Outdoor adventures, no matter if they’re hikes, backpacking trips, or full-on camping adventures, can be extremely fun, and they have one thing in common – a sleeping bag! A sleeping bag is essential for a safe and pleasant night under the stars no matter the activity and place of camping. It can be a completely different challenge and experience every time you decide to camp under the stars. When it comes to outdoor adventures the most valuable lessons come from mistakes but they can oftentimes result in terrible consequences, so it’s best to learn and prepare before heading to the wild!
Choosing the perfect sleeping bag is predetermined by several factors that we’ll discuss in the following article. Having in mind that there are different styles, fabrics, and temperature ratings for a sleeping bag, you should first be aware of your needs. Once you know what is expected in your location of choosing and condition in the wild, you can decide on the best sleeping bag for your needs. Regardless of what you may need, you can check for affordable and durable sleeping bags for all temperature ratings and whether conditions here.
In the following, we’ll talk all about sleeping bags- an important part of every night spent outdoors. Carry on reading to learn what is the right sleeping bag for your next adventure!
Choosing the right sleeping bag
The choices are endless! We’ll do a quick separation here on two major groups right from the start. Camping sleeping bags and backpacking sleeping bags. They both do their job perfectly but have some great differences.
Camping sleeping bag
In terms of comfort, camping sleeping bags are extra comfy, and they offer you tons of space, so you can twist, turn, bend, without rolling the sleeping bag with you. They provide extra warmth, so you don’t have to layer up your clothes before you go to sleep, and you can forget about the campfire.
But, camping sleeping bags are quite big. You’d have trouble folding them up and storing them in your backpack, so the only available option for you is to roll them up and put them in between you and the backpack or on top of it. This leaves you with the second problem- their weight. It’s not like they are extra heavy, but if you plan on walking several miles, they’ll probably bring you some level of discomfort.
Backpacking sleeping bag
Backpacking sleeping bags are a lot smaller than camping ones, with less filling inside. If you’re moving a lot while you sleep, you’ll accept your faith and twist and turn with the sleeping bag. The good news is that you’ll be squeezed inside, feeling comfy and safe. They have less filling, which means they’d provide less warmth than their opponent.
They are a lot smaller, giving you the opportunity to fold them up easily and store them at the very bottom of your backpack. You won’t even know that it’s there. The space they take up is minimal, so you can fit other things on top of them, and take them out once you go to sleep.
Bottom line
If you plan on using the same sleeping bag for both camping and backpacking, opt for a backpacking sleeping bag, since it’s lighter and easier to carry around. Find one made out of high-quality materials so that it lasts you for the near future.
Choosing the right filling
Again, we have two major groups here. Down-filled sleeping bags and synthetic sleeping bags, both with their own advantages and disadvantages.
Down-filled sleeping bag
Down-filled sleeping bags are filled with natural feathers and they are extra warm. The sleeping beg is light, filled with just enough product to give you warmth and comfort, but also just about the right weight so that you can carry it around comfortably,
Down-filled sleeping bags are perfect for nearly everyone. Since they are made of a natural product, they can cause some allergies, but even then, thanks to new technology and materials, people can buy them and be completely safe. The other reason why people might avoid this type of filling is their personal preferences.
Synthetic sleeping bags
Synthetic sleeping bags are made out of fibers that will provide comfort if packed nicely. That is why those bags require more product inside and they can be a bit heavier. On the plus side, they rarely cause allergies and they don’t come in conflict with personal preferences. The materials are all high-quality, providing you with warmth and comfort throughout the night.
Choosing the right shape
Sleeping bags come in 4 main shapes, and one of them has to be the perfect one for you.
- Rectangular
Rectangular sleeping bags can be zipped or buttoned up. They offer you enough space to move around, while also keeping you warm throughout the night.
- Semi Rectangular
It’s similar to the classic rectangular one, but it differs in the head part, where it’s round. Again, it’s a sleeping bag that offers comfort and warmth while also keeping you warm around the head and neck, protecting them from the cold air.
- Mummy
If you want to be snuggled and warm, then the mummy type of sleeping bag is the right choice for you. You’ll be warm and that safe feeling will never go away.
- Double sleeping bag
Sharing a sleeping bag is completely possible, but you can always use the double sleeping bag for yourself. It will give you plenty of space to move around, but if you’re alone in there it can get a bit cold, so keep that in mind.
