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Originally Posted by happyhiker40
I'd like to hear from people who back pack what they take in winter to keep warm. Do you prefer synthetic or down sleeping bags? I have a down bag but am considering going synthetic.
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I have both and like them both. The down bag is lighter and packs smaller, sometimes gets cold spots if the down moves around. A 25 degree down bag doesn't have much fill material and that may be why you aren't satisfied with yours. But a high quality down bag can't be beat and lots of backpackers wouldn't have anything else.
My polarguard bag never gets cold spots, but it's heavier and bulkier than my down bag. I've never used it in really cold weather, but the down bag I've had below freezing a bunch of times and was usually comfortable. I would recommend a down bag, but a good synthetic one may be a step up from the one you've got. A 15-20 degree bag is what you need for Texas in the winter or the Rockies in the other seasons.
You are right about the synthetic long johns, socks and hat. That helps a lot.