CARINTHIA BLOG
ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF SYNTHETIC FIBER VS DOWN SLEEPING BAGS
Thanks to its structure, the down has unique properties. This results in a very good ratio of weight to insulation performance and pack size.
It is compressible, breathable and provides a cozy feeling. The big disadvantage: in damp or wet conditions, the down clumps together and can no longer build up sufficient volume.
As a result, the insulation performance drops dramatically.
Good down also has its price. The decisive quality factor is the fill power, which is given in CUIN. Sleeping bags from 700 or 800 CUIN belong to the absolute top class.
The CARINTHIA G-LOFT® synthetic fiber sleeping bags are based on down and are also comparable to down in terms of performance.
In addition, they offer further advantages: they dry much faster and are easier to care for. In contrast to down, it is insensitive to moisture and has a significantly higher thermal performance when wet. To the delight of many, it is also ideal for allergy sufferers.
It is compressible, breathable and provides a cozy feeling. The big disadvantage: in damp or wet conditions, the down clumps together and can no longer build up sufficient volume.
As a result, the insulation performance drops dramatically.
Good down also has its price. The decisive quality factor is the fill power, which is given in CUIN. Sleeping bags from 700 or 800 CUIN belong to the absolute top class.
The CARINTHIA G-LOFT® synthetic fiber sleeping bags are based on down and are also comparable to down in terms of performance.
In addition, they offer further advantages: they dry much faster and are easier to care for. In contrast to down, it is insensitive to moisture and has a significantly higher thermal performance when wet. To the delight of many, it is also ideal for allergy sufferers.
Product Animation G180
In most regions, it can rain to slightly below zero degrees and the humidity is high. This is where the most important advantages of synthetic fibers come into play. This is where G-LOFT® synthetic fibers can convince with all their advantages.
At low temperatures, it no longer rains, so the risk of moisture sources is significantly lower. The lower the temperature, the more the down scores with its high thermal performance and comparatively small pack size.
It is not for nothing that extreme alpinists and mountaineers rely on down for short high alpine tours or expeditions.
Products are becoming more and more specialized and this also applies to sleeping bags. The right choice ultimately depends on the area of use.

With ultralight sleeping bags, you always have to strive for a certain minimalism, but without compromising on performance. And that is precisely the challenge.

The materials used and the construction inside the sleeping bag are essential. All components from the fabric to the zipper must become lighter and thinner. Additional features that have no influence on product performance are removed.
The disadvantage is obvious. You have to sacrifice some comfort. The fabrics are thin and can be damaged more easily. Some manufacturers cut back on the length and width of the sleeping bag to save weight, so they are not suitable for everyone.
When making a comparison, it is not only the thermal performance and weight that count, but also the dimensions of the sleeping bag. It should also be emphasized that the purchase costs of ultralight products are higher due to the use of special materials.

We recommend the mummy shape for trekking tours. Of all the shapes, it has the best pack size and warmth-to-weight ratio. Particular attention should be paid to the fit of the hood.
You can lose a lot of heat through your head. The hood has a major influence on the thermal performance and should be able to be pulled up to a small hole.
An integrated thermal collar ensures that the warmth stays inside the sleeping bag.

The rule of thumb is: the lower the temperature, the tighter the sleeping bag. Summer sleeping bags can be larger. Regardless of the appropriate length or width of the sleeping bag, the following principles must be observed.
“A sleeping bag does not keep you warm, it retains heat.” The more empty space I have in a sleeping bag, the more body heat I have to use to keep it warm.
If you buy a larger sleeping bag so that you can sleep in it with all your winter clothing, this is counterproductive as the body heat cannot penetrate the sleeping bag and be stored.


The sleeping bag should be dried whenever possible, but at the latest after every tour, because the moisture that the body releases overnight reduces the insulating power and causes an unpleasant odor in the long term.
Every product needs appropriate care. You should only wash your sleeping bag when it is really necessary, because every filling - whether down or synthetic - loses its loft and function with every wash.
Synthetic fiber sleeping bags are particularly easy to care for and can be machine washed and tumble dried. However, the capacity of the washing machine should have a filling weight of 7 kg.
It is important to wash on a gentle cycle and not to use fabric softener. Only tumble dry the sleeping bag at a low temperature and avoid overheating.
Down sleeping bags should be washed by hand. It is best to soak them in a bathtub for several hours and use a special down detergent to preserve the natural fat content of the down.
Otherwise the down may dry out and break. Never wring out the sleeping bag, always squeeze it out. Then place on a clothes horse and dry in the shade. This can take several days.
In between, loosen the clumped down with your fingers and spread it around the chamber if necessary. When the down is completely dry, you can shake the sleeping bag to finish.

