Thoughts on vapor barriers?
- Thread starter takamin3
- Start date
cougarmeat
Well-known member
takamin3, your first post - Welcome to the forum.
I've only heard of vapor barriers with respect to winter camping and mostly ground solutions, like igloos and snow caves. The issue is, while in your sleeping bag, your body gives off heat that, because of the cold, condenses in your bag's fill, especially down - something like that. As a result, your bag can get heavier and heavier and probably less effective. Note, we are not talking about camping where you have sunny days so that you can hang your insulation in the sunlight.
The vaper barrier does just that; it keeps your vapor from reaching the bag. As a result, your bag doesn't accumulate moisture but you can feel a little damp/clammy. For those in that environment, their goals are far beyond a little inconvenience or discomfort.
A liner can either be breathable or non-breathable. So a vapor barrier is one kind of liner, but not all liners are vapor barriers.
Though I like winter camping, my summit days are mostly behind me. For a three-day outing, I wouldn't be concerned. If I lived in a more "moist" climate, I'd consider a synthetic fill rather than down (if I only had one quilt/sleeping bag).
I've only heard of vapor barriers with respect to winter camping and mostly ground solutions, like igloos and snow caves. The issue is, while in your sleeping bag, your body gives off heat that, because of the cold, condenses in your bag's fill, especially down - something like that. As a result, your bag can get heavier and heavier and probably less effective. Note, we are not talking about camping where you have sunny days so that you can hang your insulation in the sunlight.
The vaper barrier does just that; it keeps your vapor from reaching the bag. As a result, your bag doesn't accumulate moisture but you can feel a little damp/clammy. For those in that environment, their goals are far beyond a little inconvenience or discomfort.
A liner can either be breathable or non-breathable. So a vapor barrier is one kind of liner, but not all liners are vapor barriers.
Though I like winter camping, my summit days are mostly behind me. For a three-day outing, I wouldn't be concerned. If I lived in a more "moist" climate, I'd consider a synthetic fill rather than down (if I only had one quilt/sleeping bag).
relaxN3njoy
Member
- Joined
- Oct 8, 2025
- Messages
- 8
well, I've seen people use the VB in milder winter temps as well. if you're planning to use a VB, try to practice using it first before a trip to find what works for you, bcs it can be uncomfortable if not used correctly
