wet gear, but all of mine was fine.

Don't put your tarp or rain gear in the dry bag obviously...