Dryloft Sleeping Bag?

“What do you think? Is dryloft important for a winter bag? I might occasionally want to use this bag in a bivy or a snow cave or a tarp.”

“Depends, the dryloft prevents moisture in both directions, from getting in which is good, from getting out which is bad.

If you plan on using a VBL then go ahead and get dryloft. If you do not like sleeping in a plastic bag then you are better not to get dryloft, but now you have to think about how to keep the bag dry in a snow shelter; bivvy bag, tarp or space blanket are options.

Note that the keep dry options will also work better than dryloft if you are using a VBL, but all weigh something.”

“I have a Western Mntring down bag with dry loft and I love it. If I slide off my pad in a snow cave, I know my bag won't get wet. I haven't noticed any unusual dampness in the bag after an overnight trip, but I do dry it out for a few days (turned inside out or opened up, to expose the inside non-dryloft surface) then store it in a big cloth sack. I've slept in vb bags before, and the technique does extend the comfort range of a marginal bag, but sleeping in down with a dryloft shell is pure luxury. I wouldn't be without it.”

“Because we use a very small single wall tent, I am very glad to have a dryloft down bag. I really appreciate not having to be scared to touch the walls of the tent when they are covered with condensation. It's a little heavier and a little more expensive, but staying dry is worth the extra.”

“Once again, Manuka is right on the money - and Ginny is too, in my opinion. A VBL is an absolute necessity in a winter bag, unfortunately, the perfect VBL has yet to be made. With the VBL, Dryloft is the solution in the conditions Ginny mentions.

Snow caves! Well maybe, but unless you're bivying 'way up high, a bivy sack is the answer to winter camping in my opinion. No need to get all sweaty digging and much esier to melt snow and boiling water by just sticking out your arms and shoulders.”