How to Choose the Right Sleeping Bag

Sportsmen come in every shape, size and their passions span every aspect of the outdoor world. The most avid sportsmen eat, sleep, and live for their sports. The sleeping aspect cannot be taken lightly and may be done in the comfort of an RV, the limited protection of a tent, or on the bare ground. Chances are these mighty men of valor and just about everyone else who participates in an outdoor sport will at one time or another contemplate buying a new sleeping bag.

Sleeping bags, just as their occupants come in a variety of styles, sizes, shapes, and comfort levels. Just as one firearm or fishing pole is not acceptable for all types of hunting or fishing, one sleeping bag is not ideal for all situations. I will attempt to explain the features to examine and the pros and cons of each so that you will be a more informed consumer when that time comes to purchase this very important piece of equipment.

There are two basic variations of the typical sleeping bag, the rectangular bag and the mummy bag. The rectangular bag is open at the top and has a zippered side and bottom and will facilitate attaching two bags together to form a double bag. Rectangular bags provide more room for movement, but less overall warmth because of the opening at the top. Mummy bags are typically zippered in the center of the bag and close up completely except for a small hole for the face. Mummy bags are more confining, but offer a better insulating factor by minimizing heat loss.

Insulating materials used in sleeping bags are natural down filling and synthetic fiberfill. Down will be warmer and more insulating, and compresses into a smaller bundle, which may be a factor for backpackers and hikers, but will be heavier and less insulating if allowed to become wet. Synthetic filled bags conversely will insulate just as well when wet, but are less warm and take up more space when compressed. Synthetic bags are typically less expensive than down-filled ones.

The overall temperature rating is just a guideline as people are quite different when it comes to being warm. The most common ratings are +35 degrees for summer camping, +10 degrees to +35 degrees for spring or fall camping, 0 degrees for colder camping, and -10 degrees for winter camping.

Sleeping bags have characteristics just like the people who use them, so each of these features will have to be considered when choosing your new sleeping bag. Take into consideration the one that will be the most useful for all of your outdoor activities. A comfortable night's sleep will provide a more enjoyable experience whether you are hunting trophy elk or camping in the backyard with the kids.