Can I recycle old down to make a new sleeping bag?
Many years ago there were companies that took your old down-filled articles, reclaimed the down, and made you a new sleeping bag. I have an old army two-piece down bag and a down parka that I'd like to reconstitute into a new sleeping bag. I hate to throw away this good down, so do you know of any company that does this kind of work? Keil Endwell, Maine
Marmot Arroyo
Besides, from a practical standpoint, I can't even FIND a company that would offer that sort of service. Just no demand for it these days.
If you need more warmth, Western Mountaineering's Badger Super MF ($375; www.westernmountaineering.com) is a superbly made bag that is rated conservatively to 15 degrees yet still weighs only two pounds, 12 ounces. And if you're on a budget, L.L. Bean's 20-degree Mount Washington mummy bag gives you 775-fill down and a light Pertex nylon shell for only $205 (www.llbean.com).
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