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Archive for November 2nd, 2009
Many people know that down comforters and sleeping bags are of the highest quality, but few know why. There are two basic types of feather for all birds. The vaned feathers are the outer layer, while down feathers are underneath. Unlike vaned feathers, down ones don’t have barbicels (a series of branch-like attachments), giving them their light, fluffy consistency.
The soft nature of down feathers makes them ideal for comfy jackets, pillows, comforters and sleeping bags. The down feathers on birds are also crucial in keeping the bird warm and providing winter protection. Because of this, a goose down sleeping bag is not only soft, but also provides superior insulation.
The Slumberjack 30+ Imperial Regular Right Hand Sleeping Bag is great for casual weekend camping, filled with super warm Slumberloft HL insulation and a cozy cotton flannel liner. Made with a single layer, quilt-through construction, a polyester taffeta outer shell and a full length draft wedge prevents heat loss through the zipper. For extra comfort and convenience, the Imperial can be zipped together with other compatible Slumberjack sleeping bags.
- Down is another name for the interior feathers on a bird, of which goose down is by far the most popular for sleeping bags.
- The quality of the down is primarily determined by the maturity of the bird. Older birds have better quality of down. Some of the best goose down sleeping bags comes from West Asia, some of the poorest from East Asia.
- While down sleeping bags have excellent breath ability, their insulating value decreases tremendously when they get wet. For this reason, it is a good idea to purchase a sleeping bag with a waterproof liner if you are going to use it in damp climates.
- Natural goose down is still the best insulating material available because it offers the more warmth for the weight than any synthetic material. Goose down gives approximately three times more warmth for the weight than synthetic fibers.
- Down is carefully washed and cleaned using special machinery to ensure the feathers are completely sanitized and non hypoallergenic.
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