Well Rainy Pass did a nice job. For what it cost I could have been halfway to a new bag. But like I said, this one had some sentimental value, so I'm very pleased. I got my old bag back to good as new.

HighnDry wrote on Oct 29^th, 2015 at 12:17am:


I'd call them if you have a question about GoreTex, or any repairs.

I did get my bag cleaned/dried and it did need more down too. It should be here 11/12/15. I could have spent the money towards a new bag ($135 plus cleaning), but this thing was my High School graduation gift. So it's been going with me since 1973 and it wouldn't seem right to go without it.

I'll post my final review once I get it.

What types of repairs do they do to GoreTex and does that include gaitors from another manufacturer? Just curious.

Mad_Mat wrote on Oct 13^th, 2015 at 5:59pm:


M_M, I just sent mine into Rainy Pass Repair in Seattle. I'll let you know how it turns out. But talking to them they thought that most bags can be fixed with just a wash and dry with their equipment. After that they'll evaluate the loft and estimate any repair costs.

Their website states they also repairs GoreTex and several other expensive camping gear items.

Down is still the gold standard as far as getting the most in warmth/weight, but they have issues that some of the latest synthetic "down" materials don't like what were discussing and losing insulation IF they get wet.

Since most of us will never be paddling in sub-zero temps where down really shines, IF I was contemplating spending decent down money on a new bag, I'd have to look long and hard at the newest synthetic down's.

All the best of down, waterproof and the insulation doesn't mat and still insulates if the bag's material does get wet. In many cases they weigh withing ounces of a down bag and generally speaking a lot cheaper.

My bag had actually lost down all over. Most of the loss was in the torso area and I could really feel it on those nights where temps dipped below 50 or so. I would wear all my clothes and then lay awake more or less shivering or thinking "geez, am I cold!". I can't believe I didn't take care of this sooner but the thought of buying a brand new down bag (over 300 dollars or more) always prevented any action.

When I received my "restuffed" bag recently, I had a hard time compacting it so that I could get it back into it's original stuff sack! Therefore I'm pretty sure that I had lost a significant amount of down all over the bag.

I'm much toastier in the bag now

"Did they lose feathers in just the torso area."

no, my NF bad is just all clumped up down.  I tried washing it a second time and using sneakers in the dryer - that didn't help at all

I have an EMS bag that is "thin" on down in the top side of the torso - been thinking I might be able to cut the stitching that keeps the down from going all the way around, and move some from the bottom to the top - might be/probably is easier to just get some down added to that one also

The bags you guys are getting redone. Did they lose feathers in just the torso area. I've got an old Eddie Bauer bag from 1972 that's been great, except for the torso area now. It's sentimental tripping gear now, but thinking some new bags are nice, waterproof footboxes, treated down, lighter, etc.
I fluff the feathers around and they still end up to the sides during the night. Plus it was cut bigger and slightly heavier than the NF bags when I bought it and I'm not getting any younger. I've got to relook at everything and cut some weight from my outfit.

HighnDry wrote on Oct 12^th, 2015 at 7:44pm:


Correction to above post: Northface not REI.

I like the tennis balls idea. Hadn't thought of that when I last washed my down bag.

M_M
I routinley wash my goose down comforter in the top load washer on gentle cycle with a down soap.
I also dry it in the gas dryer on delicate.
I use 2 tennis balls with it to fluff it back up to original shape.
Kinda noisy, but it works so far.
Might give it a try if your so inclined.