Which sleeping bag should you choose when going camping? It’s a question that most of us have contemplated at some time or other, In this post we look at some of the different type of sleeping bags available on the market today.
Sleeping Bags will vary in quality depending on the how much you are willing to spend and what type of conditions you will be sleeping in.
If you’re camping in a warm climate you can get away with a lightweight compact sleeping bag, but for colder conditions you’ll need a high-tech sleeping bag which will keep the frost bite out.
Making The Right Choice
It’s best to consider what time of year and where you’ll be needing your sleeping, here’s some tips:
- Size/Shape: It’s best to consider your height and size, being inside something which restricts your movement can be uncomfortable. A mummy style bag may offer the most warmth, but if you’re using the sleeping bag inside or in warm conditions a semi rectangular bag will offer far more movement inside and will be less claustrophobic.
- Storing Away: Will you require something small and compact with a pouch for travelling light? Or will it be used in-doors where weight or packing away are not so important.
- Season/Temperature: Sleeping Bags are rated by season and degrees Celsius, it is always important to check with the supplier which will be most suitable for your need. As a rough guide: 1 will be for summers months (around 5 degrees Celsius), 2 will be for spring into summer (0 degrees Celsius), 3 will be for spring right through to autumn (around -5 degrees Celsius), 4 will be for winter (around -10 degrees Celsius) and 5 is rated for expeditions in colder climates (around -15 degrees Celsius).
- Outer Lining: Inside or outside use? Using it in harsh weather conditions? Down sleeping bags are usually more expensive than synthetic sleeping bags and generally last longer, however, these would not be ideal for wet or damp conditions. For wet or damp conditions the ultralight shell fabrics are more suitable as they often possess a durable water-repellent coating.
- Inner Lining/Insulation: Will you require something that is light and breathable for really warm climates, or are you camping somewhere really cold where you will need to be cocooned inside? If you will be in dry but cold conditions then down sleeping bags are effective, they possess a high weight to warmth ratio (down insulation is measured by one ounce per cubic inch with 900 being the around the highest). For machine washable and damp resistant sleeping bags, those with synthetic insulation work best.
- Hood: Will your sleeping bag need a hood for really cold weather or to keep insects out? Other related features may be draft collars and draft tubes behind the zip, combined, these all act as effective draft insulators.
When you’ve made you choice, you may want to consider sleeping bag accessories too. Items such as sleeping bag heaters are great for emergency or really cold situations, mats to help cushion the ground and insulate from cold beneath are useful, travel pillows can add comfort and sleeping bag liners offer extra insulation in cold weather.
To be sure that you are spending your money wisely, it’s always best to ask the advice of someone with a bit of knowledge on the subject. Camping-Online are one such company who will be happy to offer free advice and point you in the right direction whatever your need: Camping-Online.co.uk