Getting Ready For Summer - Sleeping Bags

Sleeping bags should provide you warmth and without being too bulky or heavy.

The key question you want to ask when looking at sleeping bags is “What will the temperature be?” Temperature will be a determining factor in the sleeping bag you choose. Sleeping bags have different type of filling which will determine temperature ratings. My advise is to look at the label rather than your budget. The last thing you want is to wake up in the middle of the night and discover your sleeping bag is not keeping you warm enough. You end up having a restless night and ruin your fun of your camping or hiking trip.

Sleeping bags will list the coldest temperature they are suitable for sleeping in.

Synthetic Or Goose Down ?
Synthetic is by far cheaper than goose down and best for wet conditions. When travelling by boat or sleeping on the ground they are the sleeping bags of choice. Synthetic bags are usually larger, heavier and difficult to carry. Not the best choice for hiking long distances.

Goose down is warm and lightweight for travel. It is a better choice if you plan to backpacker. Goose down, however, is also more expensive than synthetic and is not the best for wet conditions.

When car camping the size and weight of a synthetic bag will most probably not be a problem.

Tapered, Rectangle Or Mummy Sleeping Bags?
Tapered sleeping bags are shaped like the human body narrower at the feet and wider at the head. Though not as much room for movement as rectangle sleeping bags they are warmer because of the smaller space.

Rectangle sleeping bags are most like the bed you sleep in at home. There is plenty of room for movement and it possible to zip two bags together. The downside, however, is that rectangle sleeping bags are big and not suitable for long hikes.

Mummy sleeping bags tend to be the smallest and lightest to carry. They fit snug to the body and have a hood to conserve the body heat. Mummy sleeping bags are the least comfortable of the three bags, but the best choice for cold weather and long hikes.

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