Choosing The Best Sleeping Bag For You
Choosing the right sleeping bag is not unlike choosing any other type of camping equipment. There are a number of considerations to account for, including durability and construction, weight, weatherproof-ness, and what time of year you plan to camp. When choosing a sleeping bag, though, the necessary factors boil down to four points of interest.
First, the shape
Most sleeping bag shoppers don’t think much about the shape of the sleeping bag, of which there are basically two—’rectangular’ and ‘mummy’ shaped.
Rectangular sleeping bags allow for freer movement and sprawling while sleeping in the bag. They are the right choice for people who tend to feel claustrophobic. However, rectangular sleeping bags are usually heavier because they allow more heat to escape, and so it takes a heavier rectangular bag to match the warmth of a mummy-shaped sleeping bag.
Mummy shaped bags are those that closely conform to the human body and have a hood that can seal over the head. Mummy-shaped sleeping bags retain more heat and have less interior air space overall, so they warm more efficiently. The downside is, however, that they can feel constricting, and as said before, they are not a good choice for claustrophobic campers.
Then, the size
You might not realize there is a range of sleeping bag sizes, but there is. Essentially, you are looking for adequate length without overdoing it too much. Be sure your bag is long enough if you have a tall frame! Also, consider purchasing a bag that is a bit overlong if you plan to camp in the winter, so you can store essentials and keep them dry.
The second consideration for size is size of the compacted bag—you’ll want to be sure the bag rolls and stores compactly, particularly if you will be hiking and carrying the bag with other gear.
How cold is it outside?
You don’t want a stifling hot sleeping bag in the summer, and you don’t want to freeze in the winter, so choose your bag according to the time of year you plan to camp and the bag’s temperature rating.
If in doubt, though, remember it is better to be too warm than too cold.
Here’s a quick guide:
• Summer camping—choose a bag rated for 35° F or higher
• 3-Season Camping—rating of 10° to 35°
• Winter/Cold Weather—rating of -10° to +10°
• Extreme Cold—rating of -10° and below
Your favorite insulation
Warmth is achieved through insulation in a sleeping bag; that insulation is either down feathers (from ducks and geese) or a poly/synthetic.
The choice is yours, and here are some pros and cons—
• Down—is the ultimate insulator, is lightweight and compressible, and returns to loft-height when laid out; but down causes allergies in some people, and does not insulate well when wet. Furthermore, down takes a long time to dry when it does get wet. It also costs a little more.
• Synthetic—it’s cheaper, and a great insulator, but not quite as good as down. On the other hand, synthetics can still keep you warm when they are wet and will dry quickly should they become wet. Synthetic insulation is also a little heavier than down and doesn’t compress as easily. If you are allergic to down, though, synthetic is your answer.
In the end, choosing your sleeping bag is pretty much the same as choosing a tent or other camping equipment—you have to know your conditions and price range, and shop with helpful salespeople from there. If your shopping is online, find a site with excellent informational resources, and live-help via chat or email.
