January 30, 2001


What's a good waterproof sleeping bag?

I'm leaving in March to go to Haiti for the Peace Corps and will be there for around 27 months. They recommend that I bring a waterproof sleeping bag. Any suggestions?

— Joshua McGuire Grand Rapids, Michigan

That may be a misprint in the Peace Corps brochure —- a waterproof bag in a tropical climate would be about as comfortable as flip-flops near the Arctic Circle. You'd poach. I think what is meant is a bag that resists the effects of water, particularly mildew. To that end, the only good choice is a synthetic bag.

Also, does the Peace Corps happen to recommend a temperature range? I can't believe that you would need all that much insulation —- I should think a bag rated to 40 degrees would be plenty. With that in mind, I'd recommend an Integral Designs Andromeda Strain ($170). It's light (1 pound, 14 ounces), packable, and its Primaloft insulation is highly hydrophobic, resulting in a bag that dries quickly and resists moisture. Another good choice is the Marmot Magician ($149). It's rated to about the same temperature, and although it weighs more (3 pounds), it's made with a more generous semi-rectangular design that may be more comfortable in the long run.

I'd also recommend that you get a bag liner. This will keep your bag much cleaner, and will double as a super-light sleeping bag when it is very warm. Design Salt makes a fine bag liner of Egyptian cotton, which would dry well and be easy to clean. It's $30. Silk also makes an excellent bag liner, but silk liners typically run about $60.

I commend you for embarking on this admirable adventure!