Outdoor adventures are fun as long as you are comfortable and safe. One major concern for adventure lovers while they are planning an outdoor excursion trip is having the best sleeping bag. If you feel cold and wet throughout the night and can’t sleep comfortably, your entire adventure will be ruined!
Choosing the right kind of sleeping bag is indeed important! It is crucial to have a bag filled with just the right kind of material, appropriate sizing, and not too bulky. Anything that can be carried around easily is what most campers prefer. A hydrophobic and water-resistant sleeping bag is surely the best choice to have.
If you are confused about buying the right kind of sleeping bag for outdoor adventure, here is the ultimate guideline you need.
How to Choose the Best Sleeping Bag for Camping & Backpacking
1. Choose A Down-Filled Sleeping Bag
An ideal sleeping bag to carry around is light in weight, can be compressed easily, and performs extremely well in a cold environment. Alongside this, you need to ensure that it is easily compressible. A down filled sleeping bag has all these qualities, which is why it is quite in demand amongst adventure lovers who seek comfort while sleeping outdoors.
These bags are quite resistant to water. The outer covering repels the water vapors and moisture particles efficiently. Hence, it doesn’t clump up easily. Though they are a little pricey compared to regular bags, they are surely worth it!
2. Look For Some Convenient Fillings
Fillings of sleeping bags are a serious matter! You need to decide whether to go for the down filling or the synthetic one.
Down filling is made from the fluff of ducks and geese, and it can be pricier, but it has a higher warmth-to-weight ratio than synthetic insulation. It’s also really lightweight. However, if the down gets wet, it tends to lose its ability to insulate the bag properly.
Your choice of bag’s filling should be according to the kind of service you require from it!
3. Select The Right Shape
Another feature that sets sleeping bags apart from each other is their shape! You will most commonly have to choose between a mummy shape or a square one. Most campers opt for the square bags if they head out on an adventure during the summer. They are bulky and cover you very well. However, they tend to stay cooler rather than turning warm after a while.
Comparatively, mummy-shaped sleeping bags are more apt for cooler weather. If you are camping at a cold site, it keeps you warm for as long as you sleep in it. Their shape resembles the shape of a human body.
Mummy-shaped bags are highly insulated and have excessive fabric throughout their body. However, at the same time, they can be bulky and carrying them around while camping may be a tough task for you.
3. The Zipper Really Matters
The zipper of the sleeping bag is quite a significant feature, which you should definitely consider while choosing one. A bag that is easy to unzip and convenient to assemble is surely a reliable option to have. It doesn’t only make things quick and easy for you but also ensures you can go to sleep as soon as you enter your camp.
If the zip of your sleep bag is snap-free, opening and closing it several times during camping would be easier. A baffle located right behind the zip gives an extra cover to the bag, and the outer wind doesn’t enter it. Hence, the bag remains warm even when you are camping on the coldest possible mountains!
The Lighter, The Better
For a camper who has to carry everything around on his shoulder, the weight of the sleeping bag is of great importance. If you have an extensive trip that requires you to walk a lot or hike high mountains, the weight of the bag you choose would really decide how well your trip will go.
The weight of the sleeping bag is decided by its type and quality of insulation. Alongside this, the cut of the bag also plays a great role in determining its weight.
4. Additional Features To Look For
Certain other features of the sleeping bag that will make your trip easier and more convenient include the stash pockets and extensive adjustment options. While looking for a bag, opt for the one that offers these facilities. You should also wash it appropriately after each trip for it to last longer!
Choose Your Sleeping Bag Wisely
Don’t let the attractive design and bright colors of the sleeping bag fool you. You need a bag that gives you maximum comfort, rather than the one that only appears pretty!
Hence, your aesthetic preferences should take a back seat while you are choosing a sleeping bag for your outdoor adventure.
Here are some outdoor adventures you might be interested in:
