Sleeping Bag Buying Guide

Sleeping Bags

Your sleeping bag is going to be a valuable piece of camping gear. When considering which sleeping bags to buy there are a few features to become familiar with: the fill, the style, the shell, the lining and the temperature rating, as well as any extra features a sleeping bag may have.

Sleeping bag fill

There are different types of insulators in sleeping bags, which will keep you comfortable. Regardless of fill-type, your sleeping bags should have certain qualities:

• Able to retain a lot of air pockets
• Lightweight
• Compact when compressed
• Expand quickly when unrolled
• Able to insulate even when wet
• Doesn't give rashes or cause allergic reactions

Having different fill types for different camping seasons is a great idea, as some sleeping bags can become too warm in the summer or too cold in the winter.

Down

Down fill is the preferred material of great quality sleeping bags. A down sleeping bag will be a little more expensive but will last two to three times longer than synthetic-filled sleeping bags. Goose down is best known for its insulation properties. It takes very little room when compressed and fluffs up nicely once unrolled. Down sleeping bags are very soft and have a great warmth-to-weight ratio.

Avoid getting your sleeping bag wet; wet down offers no insulation. Measured in fill power, the higher the fill power, the warmer the sleeping bag. Good down rates about 500 - 800 cubic inches per ounce. Check your allergies before purchasing a down sleeping bag.

Synthetic

Synthetic-fill sleeping bags were designed to combine the qualities of down with better insulation qualities when the sleeping bag becomes wet. Synthetic-filled sleeping bags are very convenient and inexpensive. Although synthetic insulations, such as Polarguard Delta, PrimaLoft PL2, and DuPont Thermolite, don't compress as well as down insulation, they are machine washable and dryable. For summer camping, these sleeping bags are great. If extra warmth is needed an extra blanket can be added.

Sleeping bag styles

The biggest problem faced in sleeping bags is heat loss, especially through the sleeping bag's opening, shoulder area and head. If you use a larger sleeping bag, more air volume will have to be heated by your body. The tighter- or closer-fitting the sleeping bag, the less air needs to be heated. Sleeping bags come in two basic styles: rectangular and mummy.

Mummy sleeping bags

Almost all outdoor sleeping bags are "mummy" sleeping bags. Mummy sleeping bags fit close to the body and resemble an Egyptian mummy case. Mummy sleeping bags cost a bit more, but they hug your body, are lighter and provide more warmth. When mummy sleeping bags are fully closed they should leave only your nose and mouth exposed.

When properly closed, a mummy sleeping bag will trap the air inside the sleeping bag, which works as a good insulator. To ensure a good fit you may find the dimensions of the sleeping bags in shoulder, hip and foot girth. Women's sleeping bags will have a slimmer shoulder and wider hip area for a better fit.

These sleeping bags are the best for cold weather conditions but can be used in warmer weather; just adjust the hood drawstrings or zippers. Most styles of mummy sleeping bag have two-way zippers which allow you to open certain sections. And know that mummy bags force you to sleep on your back, which you may not like, and they can feel claustrophobic to some people. Just remember how warm they'll keep you!

Rectangular sleeping bags

Rectangular sleeping bags are less expensive. They offer more room but are heavier and don't always offer much warmth. Many people prefer a rectangular sleeping bag because they provide more room to wiggle. You do not have to sleep on your back, like in a mummy sleeping bag, but can toss and turn as much as you like. These sleeping bags are great for car campers where heat isn't as big of a concern as it would be while backpacking the backcountry. In the summer time these sleeping bags are ideal because you won't be faced with very cold temperatures.

A benefit of purchasing rectangular sleeping bags is that if you buy two of the same styles, you can zip them together. If you combine them with an air-filled mattress you have quite the luxurious camping bed. Of course when you do that, you'll want to make sure that you have a large enough tent to accommodate them.

There are some rectangular sleeping bags that taper toward the bottom with a rounded base. They are not a mummy sleeping bag but a compromise between the two styles.

Sleeping bag shells

The shell of a sleeping bag is the outside of the bag. Sleeping bag shells are made of a variety of materials, all which have different qualities. If you plan to camp in damp regions, such as the Pacific Northwest or the humid South, or as a part of a rafting or canoeing trip, you will want a water-resistant shell made of Dryloft or microfiber. A less expensive choice, and a good choice if you will be camping in dry areas like the desert or a forest, is a sleeping bag shell made of taffeta, nylon or polyester. If you're just sleeping outside with the kids in the backyard, on the trampoline or in the tree house, you can possibly get away with a simple cotton shell.

