Introduction
When you are out in the wild or on a rough hiking expedition, a good night’s sleep is one of the things that push you to keep going. And nothing makes your night in the open air more peaceful than a comfortable sleeping bag.
With outdoor gear like that, you don’t have to worry about the weight and the hassle of carrying something big in your backpack. Camp sleeping bags are usually made of light, warm, and reliable material so that you can be as plush as possible.
Since selecting your sleeping bag can make or break your night, we have come up with a list of things you need to consider while choosing one for your next camping trip. Once you have the ideal camping gear with you, you are ready to have the most memorable adventures.
How to Choose A Sleeping Bag – 10 Things to Consider
Here are the top 10 things you need to keep in mind when you are thinking of buying a sleeping bag.
1. Shape of The Bag
Sleeping bags for hiking come in different shapes, all of which have their pros and cons. For camping, you want to look for a bag that offers enough space to stretch out your limbs and roll over if you want to. You can always try different shapes and see which one works best for you.
There are four common types of sleeping bags available in the market according to their shape, which includes:
- Rectangular: For those of you who want your sleeping bag to feel more like your bed, a rectangular shape is the right choice. It gives you enough space to move your arms and legs without feeling constricted. Rectangular sleeping bags can also be used as comforters.
- Mummy: With this shape, you can get as cozy as it gets. It has a small opening at the top with zips and wide shoulders, which get narrower as you move toward the feet.
- Envelop: It is a semi-rectangular shape that is far less fitted than a mummy bag and often has a hood at the top. It gets warm easily and has more room than a mummy one but less than a rectangular sleeping bag.
- Double: If you are planning an outdoor trip with your partner, this is the best shape to get. You have enough space to cuddle and sleep together peacefully with a double sleeping bag.
2. Temperature Rating
Temperature rating is a factor that you need to pay heed to in any season, especially winter. It measures how warm your sleeping bag can keep you in different temperatures. So, to choose a camp sleeping bag with the ideal temperature rating for you, think of the lowermost temperature you will face on your camping nights.
Choose the bag with a temperature rating that is at least 10 times lower than the lowest temperature of your camping site. For instance, if it gets to 10 degrees Celsius at night, pick a sleeping bag that is rated up to 0 degrees Celsius.
Doing this can seem unnecessary to you, but how cold you feel at night can differ greatly depending on the wind, your clothes, humidity, and your sleeping pad. That’s why it is better to sleep in a bag that offers extra warmth, with open zips, than to spend a sleepless night in a cold bag.
3. Size and Fitting
The foremost thing that you need to consider is the size and the fitting of your camp sleeping bag. Most bags have a standard size which is good for most genders and ages. However, you can always narrow it down and choose one according to your liking. If you can easily get claustrophobic, then you should go for a large sleeping bag, which can be a bit harder to get warmer, but there is plenty of room to move around. There are also women and children-specific sleeping bags, which are slimmer and relatively smaller in size.
4. Weight
When you have to travel for days or weeks, you need something that has minimum weight so that you don’t feel tired carrying it around on your shoulders. Sleeping bags in small sacks are ideal for long and tiring hikes. Lightweight sleeping bags are easy to compress and fit in your backpacks. However, don’t overlook warmth while aiming for an ultralight sleeping bag.
5. Fabric and Lining
The material or fabric of camp sleeping bags is another important element to consider, particularly when traveling in different seasons. Typically used fabrics in sleeping bags are nylon and polyester. Both of these have unique qualities and add to your comfort. Polyester sleeping bags are generally cheaper than nylon which is more durable and long-lasting. The inner lining and shells of the sleeping bags are often made from ripstop nylon.
6. Insulation Type
Sleeping bags for hiking and camping have two types of insulation options; one is synthetic, and the other one is down. You can choose which one suits you the best by looking at their individual properties listed below:
- Synthetic: If you have a tight budget, buying a synthetic sleeping bag is a good option, but you need to be prepared for some extra weight as it is bulky. Sleeping bags with this type of insulation have hypoallergenic qualities, so they are best suited for people with sensitive skin. One downside of synthetic bags is that they don’t last as long as down sleeping bags, but they are easier to care for.
- Down: Sleeping bags with down insulation are lighter in weight but can be expensive. They can be compressed and stored easily in small places. Down insulation works best in extreme cold settings and has greater durability; however, taking care of them can be a bit challenging.
7. Cost
Cost can be an important factor when you are shopping for any camping gear. Be mindful of your budget and then decide what kind of sleeping bag you can get at a certain price. You can find many good options for sleeping bags on a budget because there are many options available in the market. Make a market comparison and get a durable sleeping bag tailored to your needs. You can get the best value for money if your sleeping bag has all the important features.
8. Zips
When buying a sleeping bag for your hiking or camping trips, aim for a bag with two-way zips instead of just one. A two-way zipper allows you to open your sleeping bag from both the top and bottom. You can feel the breeze on your feet by opening the zip from your bottom side and letting the air enter the bag. Checking the zips of your sleeping bag is important because there they keep your bag warm and cozy and, therefore, cannot be overlooked.
9. Additional Features
You can find so many great sleeping bags in the market that it becomes hard to choose which one is the best. The good thing is you can narrow down your options by considering some of these additional features, such as hoods, mosquito nets, inner pockets, and draft tubes.
- Hood: Sleeping bags with hoods attached at the top give you extra warmth in extremely cold weather and protect your head.
- Pocket: With an inner pocket, you can keep your phone, wallet, or keys inside your sleeping bag and don’t have to worry about them getting lost or stolen.
- Draft Tube: A draft tube or collar keeps the heat inside the sleeping bag and keeps you warm while you dose off.
- Mosquito Net: Mosquito nets are usually found in summer sleeping bags, and they keep you safe from the bites of the deadliest animal in the world.
10. Sleeping Bag Accessories
All good camping sleeping bags come with some basic accessories that make it easier to carry and store them. Make sure that the sleeping bag you choose comes with a carry bag or a storage sack where it can be tucked while traveling. Even though you can store the bag in your backpack, it is not ideal because it can get unfolded and create a mess inside the backpack.
Conclusion
It is safe to say that you can now make a wise and informed decision about which sleeping bag works best for you. Sleeping bags are created for your comfort, safety, and peace when you are out in the wilderness, so make sure you consider all of these things carefully.
https://www.homfulgroup.com/type/camping-sleeping-gear-108.asp
Publication Date: 10/8/2022
Category:
Camping Sleeping Gear
