subject: How To Keep Warm And Dry With The Right Sleeping Bags [print this page] For camping enthusiasts, there is a lot to be said about having sleeping bags that can be relied upon. For anyone looking to head out into the great outdoors therefore, it is essential that the right one is chosen for the trip ahead. At Outdoor World Direct we know all about that, so here is a quick guide to the basics.
Before anything else, it is important to understand how the sleeping bags are to be used; with so many different types available, there is something to suit every need. The time of the year that the trip is taking place is important, and knowing what sort of weather is likely will help too.
Another essential point is to consider the ease of how quickly and easily you can pack the sleeping bag away and move around with it. If heading off on a trip that will involve a lot of trekking for example, something lightweight is better. If travelling by car however, something more substantial could be a good choice.
There tends to be two main types of sleeping bag. For the majority of camping holidays, the simplistic blanket style bag is a great choice. It folds in half, and is secured on one side with a zip, which runs the full length.
Blanket style sleeping bags come in a range of sizes to suit kids and adults, and can be readily moved around. The majority of them roll up easily too, so are good to transport, attaching to a bag with straps.
The second style is a more engineered and developed line; tested almost to destruction on camping trips and mountain expeditions across the world. The mummy bag gets its name from its shape, which conforms to the human form.
Just as the extensive testing of these bags would indicate, they perform exceptionally well in severe weather conditions, warding off cold temperatures and rain. These are easier still to pack and can often be fitted into the smallest of spaces, making them ideal for day/night walking trips or something a little more adventurous.
Each style is made in a variety of materials. Cotton is popular, and offers warmth and comfort but will retain moisture if it becomes wet. It is also not the best for packing so will need a little extra space to accommodate it. Wool is also a warm and comfortable option, and handles water better but again, this is a heavy material.
Synthetic materials perform well at all levels; providing warmth and comfort, as well as giving a lightweight material that dries quickly. They are held back by the space they demand though. Down is the final option to consider, which many people do prefer. However, this does not recover quickly when wet.
At Outdoor World Direct, we have a large range of all the very best sleeping bags from the leading manufacturers. With designs from the likes of Coleman, Outwell, Vango and many more besides we are sure to have the ideal sleeping bags solution whether you are heading up hill or down dale.
