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We Know: How to Buy a Sleeping Bag
About Sleeping Bags
Some of the warmest sleeping bags in the world are known as five star sleeping bags. They're down filled and are used
by trappers and bush pilots in the Far North who sometimes have to sleep outside in minus 50 degree temperatures. These
bags are extremely expensive and unnecessary ,unless you'll be faced with those same conditions.
Things to Know About Sleeping Bags
When shopping for a sleeping bag, keep the following in mind:
- Most sleeping bags should not be compressed anymore than necessary. Compression can decrease the stuffing's insulating
qualities. When storing your bag, leave it as loose as possible-- hanging it is better than storing it inside a small
stuff bag.
- The temperature rating should be visible on a tag somewhere inside the bag. To be on the safe side, add several
degrees to whatever it says its lowest temperature rating is at. In other words, if it says it'll keep you warm at 40
degrees, assume it'll keep you comfortably warm at 45 degrees.
- Some prefer to have two bags-- a warmer one for winter and a lighter bag for summer.
- To save weight and bulk, if you don't need a longer bag, purchase a shorter one. Some bag styles are even designed
for women.
- A liner can keep the bag cleaner and dryer.
- Weight is a factor for most people using sleeping bags. Keep in mind the bag's total weight if you're considering
buying it for an extended hiking trip.
- Down isn't necessarily the warmest fill material. There are some synthetic materials that will keep you just as warm
and cost less.
- A bright colored sleeping bag can be used for emergency signaling.
- Don't wash a good quality bag in a top loading machine because the bag's baffles will be destroyed by the agitator.
Sleeping Bag Models
There's a large selection of sleeping bags on the market today, including:
- Columbia The Zone Mummy Sleeping Bag: Rated to 0° F. Three pounds. Sells for around $70.
- Columbia Yorkstone Double Sleeping Bag: Two person bag. Rated to +30° F. Six pounds. Sells for around $70.
- Wenzel Skyline Rectangular Bag Rated to +40° F. Six pounds. Sells for around $70.
- Columbia Bugaboo Rectangular Liner Sleeping Bag: Rated to +55° F. Eight ounces. Sells for around $30.
- Mountain Hard Wear Ghost SL: Rated to -40° F. Four pounds, ounces. Sells for around $610.
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