Allergic to Down....now what?

[thistler]

Last night as I was happily looking at Alpkit and Exped down filled bags and mats my OH casually mentioned he was allergic to down feathers. How could I have not known this????   

Can anyone recommend a decent quality synthetic sleeping bag that is lightweight-ish and warm? In all probability we won't be touring in any extreme conditions...any suggestions would be appreciated!

 

[Norm]

Can anyone recommend a decent quality synthetic sleeping bag that is lightweight-ish and warm?

Decent and synthetic don't often share space on a page, but I have a Buffalo and love the thing, although 2kg for the extra large doesn't exactly make it lightweight-ish but it is certainly warm and the fact that it comes in 4 sizes is a clue to the decent quality.

The trade off between weight and warmth is one that you can only make when you know what you'll use the bag for. Most of the bags that I've seen that are decent quality and warm will be at least £100 and around 2kg.

 

[willem]

Is he sure he is allergic to down? I have several allergies (cats, pollen, housedust), and always thought I was allergic to down as well, and should not use a down duvet. I asked th experts of the Dutch Asthma Foundation because my down sleeping bag had never given me trouble, and they answered that real down allergy is rare. What people think of as a down allergy is often a house dust allergy - and that can happen with artifical fiber duvets just as easily. So I now not only use a down sleeping bag, but also a very nice down duvet at home. Needless to say after this long introduction, without adverse effects. Mind you, this is not to say that your other half may not have a real down allergy.
Willem

 

[Hicky]

Snugpak, I've got two harrier 10's(one for me and one for her).
One is 5 years old and still going strong after alot of punishment.
Some in the range are uk made too!
If you have the money then the buffalo bag is good too.....I've got a jacket of thiers.

 

[HelenD123]

I've also got a Snugpak, a Premier I. It's very lightweight and pretty compact, packs down to the width of an Ortlieb front pannier. I've just replaced it though as it wasn't warm enough for me once temperatures got near freezing.

 

[Ravenbait]

My advice is: don't snog geese.

Sam

 

[andym]

Decathlon's Ultralight range. I really liked their S15 bag, however, the temperature ratings IME are pretty accurate so while the S15 was fine when temperatures were in the teens, it was cold below that (although you can of course extend the temperature range by wearing thermals in bed). The S10 in a large size comes in at 900g whether that's really ultralight is debatable but it's excellent value for £29.99.


There was a recent thread about Exped mats. Willema nd others were singing the praises of the SynMat. Convinced me.

 

[Rebel Ian]

I read this and got the wrong end of the stick. Allergic to the down? Bloody hell, I thought, I'm allergic to the ups!

 

[thistler]

Thanks everyone - I wondered if he was more allergic to the cost of down than actual down but I questioned his mother and she says he is. Hmmmm...

 

[Hicky]

Try sending snugpak an email sometimes they have factory sales on......could be an urban myth but worth a shot?

I think the premier and the softie range use different filling fibre.
I manage fine down to 0deg in mine and its normally stored in the stuff sack(isnt reccomended).....I dont tend to feel the cold much though.

 

[thistler]

 

I think the premier and the softie range use different filling fibre.

Is one better than the other?