subject: What Features Do You Need In A Sleeping Bag For Different Activities? [print this page] Is It Hot or Cold? Is It Hot or Cold?
There are many types of sleeping bag, how do we find the right one? One of the first thing to give thought to in relation to picking what design to shop for is to decide on where it will probably be used. If you intend on doing backpacking and camping and there's the potential of very low temperatures it's best to go for a product that is lightweight and will manage colder climates. If you are just having a regular family camping trip you would unlikely need to have something that is given a -7 rating or below.
Sleeping bags are usually "ranked" for particular temperatures. Examine the ratings on the base to figure out what's befitting for your upcoming adventures.
Right fitting and adjustment
Right fitting and adjustment of the sleeping bag is very important. Before anything else, be sure that you are comfortable and there's more than enough room for your feet. It is essential to try it on before you purchase it. You want to make sure you are at ease. If for example the place you are planning to get it from won't permit you to get in and test it on, then go elsewhere!
Shapes and forms
The following are the main types of sleeping bags: Mummy, Tapered, Rectangular, Lightweight, and Wearable.
Mummy - These particular sleeping bags are formed like an Egyptian mummy. They are designed with a zip that runs down the side and are especially created for cold.
Rectangular - This type is designed to open out much like a quilt and possesses zips down the bottom and up the side. This kind of bag is mostly used in warmer temperature or maybe a "sleep over" type situation.
Lightweight- These particular bags are at the high quality end of the market and are typically created for professional hikers and more of your extreme type outdoor travels. They are made of high quality materials and will be more costly but of much better quality.
Wearable - This style of sleeping bag is much more exciting and is also normally worn much like a full-bodied jumpsuit. It is possible to get up and run around in it. The wearable type is made for people who find normal sleeping bags too restrictive and want to have a bit of fun!
Down or Synthetic
Sleeping bags are likely to be stuffed with two materials Down or Synthetic.
Down is the under plumage of ducks used chiefly for warmth. Down certainly is the premium pick for camping outdoors and mountaineering for its light weight. On the other hand, there are two troubles with down filling. Down will gradually lose its effectiveness after some time. You can expect to either need to have your sleeping bag filled by a skilled professional or you will have to get rid of it. Another downside to down is the fact that when it gets wet it would lose its power to retain heat.
Synthetic materials were created to try and copy the attributes of down without all the issues. On the flip side, synthetic materials don't compress as well. For that reason, they happen to be larger. You have to choose a sleeping bag by considering what environment you will be camping in.
The ideal sleeping bag is the one you feel most comfortable in. Try slipping them on, understand their features and think about what you will be using it for.
