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#101436 - 08/18/08 07:54 PM Kifaru sleeping bags?
Wolfeye Offline
member

Registered: 01/11/07
Posts: 413
Loc: Seattle, WA
Does anyone have experience with Kifaru's bags? I've read a few offhand comments, but nothing in they way of a review. They seem reasonably light, keeping in mind that they're probably synthetic.

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#101437 - 08/19/08 08:05 AM Re: Kifaru sleeping bags? [Re: Wolfeye]
BarryP Offline
member

Registered: 03/04/04
Posts: 1574
Loc: Eastern Idaho
Looking at their specs, this is what I see:


40° Base Bag, regular: $256.00 , 22oz
20° Base Bag, regular: $296.00 , 32oz

A 32oz synthetic bag gives about 30F of warmth (with all other 100 variables being equal <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />) using the best synthetic insulation (climashield). So I see Kifaru being a little optimistic. I would equate their synthetic bags to a 30F and 50F down bag. For those prices, you can buy a Western Mountaineering down bag and save weight and volume and gain longer bag life.

In the wet Seattle area, down bags shouldn’t be a worry (several of my backpacking trips are spent at 95% humidity, and a lot of time in the rain) if the proper shelter is used and proper packing methods are followed. Now in 4th season winter other factors come into play, but I’m digressing…

-Barry

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#101438 - 08/20/08 07:27 PM Re: Kifaru sleeping bags? [Re: BarryP]
fos Offline
member

Registered: 05/24/02
Posts: 538
Barry makes some good points. In addition, the Kifaru bags have huge interior dimensions, apparently to allow the user to sleep fully clothed including boots, if necessary. This concerns me with respect to the temperature ratings for a typical backpacker, since in my experience a snug bag is warmer than a roomy bag, all other factors being equal.

If you factor that in, I am sure they are extremely good quality wise. For layering with puffy synthetic clothes or a down liner bag they would be very good.

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