How to Choose the Right Sleeping Bag

Are you considering purchasing a sleeping bag?

If you already own one, maybe you wondered why it looked older than a piece of cheese left out in the sun.

No matter what, before you get too cozy, take a moment to read this handy guide to Buy Sleeping Bag for Camping. Using these top tips will help you make the most of your comfortable addition, from rating information to how to store your sleeping bag.

Ratings

Ratings of sleeping bags: an overview

When shopping for sleeping bags, you will likely come across ratings. It may seem not very sensible to you if you don't have experience with sleeping bags. In the same way, these evaluations highlight various features of a product and categorize it, allowing you to find the right sleeping bag.

Ratings for temperatures

A key factor is the temperature rating. You will need to consider the environment you will be sleeping in, and it's estimated temperature when choosing a sleeping bag with the correct temperature rating. An altitude-optimized sleeping bag is different from one used for sleeping in a tent in hot weather.

Temperature ratings and bag categories vary by country, so shopping locally increases the chances of finding the right sleeping bag.  

Scores of comfort

A sleeping bag's comfort rating corresponds to its temperature rating and indicates its most suitable temperature. A sleeping bag used at a temperature below what is comfortable can make you too cold.

Ratings of extremes

You should only consider extreme ratings if you plan to go on a 'survival trip.' As a result of the excessive rating, one can use the sleeping bag at a minimum temperature and, more importantly, stay alive in it. However, extreme ratings will have little impact if you only plan to use your sleeping bag in a BIG4 park.

Feather versus synthetic

Benefits of synthetic sleeping bags

Synthetic sleeping bags are popular for frequent travelers who don't need much weather protection. In any case, an excellent synthetic sleeping bag should be rated both for its temperature rating and its comfort rating.

Synthetic sleeping bags are easier to maintain than other options.

A second factor is the price. Because of the nature of the material, synthetic sleeping bags tend to be more affordable than alternative types.

There is no shortage of choices when it comes to synthetic sleeping bags. Various bag ratings, sizes, and designs are available due to their popularity. Furthermore, a synthetic sleeping bag can last up to 15 years if properly maintained, as we will discuss shortly.

Benefits of feather sleeping bags

In addition to being substantially lighter than synthetic sleeping bags, feather sleeping bags are also easier to store due to their nature.

As a general rule, feather sleeping bags last the same amount of time as synthetic sleeping bags, though they may last five years longer if appropriately handled. A sleeping bag filled with feathers that have been in use for a while can offer an unexpected benefit, such as the ability to move the filling to change the temperature.

Compared with synthetic sleeping bags, feather sleeping bags are more expensive and require more upkeep.

Allergy sufferers may also find feather sleeping bags less suitable. Although the feathers usually do not immediately impact the user, they may cause allergies after some time.

Feather sleeping bags are incredibly comfortable and ideal for frequent travelers despite these disadvantages.

Binding up 

After you have selected the perfect sleeping bag for your trip, you must store it properly to maintain its integrity. To avoid squashing the fibers of your sleeping bag and decreasing comfort, it is best not to leave it inside a stuff sack.

Instead, a sleeping bag should be hung up or left on your camping bed or caravan. Instead of storing the sleeping bag in a pillowcase, keep it in a pillowcase if space is limited. It won't squash the fibers as long as you don't put anything on top of the pillowcase.