Shell fabrics are becoming increasingly high-tech. They can be ultra-light (weighing less than an ounce per square yard) and water repellent. Manufactures have started to weld baffles to the shell to eliminate stitching needle holes. Here are the shells you will come across on your quest to buy a sleeping bag:

• Nylon, polyester, taffeta: These are the most basic materials used for very inexpensive sleeping bags all the way to custom sleeping bags. They are the least durable of the synthetic materials and are best for car camping or general walk-in camping. They are low cost and extremely breathable. Use these for late-spring, summer and early fall camping because temperatures will be moderate to dry. They need to be water-proofed for damper conditions.
• Ripstop: Ripstop is nylon or polyester that has heavier threads woven into the material. The heavier threads reinforce the shell, making it stronger and more resistant to moisture than nylon alone, while still remaining breathable. Ripstop is great for three-season camping where conditions won't be too damp.
• Microfiber, Gossamer Micro, DryClime: These are very tightly woven materials that are strong and moisture resistant. They are softer than Ripstop, though, because they lack the heavier threads sewn into the material. These are a great choice for three-season camping or even four-season camping, provided you're not crawling around in the snow (snow caves) and your winter camping has "ideal" conditions.
• Gore-Tex: Gore-Tex is durable and very water resistant, but it doesn't breathe well. This can cause dampness inside of the sleeping bag. Most sleeping bag manufacturers have stopped making Gore-Tex sleeping bag shells. If you need an over-bag to supplement your sleeping bag in extreme conditions, Gore-Tex will be an excellent choice.
• DryLoft: This is close to Gore-Tex; it has the same water resistant abilities but it is very breathable, making it much more comfortable. It won't trap any moisture inside. You'll stay warm and dry on the inside and leave the wet and dampness on the outside of the sleeping bag. Look for DryLoft if four-season camping, backcountry camping or canoe camping is what you plan to do.
• Canvas: You can find sleeping bags with canvas shells, usually at your local Army-Navy stores. Canvas is durable, breathable, and when it gets wet, it stays wet. Canvas is pretty heavy, but when it gets wet, it's very heavy. If you have a canvas shell sleeping bag, you probably use it for car camping, and it's probably time to consider updating that sleeping bag.
• Cotton: Cotton shells are very lightweight and breathable. They are easy to clean and pretty low-cost. Cotton doesn't do very well with moisture and should be used only in prime weather conditions.

Sleeping bag linings

The lining of a sleeping bag is the inside of the bag. Linings also come in many materials, all with different qualities. Linings can include silk, taffeta, nylon, polyester, cotton or fleece. If you don't like the feel of sliding around in your sleeping bag, go for polyester, cotton or fleece. The choice of linings is based a lot on your personal taste.

• Nylon, polyester, taffeta: Most popular sleeping bag lining. These materials are soft and supple. You're probably already sleeping on these materials if your bedding at home is a cotton blend. These fabrics are breathable and comfortable, and they don't heat up as much as others when lying in the same spot for a while. Less expensive sleeping bags will use nylon or polyester linings.
• Fleece: Fleece and brushed linings help you feel warmer when the temperature starts to dip. They feel very soft on the skin, but because fleece traps heat, they could be uncomfortable when you're sleeping in the same spot for a long period of time. Fleece and brushed linings are generally seen in rectangular sleeping bags where you'll have more room to shift positions, but they are also found in mummy-style sleeping bags.
• Silk: Silk is an expensive liner. It is soft, supple and breathable, and it won't overheat from lying in the same spot. Silk is often seen in very expensive mummy style down sleeping bags. It tears more easily than other liners and is hard to repair, and in a down sleeping bag that can be a problem.
• Flannel or cotton: These are most often seen in rectangular sleeping bags as well. They are natural materials that are breathable, durable and lightweight. They are easy to clean and repair. Cotton and flannel both trap moisture and should be reserved for camp outs in moderate to dry temperatures.

Temperature ratings

Temperature ratings refer to the temperature it can be outside before a sleeping bag is not able to keep you warm. Some sleeping bags also rate the maximum temperature before the bag will keep you too warm. Temp ratings are shown as temp Celsius/temp Fahrenheit.

Although sleeping bags may be rated for 0 degrees Celsius, you shouldn't bank on it. To be safe, add about 10 degrees Fahrenheit to the sleeping bag's listed temperature rating. For instance, if the rating is 10 F, you shouldn't use the sleeping bag below 20 F. This is by no means a firm rule. You will have a feel for the sleeping bag and will know how cold you should take it before you begin to chill. If you sleep with all of your clothes on you will be able to handle the cold better than someone who sleeps in their underwear. If you are experienced with camping, backpacking and similar sports and have tested many sleeping bags in a variety of conditions you will be able to gauge the sleeping bags' abilities better. If you are new to camping and backpacking, don't take risks with your warmth.

Other features of a sleeping bag

Certain sleeping bag features will also add to the warmth and comfort of your camping experience.

• Draft collars prevent heat loss around the neck.
• Draft tubes behind the zipper will keep your zipper-side warm.
• Hoods add tremendous warmth around your head. Up to 50 percent of your body's heat loss is through your head.
• Pockets are featured in some sleeping bags. They allow you to keep personal items close, such as eyeglasses, contact cases or flashlights.
• Sleeping-pad loops will keep your sleeping bag on top of your sleeping pad and off the floor.
• Storage bags will help to protect your sleeping bags when they are not in use. A compression sack is a special bag that enables you to squeeze your sleeping bag down so it takes up less room in your backpack. Use compression sacks for backpacking, but avoid long-term storage of sleeping bags in them since they can cause your sleeping bag to lose its loft.
• Zippers that are full length will allow you ventilate your sleeping bag on warm nights. You can find sleeping bags that are left zip or right zip. If you have a left and right zip from the same manufacturer you can usually zip the two together.

