I only read the first entry.......I got turned on the to the "wet/dry system" of camping years ago and it has served me and many friends well. I have my wet clothes that I paddle and fish in, used when ever on the water.....these are garments that have evolved and are still for that matter-so I wont go into the detail-it is nice if they are fast drying-nylon, polypropalene, capalene, etc........including undergarments-soggy undies are a dragg especially on a cold day. Dry clothes are dedicated to camp activities-they are also quick drying-i am now considering moving to some of the thinner wool garments-because the stentch of the synthetics is insane after couple of days on trail- which would be an exception to the rule. LEAVE THE COTTON AT HOME! Wool and synthetics are the bomb in the woods and on the water. The sleeping bag is also of synthetic nature-goose down is worthless when wet-and one will get wet-even if the canoe stays up right, you have a good tent and fair weather-Because we all sweat and that will create condensation! This system including boots-wet boots-and sandals dry "boots" in my case. I ALWAYS wear my life jacket when on the water and insist that my buds due too-no matter what the temps-footwear and the life jacket are a given .....undies are an elective!GO commando rambo! That is my 2 cents.

marlin, Some of the newer synthetics aren't as bad about odor as the earlier ones. MHO, toss the old ones.

Camper-what's your back up for your bag when it gets wet.....when not if?

Marlin-

Like IC I use down bags, have for the last 25 years. As a solo paddler the advantages of down (light weight, small packed size not to mention longer life) more than make up for the danger of them getting wet. You have to have a good tent and a good packing system. Other than some occasional dampness from cold-weather condensation (easily dried via body heat from within) I've never had an issue and I paddle in some ugly weather.

So true. That's why I use synthetic, just a personal philosophy nothing more than that....2 each their own. The driver in this philo for me is more Murphy's Law than anything else....I dont ever want to be in "bad" situation again, and I perceive down with all of its attributes and short comings from that stand point-being warm if my gear was soaked to the bone is worth the little bit of extra weight, volume, and longevity. Wet down is a really big drag especially went you have the issue of hypothermia staring you in the face.