How to choose a sleeping bag

When deciding to go hiking in nature, you need to understand that it will be difficult to do without a sleeping bag. Our article will explain in detail how to choose a sleeping bag for a hike, what are the most important criteria. Sleep is an important component in a person's life, no matter how physically developed he is. Hiking, outdoor activities and expeditions really take a lot of energy. To replenish them, you need to get enough rest. A sleeping bag will help to provide such a condition during the hike.

In modern conditions, manufacturers offer a wide range of different blankets and bags that are suitable for use in nature. Choosing the right one is not an easy task. Let's talk about this in more detail.

Varieties of sleeping bags

All sleeping bags are usually divided into 3 types:

• cocoon;
• blanket;
• mixed look.

Not knowing which sleeping bag to choose, it is recommended that you pay attention to study each of the varieties in as much detail as possible.

Cocoon

The bag is represented by a wide top and a narrowed part from top to bottom. Those. it follows the anatomical shapes of the human body. Such bags are lighter than a blanket analogue. They take up less space. Due to its unique shape, it is able to fit snugly to the body, which gives special advantages if it is cold outside.

There is a collar and a hood in the upper area of ​​the sleeping bag. Quite often there are models where there is a special valve, when the lower part is more insulated, so that a person feels comfortable at harsh temperatures.

Internal and external seams are offset relative to each other. Due to this, it is possible to keep warm in the best way.

Blanket

This is the most common version of the bag, which has a rectangular shape with a zipper fitted on three sides. This is a great hiking option and can be carried in a backpack.

The main plus is that you can even connect sleeping bags together. In this case, you will have a solid sleeping place. When unfolded, the sleeping bag will become more like a blanket, and therefore it was given this name.

Mixed view

This is the middle option between a cocoon and a blanket. The mixed sleeping bag differs in that it is also equipped with a hood.

List of sleeping bag manufacturers: which brand to give preference to

There are many new developments in the field of travel equipment in the field of universal sleeping bags and specialized products. Many suggestions can make the choice even more difficult. For this reason, it is recommended to buy a sleeping bag only from time-tested brands.

We analyzed reviews on the Web from experts and buyers and came to the conclusion that companies such as Trimm, Marmot, Deuter really deserve attention. These are the very firms that are able to please with the quality of their products. The sleeping bag will last a long time.

The main criteria for choosing sleeping bags

When studying the lineup, it is worth relying on important characteristics. This can be the cut of the bag, the type of filler, comfortable temperature, dimensions and weight. In addition to the main points, subtleties are also taken into account, which make it possible to distinguish a branded product from a fake. If this is a good quality sleeping bag, then there are stripes inside that are marked.

The confirmation of the numbers will be the certification of the product, it should be requested in order to get acquainted personally. Inspect for insulation at the seams. Otherwise, the zones will be blown by the wind, the cold will simply cool the body. The open sleeping bag will go through the fluffing process for an hour. He will take in the air. The exceptions are those options that are intended for warm seasons, when the filling of the insulation is minimal.

It is important that the structure has good fittings, strong tie cords, reliable zipper. All these are indicators of excellent quality. Many modern manufacturers use YKK, these are elements that are made in Japan. The presence of a safety zip along the length of the closure and loops to dry the lower part are proof of compliance with standards and that the level of production is decent.

The complete set is represented by a sturdy compression cover. Tie straps will help to shrink the bag 2 times, if necessary. But please note that storage of the product in this form is not recommended. This is due to the fact that the filler can cake.

On examination, defects may be noticed. They should be understood as insulation, which is knocked out, making curves of poor-quality seams, hanging threads and even arrows on the material. Please note that you should still refuse such a purchase. Otherwise, you will have to face constant repairs that will make travel and trekking a real torture.

How to choose a sleeping bag by temperature

Temperature conditions are a really important parameter when choosing a sleeping bag. If you are not familiar with spending the night in an open area, then most likely you don't even know about it. When choosing such difficulties, one should be guided not only by appearance, giving preference to a stylish solution. This approach is wrong. Of course, keep in mind that there is no universal type of sleeping bag. In the mountains in winter and summer by the lake it is impossible to feel comfortable in the same sleeping bag. But each option meets 2 indicators of temperature modes:

• climatic conditions in which it is comfortable for a person to rest in a tent. The indicator is called the comfort temperature;
• extreme temperature, i.e. conditions under which the rest provides for an overnight stay in the open air.

At a temperature of comfort, one should understand the indicator at which a person does not feel either cold or heat. The mark that marks it will indicate that with the hood down and the sleeping bag slightly unbuttoned, you will feel comfortable. As a rule, this indicator is +10 degrees.

Speaking about extreme temperatures, it is worth understanding the bar at which a tourist will not be able to freeze, but you should not think about comfort. The question of survival will be raised here. This parameter is taken into account by climbers and other extremals.

