What is a better insulation?

“Polarguard or H.O.T. synthetic insulation from The North Face (I think)?”

“That's a new one on me.  I'm a bit out of the loop on the newer synthetic fill types ---

Responses might be sparse over the weekend, but the full complement of wackos will drag their butts back in here Sunday pm and Monday.”

“Me like down, no synthetic, sorry.”

“I like my long sleeve silks topped by a mid wt zip neck top (REI) Polarguard would be my outer layer in eithr case.”

“there are at least four kinds of polarguard i am aware of: classic, hv, 3d, and delta. delta is the "latest/greatest" in the polarguard lineup and is lighter and has greater loft because the hollow part of the fiber is larger. 3d is the next better fill from polarguard. hv is very similar to 3d except the fibers are not quite as fine.

H.O.T. is proprietary to the north face. it's similar to polarguard in that it's a 100% polyester hollow-core fiber.

these all are excellent insulation that won't mat, clump, are highly compressible, and will last a long time.

i won't say which is better because i only have one synthetic sleeping bag and it uses primaloft sport. i have a few pieces of clothing that use polarguard delta. i have nothing that uses H.O.T. so i don't have any practical experience other than with polarguard delta in clothing.”

“I think it is like the choice between lots of things....cost to value. I like down too, but I have a Polarguard 3d bag that I love.”

“BPL did a study where they looked at down vs synthetic vests (different types of each). rememember it's not just the type of insulation but how it's used in the article of clothing.

http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/wet_weather_performance_down_vs_synth_vests.html <- "Drying Characteristics of Select Lightweight Down and Synthetic Insulated Tops" (premium content)

GREAT article.”

“Polarguard brand insulation will nolonger be available after july 31, 2007.”

“you sure about that? where did you hear this?”

“There is panic and mayhem in the streets! I just saw a car turned over, and now it's on fire! Oh the humanity! LOL!”

“Ayce at thru-hiker had that posted. Should have mentioned the source, but as usual I'm doing 11 things with only 10 fingers.
last edited: 6/24/07 6:31:49 PM”

“i'll have to check into this... pg delta is good stuff and i see it all over the place. it must just be a marketing name change or something.”

“DOWN!!!! 'nough said!”