BUYING A SLEEPING BAG

There's more to buying a sleeping bag than picking a color you like in a style that fits. In fact, there is more to consider than you can even imagine. Sleeping bags come in all manner of materials and styles, and are intended for a variety of conditions and uses. Selecting a bag involves an understanding of shell and fill materials, construction methods, special bag features, season and temperature ratings, size, shape, and a realistic assessment of the conditions in which a bag will be used. All of these factors should be considered and weighed against the cost of buying the best bag you can afford.

• Determine the Purpose of the Sleeping Bag
  • If family camping  then consider comfort.

  • If backcountry camping  then consider weight and size.

• Determine the Shape of the Sleeping Bag
  • Rectangular type

• Provides more space for movement.

• Can be zipped together to create a double sleeping bag.

• Can be fully opened and used as an extra blanket.

• Mummy type
  • Weighs less

  • Smaller size requires less energy to keep warm at night

  • Has a hood to pull tight around your head.

• Determine the Size of the Sleeping Bag
  • Sizes vary--regular, youth, extra long, extra wide.

• Determine Temperature Rating
  • Depends on the climate and conditions you plan to camp in - Mountains, desert, woods or backyard.

  • A bags temperature rating indicates the lowest temperature in which a person would be comfortable.
    • Remember that "comfortable" is a very subjective term  every person has a different opinion.

    • Use a ground pad. It is a very important element of your personal comfort. The pad also provides extra insulation. A foam and air core pad is the best.

    • Other factors should be considered - quality of ground pad, quality of the tent, personal level of energy, etc.

  • Basic ratings:
    • Traditional sleeping bags are rated at 40 degrees F

    • Three season bags are rated at 20 degrees F

    • Cold weather bags are rated at 0 degrees F

    • Winter camping bags are rated from -15 degrees F to -30 degrees F

• Determine the type of Insulation
  • Down
    • Best natural insulator.

    • Light and compressible.

    • Must be kept dry or it losses its insulating abilities.

  • Synthetic Fill
    • Cost less versus a down bag.

    • Insulates even when wet.

    • Dries quickly.

• Determine the type of Lining
  • Fleece

  • Nylon Taffeta

  • Polyester Cotton

• Consider Quality of Other Features
  • Seams

  • Stitching

  • Zippers

• Consider purchasing a storage bag