There are a variety of sleeping bags on the market. The type that you choose should be dependent on the climate where it will be used and your own personal preferences. Purchasing a sleeping bag is similar to buying a new mattress – you should consider the size, shape, type of fabric, and amount of free space provided. As for the influence of the weather, if it is dry and warm you may only need a fleece bag or “bed-roll”, whereas colder climates dictate the need for a warm, insulated bag.
Sleeping bags generally come in two shapes, the rectangular bag and the mummy bag. The rectangular bag is the traditional style, and features a rectangular shape that zips on 3 sides and is roomy and unfitted around the feet. This kind of sleeping bag can sometimes be unzipped and used as a comforter. If both parents or more than one child wants to share a bag, two bags can be zipped together to provide more room inside for multiple sleepers; or zipped together to provide a double size comforter for a bed.
The mummy bag is a modern version of the old rectangular sleeping bags and is designed to fit more snugly around the sleeper. This allows the sleeper’s own body heat to accumulate within the bag and keep them warm. This kind of bag is generally made from less material and so is lighter weight which can make a difference if you are hiking and carrying supplies. Mummy bags can keep a sleeper warm if outside temperatures fall to 40 degrees fahrenheit or below.
Both kinds of sleeping bags are available in three standard sizes. Bags can be purchased in junior (or child) sized, standard length and extra long. Small children fit well in the junior bags, but as children can grow rapidly, buying a standard bag will provide them with the extra space to accommodate their inevitable growth spurts without the need to purchase a new bag. If you are claustrophobic, you might opt for a larger bag anyway so you will be more comfortable as you sleep.
Today’s sleeping bags are made using synthetic fibers, rather than goose down that was used in the beginning. The synthetic fibers make sleeping bags easier to maintain and less expensive. And they still offer the same, if not more, warmth that down bags offer. But there are still some higher quality sleeping bags that use down. Down sleeping bags are best for dry cold weather and when something more lightweight is desired. But the upkeep on them is more difficult and they are more expensive as well. Therefore, a sleeping bag made from synthetic fibers is often the best choice for most campers.
Tags: camping, leisure, outdoors, product reviews, sleeping bags
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