Deciding between 800-850-900-950 Down

[RollTide22]

Hello,

I'm going to place an order for some spring and summer TQs tomorrow, and was contemplating between going with 800-850-900-950 Down. The 950 offers up to 2 oz in weight savings over an 800 Down quilt, but costs about $100-$150 more at 20 degrees.

Is it really worth it to go with that high power down, over 800-850? Would the money be better spent elsewhere? I would be taking these on a thru hike of the AT, so the savings would be appreciated, but would you really notice the difference between 800-850 and 900-950 over a long hike?

Thanks, hope to see you guys at HANGCON in January.

[Clisbyclark]

Not to me, when buying new, I chose the 800GDD and put the $ in my pocket-not a thruhiker though. I, too am curious as to what others say on this.

[skyjacker]

I think 800 - 850 is right on the money. This video has some good info about insulation.

[bkrgi]

Cost vs weight savings for 900 or 950 vs 850 just does not make sense to me...
If your one that has to have the latest and greatest with a money is no issue pocket....then hey ....go for it.....enjoy it




I wonder how far can they take fill power.....

[jwright]

No easy answers, no right or wrong answers either.
What I found helps is to figure out the exact weight savings per quilt set for each fill power. Write those down in a simple table against the actual price differences.
ex.
800: -- --
850: 0.9 oz $45
900: 1.3 oz $60
950: 1.9 oz $100

Now just look at that simple table for a few days, figure out where you are comfortable. Look at the other items in your kit. Think about how that extra weight fits in, is every thing else pared down to a minimum? Could that extra $100 generate a larger wt loss somewhere else? Weigh a granola bar, weigh a big gulp of water, weigh a typical void, etc.
2 ounces is still 2 ounces and we all know that ounces will add up to pounds, but $100 is a nice chunk of change.
I tend to think that the ounces look/feel much bigger on a spreadsheet than on the back. I know I don't notice when I add my fleece and that is 8 oz in a 12-15# base.
But, your peace of mind is also worth something. If you are the type of person who will end up fretting over those 2 ounces, that $100 may be worth it.
Good luck and sorry if I over-simplified it.
Now, just don't ask for any help choosing colors, that is the really tuff choice. I almost missed a sale paralyzed by the color choices (I went with the upgraded 850 )

[jes4kix]

No easy answers, no right or wrong answers either.
What I found helps is to figure out the exact weight savings per quilt set for each fill power. Write those down in a simple table against the actual price differences.
ex.
800: -- --
850: 0.9 oz $45
900: 1.3 oz $60
950: 1.9 oz $100

Now just look at that simple table for a few days, figure out where you are comfortable. Look at the other items in your kit. Think about how that extra weight fits in, is every thing else pared down to a minimum? Could that extra $100 generate a larger wt loss somewhere else? Weigh a granola bar, weigh a big gulp of water, weigh a typical void, etc.
-------(snip)-------

Well done!

Kix

[hikehunter]

If you are hiking the AT starting Feb. 1st. You will most likely want to have a very high quality rain/wet outer shell, like a Marmot pitzip rain jacket.
Get it about 1/2 a size to one full size to big.
Then you need a good mid layer.....this could be down or the man made stuff....your choice.
I would go with a 800 goose down jacket/shirt of some kind. If you can get one that has the water weather proofness to it, great. (dry down)
Then a light weight water resistant poly/fleese shirt of some type.
Use wicking base layer stuff.

Make it into a layerd syatem that can be mixed and matched. Some of the base layer could be got at (Wally World) to save some cash.
Some mid-layer can be gotten at (koles). You do not need to go to the super sport stores for everything.
Look, and research, go touch and feel, ask to use a friends stuff for a day or two to find what works best for you.
Some people feel cold differently than others.
The one big thing to remember is that you want to stay as dry as can be. Never cheat on your rain gear. The other stuff is up to you.
Get the best rain and wet protection that you can.

The dryer you are the better hike you will have.!.!

[RollTide22]

I think 800 - 850 is right on the money. This video has some good info about insulation.

Thanks for sharing that! Very informative

[OCDave]

You spent more for your tarp than a silnylon equivalent. Do you regret that purchase? Assume you'll feel the same about spending a comparable premium for 900-950 down.

[RollTide22]

You spent more for your tarp than a silnylon equivalent. Do you regret that purchase? Assume you'll feel the same about spending a comparable premium for 900-950 down.

Well, I've only taken the new tarp out one time and I realized I don't have enough stakes for this new tarp. i originally had a WB Edge tarp, so I only needed 4 stakes, but this HG tarp has doors and tie outs halfway up the tarp as well, so I think I may need 2-4 more stakes as well as 6 ft cuts of lash it. I'll get it figured out when I get up to HANGCON. Can't sleep outside anymore anyway because its getting cold and I won't have an UQ till Jan.

The HG Cuben Fiber tarp with snake skins is friggin ridiculously awesome!!!

If you had to go 950 down on one set and 850 down on the other, would you go for the higher power down on the summer quilts or the winter quilts?