SLEEPING BAGS

IME carries the best down and synthetic bags in the business.

Down bags are best for winter climbing conditions when weight and space are critical. On big mountains, every ounce you can eliminate from your climbing pack increases your chances for success.

Everyone knows that down is the lightest form of insulation. But if your trip includes water, and it isn't frozen, then a quality synthetic bag is the choice. If you are worried about body moisture, this can be controlled by airing your bag out daily. Simply turning the bag inside out will allow moisture to escape through the nylon liner. In extreme conditions, a vapor barrior liner (VBL) will help keep the down dry. A VBL can also be used as an emergency bivy on your summit day.

We recommend winter down bags in dryloft and sized bigger. This will help for storage of water bottles, gas cartridges, and liners in the bottom of your bag. In summer / three season use, nylon taffeta or microfiber will work great! Hopefully the weather will be better and as a result it will be easier to dry your bag out. Synthetic bags tend to be better priced but remember they will break down faster, they can be twice the weight and packability is never as good as that from a down bag.

DOWN BAGS	SYNTHETIC BAGS
Western Mountainering	Mountain Hardwear
Marmot	Moonstone
Mountain Hardwear	Marmot
Moonstone