CAN YOU BRING A SLEEPING BAG ON KAYAK
You are going on a sailing trip or a kayaking expedition and wondering what to sleep in? The choice of a sleeping bag in the field is crucial, especially near water where nights can be really cold. Undoubtedly, the best protection against the cold can be provided by a sleeping bag with natural down filling. And here lies the problem – many outdoor enthusiasts believe that taking a down sleeping bag on a kayak trip is pointless. Where does this opinion come from, and what is the truth? Let's explain!
WHAT WILL YOU LEARN FROM THIS POST?
- Can a down sleeping bag survive on kayaks?
- Why are down sleeping bags warm?
- How to protect a down sleeping bag from getting wet?
IN BRIEF
A sleeping bag with natural filling, both from ducks and geese, can easily handle the conditions prevailing during kayaking trips. You can take it to the Mazury region, the Wielkopolska Lakeland, and even to Alaska, as proven by Kamila Kielar. To avoid getting wet and ensure a comfortable sleep, you can use a hybrid solution: layer a lightweight synthetic-filled product over the down sleeping bag.
CAN YOU BRING A SLEEPING BAG ON KAYAKS?
We'll answer this question right away without unnecessary ado: yes, you can! Because why not? The best evidence that a down sleeping bag is an irreplaceable companion for kayaking trips comes from the expeditions of traveler Kamila Kielar.
What do you mean when you say "kayak"? One, two, maybe three days on the river, with nights on nice islets or dry and safe shores? Well, Kamila is a maximalist when it comes to these matters. For example, during her expedition in search of spirit bears (a white variation of the black bear living exclusively in one place in the world – off the coast of British Columbia), she paddled over 500 kilometers. In a sea kayak. Along the northern edges of the Pacific. And it should be added that in the rainforests of Canada and Alaska, the climate is similar to a subtropical one. When it's not raining from the sky, humidity literally hangs in the air. The only difference is that it's simply cold.
We proudly emphasize that Kamila always takes her Pajak down sleeping bag on her adventures.
DOWN SLEEPING BAGS NEAR WATER – WHAT'S THE PROBLEM?
The question of whether a down sleeping bag will survive a kayak or sailing trip stems from the myth that products with down filling are difficult to dry. Indeed, natural down is highly hygroscopic, which can pose a certain problem if not used properly. When soaked with water, down loses its loft – and thus its insulating properties. The truth is, it's not the down that keeps you warm when you sleep in a sleeping bag. It's the stagnant air trapped between the tiny feathers that fills the product. It acts as an insulator, preventing the convection of heat emitted by the human body. When the down gets wet and loses its fluffiness, it no longer "traps" the air. However, this process is temporary and can be easily reversed by drying the sleeping bag. As it dries, the down regains its loft, and air can accumulate between the feathers again.
There's another issue: as usual, prevention is better than cure. And it's not that difficult!
HOW TO PROTECT THE SLEEPING BAG FROM GETTING WET?
For a down sleeping bag to function well and dry quickly, it should not be made of waterproof material. Surprising? Perhaps, but that's how it works: sleeping bags with external membranes, similar to rain jackets, are indeed protected from soaking due to atmospheric conditions, but they become literally saturated with evaporating human sweat. Such a solution is suitable for short and really "wet" trips. However, sleeping in such a fortified sleeping bag for an extended period would be uncomfortable, and drying it in field conditions would be almost miraculous. It's the high breathability of the sleeping bag that allows it to dry properly on you!
So, wherever you sleep, the most significant threat to comfortable sleep is moisture that you unknowingly generate. And the colder and more humid it is outside, the worse the sleeping bag will be affected by moisture. It's worth remembering that when it comes to kayaking, water has a "pull" on you – camping during a kayaking trip involves setting up a tent or hanging a hammock near water. In other words, damp and cool air can significantly reduce sleep comfort. Therefore, whether it's sailing, kayaking, rafting, or even going to caves or glacial areas, we recommend one simple solution: layering a lightweight synthetic sleeping bag over your warm down sleeping bag. This will move the dew point and prevent water from condensing in the natural insulation.
We have created such a hybrid solution for Kamila Kielar when she set off to observe polar bears. She attaches a lightweight synthetic sleeping bag to her Radical. This solution weighs almost nothing, takes up little space in the equipment, and works flawlessly, ensuring a long, comfortably spent night.
We have written more about protecting sleeping bags from getting wet during outdoor camping in a separate article: How to protect a down sleeping bag from getting wet during outdoor camping?
DRYING A DOWN SLEEPING BAG
During your expedition, to effectively dry a well-constructed down sleeping bag, simply get inside it for about 20 minutes. That should be enough for the moisture to evaporate from the insulation, allowing you to continue using the product. However, after each trip, whether relatively dry or completely wet, it would be advisable to thoroughly dry and ventilate the sleeping bag.
Have you seen the loops on Pajak sleeping bags? They are not just a designer whim but special loops that facilitate this task. Hanging the sleeping bag using these loops will help you avoid harmful creases and allow drying in the safest position for it. One more thing: dry the sleeping bag in a warm, well-ventilated place, such as the living room. Avoid dark and damp bathrooms, as well as excessively sunny areas!
Believe it or not, Pajaksport down sleeping bags truly excel in kayaking conditions. If you don't trust our down experts, just check it out for yourself and see how great it is to have a warm sleeping bag on a camping trip!