What is the difference between 600-fill and 800-fill goose down?

Question

I am looking to buy a down sleeping bag. I know an 800-fill goose down bag is generally considered better than a 600-fill bag. But why? What does the fill rating mean? Any good recommendations for a 0-degree bag?

Answer 1

Down is graded according to fill power—meaning the number of cubic inches one ounce of down will displace. The higher the number, the better the insulation.

So an ounce of 600-fill down will fill about 2.5 gallons of volume and the 800-fill down will fill about 3.5 gallons.

Higher rated down has more, better, smaller down in it and less heavy, less insulative feathers.

Here's a moderately priced, 2.5 pound down bag:

http://www.rei.com/online/store/ProductDisplay?storeId=8000&catalogId=40000008000&productId=47978745&parent_category_rn=4500515&vcat=REI_SEARCH

If you might encounter wet weather, spend $100 less, carry 1.5 pounds more and get a synthetic bag.

MOST IMPORTANT: Get a thermarest pad. Or one of the competing brands of self-inflating, insulating sleeping pads. At least 48" long (shoulders to knees). Not only do they keep up off the cold ground in a way that a sleeping bag alone can't, but they are vastly more confortable than the alternatives. $60 on that item makes more difference than any $60 you'd spend to upgrade to a different sleeping bag.

Answer 2

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RE:
What is the difference between 600-fill and 800-fill goose down?
I am looking to buy a down sleeping bag. I know an 800-fill goose down bag is generally considered better than a 600-fill bag. But why? What does the fill rating mean? Any good recommendations for a 0-degree bag?

Answer 3

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The fill number has nothing to do with the temperature rating of the bag. A bag that says 650 fill means that one ounce of the down it is filled with will expand to fill 650 cubic inches. A bag that says 800 fill means that one ounce of the down it is filled with will expand to fill 800 cubic inches. So of the two bags with the same temp rating the 800 fill will be a lighter bag than the 650 fill. Not much to worry about if you are mostly camping, but if you are long-distance hiking every ounce counts. I should add that the higher fill down is a finer down, therefore more expensive per ounce.

Answer 4

The 800-fill has more feathers than the 600-fill and will be better for colder weather.

Answer 5

Down Fill

Answer 6

in a simple word : fill stands for density....so 800 fill comparing to 600fill means that first one has more dense down filling inside it.in same volume 800 fill is heavier but warmer...for 0 degree i assume 0 celsius , you can use a synthetic bag which works better in harsh and wet conditions..but anyhow down feels warmer and more comfy but i suggest u to carry a goretex cover for that, goretex cover can add up a little warmth and would stop humidity. always use sleeping pad under your sleeping bag. i rather closed cell PE pads and dont forget to check the size of the pad with the size of the sleeping bag. the pad would stop humudity , cold . and it would provide a much better surface to sleep on. have fun and take care

Answer 7

these guys know their 'stuff"its all they make http://www.downandfeathercompany.com/how-to-choose-fill-power.aspx