Size and length

The size and length of sleeping bags will vary. There really isn't a one-size-fits-all. Look for sleeping bags that will fit you comfortably without extra space. Remember that your body will have to heat up that extra space. Look for a sleeping bag that will fit your length comfortably; there are bags specifically designed for people with larger or smaller frames. Women and children will also find that they may need to find a smaller or narrower sleeping bag. There are many options in children's sleeping bags as well as women's sleeping bags. Kid's sleeping bags will be shorter and designed to keep their smaller bodies warm.

Sleeping Bag Care

Here are some general care tips to prolong the life of your sleeping bags:

• Avoid storing your sleeping bag rolled or stuffed tightly in a compression sack. You don't want your sleeping bag to lose its loft.
• Store your bag in a breathable sack made of canvas rolled up loosely. Take your bag out every three to six months and fluff it up to help maintain its loft.
• After each trip allow your sleeping bag to air out. Hang it up outside on a nice sunny day. Air out your sleeping bags before you store them, and never pack a wet sleeping bag for storage! If you choose to stick it in a dryer, DO NOT USE HEAT.
• Washing your bag after each camping trip isn't necessary, unless you've just finished a month-long backcountry trip. Follow the directions on the sleeping bag for washing. Use a large washing machine, and avoid machines with front agitators.
• Use a waterproofed compression sack when hiking or going into the backcountry. The bag will stay dry, even if you do not. Having a dry bag (and a fire) will be very beneficial if the weather turns suddenly.
• Bring duct tape. You can use duct tape to patch a tear in your sleeping bag or seal a broken zipper. Duct tape is always handy to have along.
• Treat your zippers with care. If you have a sleeping bag with zippers that meet in the middle, using one to go all around will wear one down and increase the chances of it jamming or jumping off track. Try to balance the work load of each zipper.
• Do not dry clean! Dry cleaning solution is a petroleum-based solvent, which will coat insulation and prevent re-lofting.

Sleeping Pads

There are three basic types of sleeping pads available: air mattresses, foam pads and self-inflating pads. If you dislike sleeping on the cold, hard ground, a sleeping pad can really save you a night of discomfort.

• Air mattresses: These were used before more advanced mattresses came along. Air mattresses need to be inflated, either with a hand or foot pump or with your mouth (which can take a while). They are comfortable and provide pretty good insulation. The downfall is that an air mattress is rather vulnerable to punctures. These are best used for car camping or indoors.
• Foam pads: These were the next step in camping pads. They are less comfortable than air mattresses, but they are lighter and do not need to be inflated.
• Self-inflating pads: These sleeping pads are a combination of an air mattress and a foam pad. They have the advantages of both; they have an open cell foam pad covered with an airproof covering with an air valve. Self-inflating pads begin to inflate as soon as you open the valve. They are easy to repair when punctured, and even if you do not repair them right away, you can still use them. These are the most recommended sleeping pads.

When selecting a sleeping pad take into consideration the size, weight and volume. If you are backpacking you will want a smaller sleeping pad that isn't going to be a bulky, inconvenient lump in the pack on your back. Manufacturers usually specify the pad's weight rolled out and rolled up.

Most sleeping pads are carried outside of the backpack, but for larger ones, if you're going car camping the weight and bulk is only a concern when your car is small.

Sleeping pads are versatile things. They can be used as emergency shelter or as a flotation device in an emergency. If you are backcountry backpacking, a sleeping pad could help more than you thought.

Tips for using sleeping bags

You know that there is more to camping than your sleeping bags being the right size for your tent, or your tents being the best size for your sleeping bags. Use these tips for car camping or backpacking, or for just hanging out in your kids' fort in the backyard.

• If you're sick of jumping from your warm sleeping bag to put on cold clothes, try storing your clothes in your sleeping bag while you sleep. They'll add insulation, and when you put them on, they'll be warm.
• To help smooth out rough spots in tough or stuck zippers, rub a No. 2 pencil along the teeth. The graphite in the pencil lead will act as a lubricant for worn or old zippers.
• Instead of waiting until bedtime to unroll your sleeping bag, try laying the sleeping bag out at least an hour before. The insulation will have enough time to expand, enabling it to perform better.
• Sleeping bag liners can be used for more than just added insulation. They can be used in your sleeping bag to keep it clean. This way, you will only need to wash the liner.
• Don't base your sleeping bag purchases on cushiness. Sure, cushioning is nice, but that is what your sleeping pad is for since you'll be sleeping inside of the sleeping bag and not on it. Focus instead on a sleeping bag that will keep you warm and dry.

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