How to Choose the Correct Sleeping Bag

Choosing a sleeping bag is as important as choosing the correct type tent for the camping that you will be doing. You will want the correct size bag with the correct temperature rating for a comfortable nights sleep. Most sleeping bags are either rectangular or mummy shaped or a slight variation of each and each have their own advantages.

Rectangular bags are roomy and comfortable and can be unzipped and used as a top cover on an air mattress or zipped together with another bag to become a double bag. Rectangular bags are larger which give you more room to move around making them the comfort choice over the mummy bag which some find too confining. Mummy bags are designed with warmth in mind as they wrap tightly around your body to keep you toasty at night when temperatures drop below freezing.

These bags are a backpackers choice especially in the high country where temperatures often drop below freezing even in spring and fall months. Temperature ratings are -15 to -30 degrees for winter bags, 0 degrees for cold weather bags, 20 degrees for three season bags, and 40 degrees for summer bags. These ratings are used just for a guide, everyone has a different comfort range.

Using an air mattress or a ground pad adds comfort and insulation and should be considered a must. After using them once you want go camping again without one under your sleeping bag. Bags are usually filled with down or some type of synthetic material and have a polyester or fleece lining.

Bags with down lining are warmer and lighter, cost more and if they get wet will lose their insulating properties and are slow to dry. Synthetic Bags cost less and will dry much faster if they get wet. Synthetic bags are nearly as good as the down bags for warmth and are much easier to wash and dry and for most camping situations are the best choice.

Choosing a lining is mostly a personal preference with fleece being the most popular. Sleeping bags will last a long time if taken care of so buy the best bag you can afford for the type camping you plan to do and it will probably be to only one you will ever need to buy. Look for quality zippers that zip without catching the lining and a bag that is long enough for your height.

Sleeping bags can be bought in three lengths, junior, standard and extra long. The juniors are for small children. If weight is not important get a standard length for your child.

The bag will last many years, and a junior size bag will soon be outgrown. The extra long size is usually advertised for those over six feet. However, the extra length might be appreciated by shorter persons.

It all depends on what makes you the most comfortable. Choosing a bag is not that difficult; just consider weight, temperature, length, style, and comfort. Get the best quality bag you can afford and go camping.

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