Joe_Schmeaux wrote on Aug 19^th, 2010 at 6:04pm:

Down bags will save you a little weight and a lot of space compared to synthetics, but (as mt says) they're not very comfortable if they accidentally get wet (not just in the canoe, but from tent leaks in the rain as well). I think any down or synthetic sleeping bag will fit into a 60 cm (2 ft) ziplock bag, much better than a stuff sack for water protection. If you don't have a spare big ziplock, the free trash bags that Ontario Parks hands out are perfect as an *extra* sleeping bag wrapper (they won't be 100% watertight). Well cared for, down bags should last nearly forever. I've had a "-2 to -4" deg C bag for 30 years or so, and with occasional hand-washings with down soap and uncompressed storage (ie not in the stuff sack), the temperature rating is probably still close to original (ie probably close to a new 30 F bag). For summer trips, I find it too hot when I go to sleep at night, but not so bad in the early morning when I don't want to get up. A 30 deg F bag is probably good if you plan a lot of shoulder season camping, but I'd go with something lighter (and probably synthetic) if I were looking at just summer use. I wouldn't buy a 15 deg F bag unless I was planning a lot of winter camping. I have always found it easier to make up for a bag that's a bit too thin for the conditions by putting on socks / tights / fleece (or worst case, opening up the space blanket) than trying to fine-tune a down bag that's too thick for the conditions. You can also buy an extra "overbag" to boost the insulation of a 30 F bag for trips where you're planning to use your canoe as an icebreaker. My ThermaRest is 30 years old too, and I have never had any problems. It still looks nearly new, and keeps me warm even on well-frozen ground. It is a "first-generation", non-deluxe, and weighs 1100 g (about 2.5 lb). I don't have any experience with the brand names mentioned by others in this thread, but $220 for a good down bag seems quite inexpensive. FWIW, here are links to REI and MEC's sleeping bag / pad advice pages. They say mostly the same thing.   (You need to Login or Register   (You need to Login or Register

Great stuff.

I do take "Preacher" exception to the concept of something getting accidentally wet.  In 20 years of tripping I've never gotten anything wet that shouldn't/can't get wet.  It's all in how you pack.  If you don't waterproof your gear that shouldn't/can't get wet, you're asking for trouble.  It's no accident that my bed clothes & sleeping bag don't get wet, it's by design & intent & planning & preparation.

You can die of hypothermia in midsummer.
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"...the water was an uncommonly warm 21 C."
The weather was similarly warm, above 15C.