The
sleeping bag is a timeless piece of equipment and the best solution to keeping
you warm at night in your tent. You can use it for more than just sleeping
though – they are also great to sit in around the campfire or inside your tent
at night before you tuck in to sleep. There are so many different sleeping bag
varieties that it can be difficult knowing which one is suitable for you – to help,
we have listed some of the most important questions below.
What is the sleeping bag made from?
The
materials that both the sleeping bag fill and shell are made from are highly
important as these will dictate how warm and comfortable they keep you.
Ideally, the external shell should be made from a temperature-resistant and waterproof
material to keep the cold out and to keep you dry if your tent springs a leak.
Inside, you want a soft and warm material similar to a blanket or duvet that is
comfortable against your skin and provides insulation.
What are the dimensions of the sleeping bag?
You
obviously must make sure you can fit comfortably inside the sleeping bag! Therefore,
check the overall dimensions including length and width. Oftentimes the
manufacturer will state what size in terms of height the sleeping bag is
suitable for but it’s always a better idea to correlate the dimensions with your
height to be sure. Ideally, you want to be able to fit your entire body inside,
fully stretched out including your head although some people prefer to have
their head out of the bag and on a separate pillow.
Does the sleeping bag have any ventilation?
Although
sleeping bags are meant to keep you warm at night, they can soon become stuffy,
and you can easily overheat or struggle with breathing. This is why you should
check what ventilation the sleeping bag has. Usually, the inner and outer layers
may have some type of breathable fabric that allows proper ventilation, and the
material may also have sweat wicking properties to help you regulate your
temperature. Some sleeping bags can also be zipped completely but may have a ventilation
flap so you can still get air and keep warm.
What is the temperature rating of the sleeping bag?
Sleeping
bags typically have a temperature rating listed by the manufacturer. This
relates to the temperatures it can withstand in terms of cold. If you are planning
on camping during the Autumn or Winter, or you expect temperatures to drop at night
then it is imperative that you check this rating. Think about where you commonly
camp and the seasons that you usually go on your adventures, and you should be
able to pick a sleeping bag with a suitable temperature rating.
What color is the sleeping bag?
We
get that functionality is the most important aspect of a sleeping bag but you
still want it to look nice too right? Just because a piece of camping equipment
is meant to be comfortable and keep you warm, doesn’t mean it can be stylish
too. Sleeping bags come in many different external patterns and colors and
typically the manufacturer will offer the same sleep bag in a multitude of
versions. This means that you can usually get one that you like the look of too
as well as being comfortable.
