# Down and Out in the Southeast USA - alfred's Gemini capsule


Conventional wisdom holds that down-filled sleeping bags are the only sensible choice for backpackers. They're light, squish down small, and loft again reliably. 

But I've also had good synthetic bags, e.g., Snugpak's Chrysalis line. They compress reasonably well and keep lofting well enough to be warm. Besides, is loft the sole determinant of warmth anyway? I'm not so sure, though some makers equate the two. 

I've sometimes been too cool in down bags that were too roomy, so good fit may be a factor. 

Sustained high humidity can also impair down performance vis-a-vis synthetics, by retaining moisture and reducing loft. 


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Last edited: 2025-11-29