What You Need To Know About Buying A Sleeping Bag

With camping season upon us, it’s time to take the gear out of storage and take a look at what is probably the most important piece of equipment for your comfort: your sleeping bag. If your current sleeping bag is worn, it may be time to choose a new one. When you are shopping, look for one suitable for you and your needs, of the right size and style, and with the proper filler and lining, which will determine if it is warm enough for the climate you will be in.There are three basic shapes from which to choose when selecting the best bag for your needs: rectangular, mummy or a combination style. Once this is decided the rest of the choices you will have to make as to features will be minimized. Unlike the other sleeping bag styles, the mummy bag is made to conform to your own contours thus keeping cold air from coming in and getting trapped. The warm air inside the bag is prevented from escaping with a hood and drawstring or elastic collar for extra protection from the elements.Again, you should take a look at all the styles available before making your choice and deciding which sleeping bag is best for you, but if it is comfort you are most concerned with, rectangular bags are wider than the others and can be joined by zipper with another rectangular bag to allow two people to snuggle up. But you may just find the combination bag to your liking as it combines the best features of both of the other styles, giving you the best of both worlds and a great night’s sleep when out enjoying nature.Once you have chosen the style you want, the next step is to choose a lining and filler. The filler is especially important if you are allergic to down, or have a particular sensitivity to down with asthma or other respiratory conditions. There are two fillers to decide on – synthetic and down. A synthetic fiber filler is generally heavier than down but when wet, it does not absorb water so therefore insulating ability is not reduced. A down filler is lighter than synthetic fiber but it requires more care and you must not get it wet or it will be useless.Is the sleeping bag you are considering of a correct size to accommodate your height and weight? Although the necessity of this proper sizing seems evident, this is actually one factor that many people seem to forget about when making their decision. And as a final but no less important point, keep in mind that sleeping bags have temperature ratings which they are designed to meet. You might choose a bag rated for temperatures even cooler than the environment you will be in if you are one of those people who is always cold. And for your own comfort, don’t forget that it is generally more difficult to warm up than it is to be too hot and cool yourself down if necessary.

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