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Stop taking brand new sleeping bags on weeklong trips

I watched a guy on the Pacific Crest Trail near Crater Lake last August unbox a brand new down bag on day one. By day three it was soaked from condensation and he had to bail at the next town. I always sleep with my bag inside my pack for at least two nights at home first to let it loft and show any waterproofing issues. Why risk a ruined trip when you can test it on your own floor for zero cost? Has anyone else seen a new piece of gear fail in the first week out there?
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2 Comments
brianm27
brianm275d ago
Brought a new tent fly on a trip once, first night it rained and the seam tape peeled right off. Learned that lesson the hard way. Always set new gear up in the backyard or living room for a night or two before heading out.
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abbyd36
abbyd365d ago
Ate my first freeze dried meal off that same living room floor a year later, still no regrets.
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