You can't write off a sleeping bag based on its age. There are many outdoor enthusiasts who buy a sleeping bag but perhaps only use it 1-2 times a year.
As mentioned earlier, a sleeping bag loses loft or bulkiness after every wash, regardless of whether it is down or synthetic fiber. Experience has shown that you rarely sleep in the comfort limit range as you generally always buy a warmer sleeping bag for additional security.
According to the motto “Better too warm than too cold.” You should therefore consciously think about the prevailing temperatures from time to time and how you feel when you sleep. If you are already complaining about feeling cold well before the specified comfort limit temperature, you should think about buying a new one.
When a sleeping bag has had its day is decided by personal feeling. After all, you will only have enough energy for the next day if you feel comfortable in your sleeping bag.
At low temperatures, it no longer rains, so the risk of moisture sources is significantly lower. The lower the temperature, the more the down scores with its high thermal performance and comparatively small pack size.
It is not for nothing that extreme alpinists and mountaineers rely on down for short high alpine tours or expeditions.
Products are becoming more and more specialized and this also applies to sleeping bags. The right choice ultimately depends on the area of use.

Weight/pack size are essential for trekking: But what disadvantages do you have to accept with particularly lightweight models with a small pack size?

With ultralight sleeping bags, you always have to strive for a certain minimalism, but without compromising on performance. And that is precisely the challenge.

The materials used and the construction inside the sleeping bag are essential. All components from the fabric to the zipper must become lighter and thinner. Additional features that have no influence on product performance are removed.
The disadvantage is obvious. You have to sacrifice some comfort. The fabrics are thin and can be damaged more easily. Some manufacturers cut back on the length and width of the sleeping bag to save weight, so they are not suitable for everyone.
When making a comparison, it is not only the thermal performance and weight that count, but also the dimensions of the sleeping bag. It should also be emphasized that the purchase costs of ultralight products are higher due to the use of special materials.

Sleeping bags come in different shapes: Which shape is ideal for trekking?

We recommend the mummy shape for trekking tours. Of all the shapes, it has the best pack size and warmth-to-weight ratio. Particular attention should be paid to the fit of the hood.
You can lose a lot of heat through your head. The hood has a major influence on the thermal performance and should be able to be pulled up to a small hole.
An integrated thermal collar ensures that the warmth stays inside the sleeping bag.

How do you find the right size and how important is it?

The rule of thumb is: the lower the temperature, the tighter the sleeping bag. Summer sleeping bags can be larger. Regardless of the appropriate length or width of the sleeping bag, the following principles must be observed.
“A sleeping bag does not keep you warm, it retains heat.” The more empty space I have in a sleeping bag, the more body heat I have to use to keep it warm.
If you buy a larger sleeping bag so that you can sleep in it with all your winter clothing, this is counterproductive as the body heat cannot penetrate the sleeping bag and be stored.


How should you treat and care for your sleeping bag so that it lasts as long as possible?

The sleeping bag should be dried whenever possible, but at the latest after every tour, because the moisture that the body releases overnight reduces the insulating power and causes an unpleasant odor in the long term.
Every product needs appropriate care. You should only wash your sleeping bag when it is really necessary, because every filling - whether down or synthetic - loses its loft and function with every wash.
Synthetic fiber sleeping bags are particularly easy to care for and can be machine washed and tumble dried. However, the capacity of the washing machine should have a filling weight of 7 kg.
It is important to wash on a gentle cycle and not to use fabric softener. Only tumble dry the sleeping bag at a low temperature and avoid overheating.
Down sleeping bags should be washed by hand. It is best to soak them in a bathtub for several hours and use a special down detergent to preserve the natural fat content of the down.
Otherwise the down may dry out and break. Never wring out the sleeping bag, always squeeze it out. Then place on a clothes horse and dry in the shade. This can take several days.
In between, loosen the clumped down with your fingers and spread it around the chamber if necessary. When the down is completely dry, you can shake the sleeping bag to finish.

How can you tell when an old sleeping bag has had its day?

You can't write off a sleeping bag based on its age. There are many outdoor enthusiasts who buy a sleeping bag but perhaps only use it 1-2 times a year.
As mentioned earlier, a sleeping bag loses loft or bulkiness after every wash, regardless of whether it is down or synthetic fiber. Experience has shown that you rarely sleep in the comfort limit range as you generally always buy a warmer sleeping bag for additional security.
According to the motto “Better too warm than too cold.” You should therefore consciously think about the prevailing temperatures from time to time and how you feel when you sleep. If you are already complaining about feeling cold well before the specified comfort limit temperature, you should think about buying a new one.
When a sleeping bag has had its day is decided by personal feeling. After all, you will only have enough energy for the next day if you feel comfortable in your sleeping bag.