Things to Consider for Backpacking Sleeping Bags
October 29th, 2009 Posted in CampingDo you love hiking, backpacking, and camping? If so, you need to start looking at different types of backpacking sleeping bags for your next backpacking trip. The type of sleeping bag chosen would depend on the time being spent outdoors, whether one with down fill or synthetic fibers. By choosing the right type of sleeping bag, you could be in almost any environment and stay perfectly warm.
Backpacking sleeping bags are made with ratings for outside temperature. Therefore, based on the lowest temperature for the outdoor experience you will have, backpacking sleeping bags should be rated to handle 10 degrees cooler. That way, you would stay toasty warm with the design of the bag retaining heat while also keeping cold air out. This means you want to avoid buying a sleeping bag with too much space.
This means as you look at the various types of backpacking sleeping bags, it is imperative that you choose one that would fit the body. That way, extra room inside the sleeping bag would not have to be heated and a quick-pull zipper would allow you to get inside quickly. Today, options for backpacking sleeping bags are amazing, offering options for comfort and weight but also different weights. For instance, if you expect to be outside in a part of the country with high humidity levels, a synthetic bag would make more sense.
Of course, you will discover both good and bad for down filled and synthetic backpacking sleeping bags. One consideration would be the weight of the bag. After all, trying to hike or backpack with a tent, supplies, and the sleeping bag is going to be a challenge so choosing a lightweight bag would make the trip more enjoyable.
Understanding the Various Kinds of Sleeping Bags
Remember, the goal when spending time sleeping outdoors is to be comfortable and warm. After all, if you feel miserable and cold, you would have trouble sleeping so the next morning, you would be exhausted and not enjoy the day. Whether shopping for backpacking sleeping bags for adults or children, you want to choose wisely. Two of the best brands include Polarguard HV and 3M Thinsulate Lite Loft, excellent choices.
Benefits of a Down Fill Sleeping Bag
For the ultimate experience while spending time outside, one of the best down fill bags is made with Climashield Prism insulation. This particular bag is well insulated but it also weighs just two pounds. You will also find some down fill bags have a
zipper that glows in the dark, built-in pockets that make it easy to carry smaller items, and a shell that is completely water resistant.
Benefits of a Synthetic Sleeping Bag
Backpacking sleeping bags with synthetic fill are very light in weight, making them a great choice. In addition, these sleeping bags naturally stay dry whereas bags made with down-fill would easily become soaked. The downside to synthetic sleeping bags is that they are not made to last as long as a down-filled bag but they are more affordably priced.
Synthetic sleeping bags from years ago where flimsy and cheap but with new materials and technologies, they have improved dramatically. Of course, these backpacking sleeping bags have advantages and disadvantages. We suggest you look at REI premium models, which are very lightweight. Additionally, these synthetic bags are made to withstand temperatures of 25 and 40 degrees. Aura is a great option, again being lightweight but these synthetic sleeping bags also provide warmth, especially in situations of damp weather.