In 2002, Outdoor developed a special European sleeping bag temperature standard, which is still used by clothing manufacturers today. In accordance with this standard, manufacturers of sleeping bags must determine the threshold for comfort and extreme temperatures in laboratory conditions. There is no framework for rigid temperature indicators, and therefore all manufacturers have their own calculations.

Professional sleeping bag tips

There is no universal type of sleeping bag that will be appropriate for use in different environmental conditions. It is important to remember that a sleeping bag that has an unknown production may not be warm enough, even if the manufacturer says otherwise.It is best to give preference to newcomer travel brands to brands that are particularly reliable and reputable. In this case, you can protect yourself from a number of troubles.

Set off to conquer the snowy peaks with a high price tag for downy sleep. In this case, you need to take into account even the grams behind your shoulders, but you cannot forget your state of health, otherwise there is a chance that you will return home with a cold.

If you plan to stop at a camping or hiking, then you can buy a sleeping bag that will have synthetic insulation. This option is worth buying based on weather conditions. If this is a spacious blanket, then you can relax in it. But keep in mind, if in the morning there will be an urgent collection and a transition to a new parking point, then you will have to try, learn how to fold it as quickly as possible. Don't opt ​​for synthetics if you have allergies. Better to take sleeping bags with inner linings based on natural materials.

In cases of spending the night by the water after a good fishing, you can comfortably stay in a sleeping bag-blanket, which will be as warm as possible, and even equipped with a hood. Large weight will not cause problems if you move by car, and therefore this is a good option for a comfortable outdoor recreation. In the case of a long hike, you can arm yourself with a cocoon bag. It fits snugly around the body, protecting it from cold air.

On long-term expeditions, a cocoon-type bag will be useful. The optimal weight, as well as the moderate dimensions, allow you to economically approach the interior space that is in your backpack. Due to the synthetic insulator that does not absorb excess moisture, the sleeping bag dries very quickly.

If a sleeping bag is chosen for a child, then it is important to take also those options that have additional layers of insulation in the back or legs. Due to the fact that the fittings are adapted for a teenage hand, it is possible to facilitate the process of using the sleeping bag in practice. In the form of highlights, various bonuses are presented for little ones who will be pleased with the opportunity to participate in adventures in the company of adults. It is also important to know how to choose the size of the sleeping bag to keep your baby comfortable.

When you are planning a stop in nature in the summer heat, you will be very comfortable in a light blanket that has a bike lining, but is not designed to be equipped with a hood. If it gets stuffy, you can always unbutton it, throw it over your body, thereby protecting yourself from mosquitoes.

Seasonality of application

Due to the time of year, sleeping bags are usually divided into: summer, winter and off-season. Let's take a closer look at each type.

Summer view

These sleeping bags consist of 1 or 2 filler layers due to their heat-conducting properties. The comfort temperature is calculated from 5 degrees. They are presented by the type of blanket or mixed type of sleeping bag.

Winter view

Often, such a sleeping bag has a filling in the form of bird fluff or a three-layer artificial filling. The bags are heavy and heavy, but keep in mind that they can withstand even -45 degrees Celsius. In this case, care is important. You need to constantly beat the filler, dry it. Otherwise, the fluff will collapse quickly enough into lumps, the bag will lose its useful properties.

Off-season view

Not all travelers know how to choose the right sleeping bag for hiking in the off-season. The thing is that at this time of the year the weather is not particularly happy, because it is cool outside, there is slush and frost. The production of sleeping bags can be represented by different companies, and therefore the choice should be made based on the extreme temperatures for which these bags are designed. Often, they are -15 - 0 degrees Celsius. Due to the dependence on the lower temperature indicator for which they are designed, the bag may consist of 2-3 layers of insulation.

Off-season sleeping bags can be easily used at different times of the year.Their comfort temperature will be 5 degrees Celsius.

Price question: how much does a hiking sleeping bag cost?

If we are talking about winter bags for expeditions, inside which there are synthetics, then the cost can be in the region of 5-70 thousand rubles. The price varies due to the class of the filler.

You can get the warmest downy sleeping bags if you pay around 18,000 - 90,000 rubles. Blankets will cost 5-9 thousand rubles, and options for the summer are even cheaper - 4-6 thousand rubles.

If this is a cocoon bag for a child, then its cost may be in the region of 3800-5000 rubles, as for the female version, then 4500-15000 rubles.

Sleeping bags from leading brands cannot be cheap. But keep in mind that this is a smart investment in your own safety, health and comfort. Also, the product will serve for a year, saving the owner from cold, insomnia and dampness during hiking.

Summing up

Check the quality of the sleeping bag. It is necessary that the filler is evenly distributed over the inside of the bag, does not crumple. There should be a fastener near the hood that will prevent the sleeping bag from unbuttoning spontaneously. It is better to take the color of the sleeping bag dark, it will not only not smear quickly, but also heat up perfectly in the sun, and therefore the drying process will be simple and quick.

Pay attention to the fact that the zipper extends from the top to the bottom. This way, you can easily turn the sleeping bag out to remove the debris and dry it thoroughly. But the cuff at the head will provide a snug fit of the material to the body.