Water resistant down bags

“Anyone out there have a "waterproof" down bag. I don't believe any of these bags are truly waterproof as they aren't seam sealed. Nevertheless - it is worth spending the extra money? I'm getting a new winter bag and now have narrowed my choices down to MountainHardware Phantom 0 vs. Feathered Friends Snowbunting vs Western Mountaineering Dakota Super MF.

The FF has the option of Event waterproofing. Are condensation issues of concern. Is it really that beneficial to have a waterproof bag - unless perhaps you're sleeping in a bivy or in the elements.

Hmmm.”

“If you have a good shelter and you protect a down bag with a waterproof stuffsack, you're most likely to get it damp from accumulated body moisture during the night. In my opinion, I would go with a shell that has good breathability and just use a lightweight bag cover for the times when external moisture might be an issue.”

“I love my snow bunting. Pricey but worth the extra bucks. The key is "water-resistant/breathable". The new shell fabrics that Feathered Friends use are nothing short of amazing. Go for the eVent shell and you'll not be disapointed.”

“My down bag handles a little moisture just fine. I'd be afraid some kind of DWR/waterproof/breathable shell would actually keep the down wet longer, since it will always get some moisture from the inside.

I know the urban legend is that wet down turns to mashed potatoes and you'll get frost bite, but I don't know anybody that's happened to. I tarp camp in mine and don't do anything special to keep it dry. I've slept under the stars and woke up toasy warm with a good layer of frost on the shell. It's just a cheap North Face Blue Kazoo.”

“There is a waterproof bag that I think was shown in the photos with the testers up to their chests in water IN THE BAG.

I use a bivy bag and have never had problems.”

“Not about water and bags ,but I've noticed a very high number of Big Agnes bags for sale on ebay. Last week four Lost ranger longs at the same time. Maybe side sleepers learning that fixed pad doesn't work with a hood.”

“Most moisture comes from your body and condenses to-ward the exterior fabric. You sry the in the sun on your tent. I'd worry about drying.”

“There is something strange about goose down clumping and losing it's capacity to insulate when wet, especially when compared to the fact that it works just fine when worn by the swimming goose. I have been told that MarkO's solution to this dilemma is to stuff a cheap bag with actual live geese. Not sure if I want to try it, but that's him, not me.”

“my SD cloudripper seems damn repellent but I haven't swam in it.”

“Krunk, I have the modified Big Agnes system (LOL). Big agnes pad covered with cotton sheet (the hostle cotton bag) and I drape my bag over all this like a quilt. All this goes in the REI Minimalist bivy.

Works great so far.

Nimble or MarkO would you recommend stuffing the bag with geese (known for being a bit hostile) or ducks? I guess you would need fewer geese (due to the larger size) and during the day would it be advisable to have them leashed and let them fly up ahead? Since if they are waddling along behind you it has got to slow you down.”