How to Choose Sleeping Bags

If you like hiking, mountain climbing, or just traveling and camping out, then sleeping bags come in very handy. Sleeping bags are comfortable readymade beds. Very easy to set up. You will just lay it and you are ready to use it. But note that not all sleeping bags are the same. You have to take in some considerations before choosing the best sleeping bags for you. How are you going to use it? You must first check your condition and needs.

For instance, just some of the things that you should be asking before buying sleeping bags are the weather, quality or material, the condition, shape and size, and weight and portability. Now let us consider the state wherein you will be using your sleeping bags.

The first to consider is the weather or climate. You should first ask yourself how cold or hot the weather will be during the time you will be using your sleeping bags. This is very important as it will determine how comfortable you are going to be in your sleeping bags. Is your sleeping bag good enough to keep you warm on a winter season? Consider getting sleeping bags that will work at the coldest temperatures you expect to encounter. Secondly, considering the climate will affect the care you are giving sleeping bags. In particular, in a summer season, if your sleeping bag's insulation does not suit the weather, you may not be able to avoid overheating and excessive sweating, which will dampen and damage the fill of your sleeping bag. In this case, it is best to choose sleeping bags that are breathable.

Also, the best sleeping bags for summer are the ones' rated 40 degrees Fahrenheit or 4 degrees Celsius (Yes, you should check the temperature rating). Otherwise, if it is still comfortable for you, you can just open up your sleeping bag like a blanket so it does not hold in much heat. Hence, you should prepare two sleeping bags according to your needs - one for winter the winter, and one for your summer trips. You also might want to pick advanced sleeping bags rather than standard for use in extreme weather conditions.

Next to consider is the quality or material of your sleeping bags. You must know that sleeping bags' temperatures depend on the type of insulating pads they are made with. A quality sleeping bag you are looking for may just depend on the padding. They work irrespective of the weather conditions outside. Foam core pads are warmer are thicker and warmer than air core pads. Closed cell foam pads add extra warmth - perfect for winter mountain campers. You can also choose from more insulated air mattress bags that are blown up, or those Thermarest style pads, also blown up but mouth-delivered only.

Also to consider is the wet or dry conditions. If you are backpacking on the northwest then expect wet conditions. Do not pick sleeping bags with down fill as it loses much of its insulating capability when wet. Choose light down sleeping bags only if you are traveling southwest where the conditions are desert dry. Choose those with synthetic fill for wet conditions.

Next is shape and size. Some people are claustrophobic and mummy sleeping bags are not advised. Best to go for semi-rectangular. A tight mummy bag is also much stricter with size - you must fit in perfectly with the hood closed for comfort. If you are too big then try a rectangular or semi-rectangular. As long as you are fit for comfort.

Lastly, you might want to consider portability, compactness - ease of carrying your sleeping bags. Your bags should not be greater than three pounds for carrying. Neither should it be too big according to your carrying capacity (Except if you are going winter camping with expected bigger winter bags). There are compression sacks for bulky bags but remember that this could damage the bag's filling in the long run and affect its insulation. The most compressible sleeping bags are down bags. You can fit them in a backpack.

So those are the things to note. There may be other considerations in choosing a sleeping bag. However, I hope these ones certainly help you narrow down your choices.

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