How to choose a camping sleeping bag – expert advice

Anyone who has at least once had a chance to go on a multi-day hike that involves several overnight stays knows how important the role of properly selected travel equipment is. A comfortable and sound sleep will be only when a properly selected tent, which protects the traveler from insects, precipitation and wind, is fully matched by a high-quality sleeping bag. However, it is not enough to buy the first 'sleeping bag' that comes across – its choice should be given the utmost attention.

The best sleeping bag manufacturers – which company to choose

Currently, there are a large number of sleeping bag models from various manufacturers on the market. All of them differ quite strongly, but even the most inexpensive models are quite suitable for spending the night on a warm summer night. The situation is much more complicated when it comes to operation in cold autumn or even winter weather. In this case, preference should be given exclusively to proven brands, the real characteristics of which fully correspond to the declared ones:

1. Tramp

2. Trimm

3. Touristika

4. Novatour

5. Trimm

As in the case of tourist tents, when choosing a sleeping bag for certain operating conditions, you need to familiarize yourself with its characteristics, as well as with the reviews of those who managed to test a particular model in action and identify not only advantages, but also disadvantages.

The structure and technological aspects of sleeping bags

The sleeping bag is a quilted stocking based on modern synthetic materials. It is used for recreation in field conditions and is able to replace both a blanket and a full bed under appropriate operating conditions.

The structure of any sleeping bag consists of three different layers, each of which is designed to perform strictly defined functions:

1. The outer layer, which is constantly in contact with a hard surface, must have sufficient mechanical strength, not be blown by the wind, and also protect the resting person from precipitation and other moisture (condensation, dew). Almost always, nylon fabric or polyester is used as the outer layer;

2. The intermediate layer is nothing more than insulation designed for thermoregulation during rest and sleep. For a long time, down sleeping bags have been popular, however, with a huge number of advantages, down has a significant drawback – it is highly hygroscopic, and therefore the issues of care and drying of such a sleeping bag are more relevant than ever. Otherwise, a downy sleeping bag may become unusable after a season. It is for this reason that models with synthetic insulation are currently most common. With similar performance characteristics, synthetics do not absorb water, and therefore are perfect for use at any time of the year;

3. The inner layer in contact with the body should have excellent tactile sensitivity, not cause allergies and irritation, and also wick away sweat from the body during sleep;

Types of sleeping bags

The performance of a particular sleeping bag depends not only on the characteristics of a particular model, but also on its design. Depending on this feature, there are two main types of sleeping bags.

Cocoon

The classic design of a sleeping bag, which is a so-called cocoon for sleeping. For ease of use, such a cocoon is equipped with a longitudinal zipper that unfastens both from the outside and from the inside. Thanks to the anatomical cut of these sleeping bags, maximum comfort is ensured, and the time to warm up is reduced to a minimum.

Advantages

• Ease of use;

• Minimal heat loss and excellent thermal insulation;

• Compact dimensions, minimal weight;

disadvantages

• It is difficult to find the right model for a person of non-standard build;

• Possibility of operation by only one person;

• Restricted movement, tightness during sleep;

Blanket (with or without a hood)

Unlike a cocoon, such a sleeping bag has the same width along its entire length, and therefore allows a person of any build to fit inside. The long side of the bag is also equipped with a zipper, which converts the sleeping bag into a full blanket if necessary. In addition, through this very zipper, you can zip several sleeping bags together and make one large blanket or one sleeping bag.

Advantages

• Ease of use;

• The ability to transform into a full-fledged blanket if necessary;

• Comfortable and comfortable sleep;

• Excellent thermal insulation characteristics;

• Versatility;

disadvantages

• Suitable for freezing temperatures;

• Significant dimensions and weight;

The main criteria for choosing sleeping bags

Having decided on the specific type of sleeping bag, it's time to figure out the characteristics that should be given close attention when choosing

Season of operation

In the classical sense, this parameter does not reflect the time of the year, it displays the temperature range at which the operation of a particular sleeping bag model is allowed. This parameter consists of two digits – the upper and lower comfort temperatures. The first is responsible for the threshold, after which you will feel discomfort due to heat, the second, on the contrary, means the minimum allowable temperature for operation. There is also a third parameter – the extreme temperature of comfort, which indicates the lower limit at which a person can be in a sleeping bag and not get hypothermia for up to 6 hours.

Material used as insulation

1. Natural goose down. A material with excellent thermal insulation properties. It is down that is used in the most expensive models, as well as sleeping bags designed for use in extreme conditions. A significant disadvantage of down is increased hygroscopicity – it is enough not to dry the bag properly 1-2 times – and it may become unusable. It is for this reason that such a sleeping bag is recommended to be used only in conditions of minimal humidity and in dry air;

2. Synthetic materials (thermolight, holofiber) are not famous for such shortcomings and perfectly protect from the cold, but are not suitable for those who are allergic to synthetics;

Bag cut

The most suitable sleeping bag should have a quality cut, the contours of the seam should be clear and even, and the inner layers should not protrude in any place.

Fittings

You should also pay special attention to the accessories – rubber hood ties, buttons, zippers. Preference should be given to quality models from well-known manufacturers (YKK), only they are able to provide maximum quality.

The presence of a compression sleeve

The compression cover is a special stocking that fits the folded sleeping bag inside during transport. It is thanks to him that it is possible to significantly reduce the volume occupied by the sleeping bag in the luggage. Not all models are equipped with a compression bag, however, by its presence, one can judge the quality and prestige of a particular model;

Which sleeping bag to choose

1. For mountain expeditions and harsh operating conditions, it is best to choose the most expensive and high quality down sleeping bag;

2. Short-term outings to nature and all kinds of cycling trips require the use of a compact cocoon sleeping bag with a synthetic filler hidden inside;

3. Long-term fishing or hunting expeditions, coupled with living in nature and setting up a full-fledged camp, require the use of a high-quality sleeping bag-blanket, which can be used to hide not only alone, but also with your soulmate;

4. For a comfortable sleep on a warm summer night, it is best to stock a compact and lightweight sleeping bag – a blanket, the temperature regime of which is fully consistent with the operating conditions;

How much does a sleeping bag cost

When choosing a sleeping bag, it should be remembered that the lower the temperature range this or that model is designed for, the more expensive it costs.

1. Professional sleeping bags designed for polar expeditions and harsh environments are the most expensive. Their cost can reach 50-70 thousand rubles for the best models from well-known manufacturers;

2. Bedrooms – blankets are much cheaper – a good model can be bought for 15-17 thousand rubles;

3. Sleeping bags – cocoons filled with synthetic material are also quite affordable: their cost does not exceed 20-22 thousand rubles.

In the following articles, our experts will tell you how to choose a tent for tourism and the secrets of choosing binoculars.

Sleeping bag selection video

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Attention! This material is the subjective opinion of the authors of the project and is not a purchase guide.