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