Down vs Polyester sleeping bag

[domigee]

Just a quick question, sorry .....Is it wise to bring a down sleeping bag if there is the risk of bed bugs?
Not sure how to get rid of the critters whilst still on the camino ... You can't wash it like a polyester filled bag....
What do you experienced folks think?

 

[C clearly]

That is the main reason I don't bring a down sleeping bag.

 

[SYates]

Down bags have a lot of disadvantages when coming to walking the Camino, this is only one of them! Buen Camino! SY

 

[Anniesantiago]

I love my down bag and throw it in the washing machine and dryer every time I return from the Camino. If it's a good bag, there should be no problem washing it.

 

[C clearly]

I agree - down can be washed. However, it is not so convenient while on the camino if you encounter bedbugs (which I've done twice).

With either down or synthetic, it isn't necessary to wash the bag first. Putting it straight into a hot dryer will be more effective against bedbugs because the temperature would get up to 55C a lot faster and could be maintained at that temperature for the necessary 20 minutes.

 

[Archsas]

There's going to be a tradeoff between ease of care and the weight and space savings offered by down. Down is always going to weigh less and compress more when comparing similar temperature ratings. It's up to you whether you think that's worth the slightly more inconvenient care options (personally, I'm taking a down bag).

If you're okay with the idea of it, you could always spray the outside of your bag with permethrin. It's what I'm planning on doing, and should keep bedbugs from infesting it. If you do end up with bedbugs, it shouldn't hurt your bag to throw it in the dryer, which should kill the bedbugs (heat is actually what kills them, so washing wouldn't even do very much; if you think you'd have the time, leaving your bag out in the sun all day would accomplish something similar).

Sidenote: both of those things (just sticking your bag in the dryer or leaving it out in the sun) are pretty useful shortcuts to cleaning things that are hard to launder, like sleeping bags and pillows. The heat (and/or UV rays) will kill any bacteria and dry all of the moisture and oils in whatever you're wanting to clean.

 

[dougfitz]

I use a down bag, and pack in in a stuff sack that provides some protection from it getting wet. I don't see what other disadvantages there might be that would preclude a down bag being a good option.

 

[domigee]

Thank you all so much for your advice!
Right, that settles it, down bag it is then. (I pack it in a small dry bag to keep it ... dry. )
I guess with departure time getting closer I had to worry about something!
Thanks again everyone.

 

[wayfarer]

I used a down bag, I didn't encounter any bedbugs to my knowledge but I put the bag, along with everything else, in the freezer for a few day whe I got home just in case. I then washed everything after they thawed except the rucksack.

 

[gerardcarey]

I'm a down bag man 750gm. No stuff sack. It gets stuffed into the bottom of the pack with everything else pushed down on top. Fills out the bottom of the pack and saves the weight of the stuff sack.
I use a Altus poncho so have never needed to consider it getting wet. Wash it in the washing machine, no problem.
Regds
Gerard

 

[domigee]

Thanks again. I am considering for the 1st time not taking my trusted poncho as I will be carrying an umbrella... Not sure how this will work out Especially if it's windy

 

[CaminoDebrita]

I had purchased a sleeping "sack" (more of a very light sleeping bag than anything, protection from a surface) but just returned it, as I've decided to go with my down sleeping bag. I think it is going to get chilly enough at night to warrant it, and as others have noted, it's exceptionally light, can be thrown in the dryer if I get infested, etc. I also like it that it's extra long so my head is protected too.

 

[Evel]

My daughter and I are on the camino we are both allergic to down and have to take Benadryl every night to counter it

 

[Rajy62]

How do you handle bed bugs on your clothes? Do you spray permethrin on your sleeping clothes as well? If you get bed bugs, i guess one has to clean/dry everything.

 

[gerardcarey]

Thanks again. I am considering for the 1st time not taking my trusted poncho as I will be carrying an umbrella... Not sure how this will work out Especially if it's windy

Let us know how the 'Umbrella but no poncho' plan works out for you.
Regds
Gerard

 

[Rambler]

Here is a vote for synthetic. I like the ability to throw it into a washer and that it can get wet and still stay warm. For the Caminos we have done in June, we only need a very LIGHT bag. Down would almost be too hot to me. But if you are going anytime other than June-August, a warmer bag would be nice.
Rambler