Choosing a Sleeping Bag

After a long day of hiking, all you want to do is snuggle in your sleeping bag. Camping equipment would be your bed for the night when you are camping so it has to be comfortable. Buying a perfect sleeping bag can be more of a necessity than a luxury. If you are a person who hikes and goes on camping frequently, you will know the struggle of buying a good sleeping mat. There are a few things that should be kept in mind while choosing a sleeping sack. Key factors in choosing a sleeping bag are as follows: 

1. Temperatures

 Sleeping bags are capable of knowing the lowest temperature that keeps you warm and comfortable. It is best to look for the average low of an area that you are planning to go to so that you can pick a type of sleeping sack. After that, subtract 10 degrees and on the basis of this temperature, find yourself a sleeping sack. 

2. Insulation

You can choose from two types of insulation that are down and synthetic. 

• Down insulation – it is made of bird’s plumage and is light in weight but it keeps you warm. Down insulation prevents body heat to escape but allows moisture to go out. 
• Synthetic insulation – it is made of shorts staples of polyester or long threads that are woven together. It dries quickly and it is water-resistant. They are less expensive and a little heavier but they are not as warm as down insulation. 

 3. Style 

Different styles and fits are available for sleeping mats. It is good to go to a store and try camping equipment so that you can see which one is the most comfortable for you. The different styles are:

• Mummy bags – these are good for high altitudes and cold temperatures. These are tight towards the feet and this fit allows you to sleep nicely in this bag. These are lighter because they use less material as compared to other sleeping bags. Mummy bags have an insulated hood to keep the head warm.  
• Rectangular bags – ideal for the sleepers who move while they are asleep. Rectangular bags have more room but they do not insulate as nicely as mummy bags because of this quality. They also have zippers that can be used as a comforter. They are heavier but good for warm weather. 
• Semi rectangular bags – semi-rectangular bags have the quality of both the mummy bags and rectangular bags. They are tighter towards the feet but have more room just like rectangular bags. It is good if you are looking to stay warmer more than in a rectangular bag but you do not like to be as snug as you do in a mummy bag. 

4. Sizes 

As these sleeping mats have different styles, they also have different sizes available. They come in sizes for adults, women, and kids so that every person can have a comfortable sleeping experience. 

• Sleeping bags for adults – usually sleeping sacks come in regular sizes that are long but they are also available in short sizes. Depending on the height of yours, get camping equipment that fits your height or has a little space left after you lie in it. if you go for sleeping mats that fit you perfectly, you will be warmer than when you go for a larger size. 
• Sleeping bags for women – these are designed to fit a woman of ‘an average’ size. These sleeping sacks are shorter but wider from the hip area and narrower from the shoulders as compared to a sleeping bag for men. 
• Sleeping bags for kids – these are specially designed for kids which means that they are shorter than adult size. Their smaller size makes them less costly than adult camping equipment. You can conduct an EN and ISO testing on these bags. 

Other features of sleeping bags

• Sleeping bag hood

A hood can be beneficial to provide added warmth to your head. Some hoods come with ‘differentiated drawcords’ that allow you to adjust the cord according to your neck. These cords have different thicknesses to choose from.

• Draft blocking in a sleeping mat

Draft blocking prevents warm air to escape from the sleeping sack, keeping it cozy. Draft tubes are found at the length of the camping equipment, just being the zipper.

• Stash pocket

A stash pocket can be used to keep small things like lip balm, a watch, etc. it is located near the top of the sleeping bag.

• Pillow pocket

If you want to make a pillow, then you can put clothes in a pillow pocket that is located where you place your head. In case the sleeping mat does not have a pillow pocket and you want a pillow then it is essential to bring a pillow from home.

• Anti-snag zipper

The zipper is fit in a way that does not tear your sleeping mat. Snagging the zipper gets annoying when you open or close the sleeping sack. There are bags available that shield the zipper or cover it so that it is protected.

• Right or left zip

The camping equipment may have a zip on the left side while some have it on the right side. If you want to zip two bags together then this might be an issue. If you are a couple then it is suggested to look for double sleeping bags because they are designed for two sleepers.

• Sleeping pad compatibility

Some sleeping mats are compatible with a sleeping pad. Pad loops and straps can be used to connect the sleeping pad with the sleeping sack.

• camping equipment fabric

Polyester or ripstop nylon is used to make the outer shell of a sleeping mat. To stop moisture from soaking in and dampening, the outer shells may have a durable water repellent finish.

Our Word:

If you are planning a hiking trip or camping then log on to ‘Camping Swag Online’ to get the best sleeping sacks for your next camping trip. We keep your comfort in mind while designing our sleeping bags so that you can have a comfortable night’s sleep while you are away from home.