There are many families who chose to go camping but do you really know what you are looking for when buying your all important sleeping bag?
We all need a sleeping bag whether on a summer camp or arctic expedition to keep us warm while we are asleep. Despite it being basically a blanket that zips around you, it can be a life saving piece of equipment.
There are different sleeping bags for different conditions. This is known as Season ratings. For example a One Season rating is for your summer nights out and is suitable for temperatures of +5 degrees C and above only.
Next is the Two Season rating. This is slightly thicker and suitable for temperatures of 0 degrees C and above, and is more suitable for autumn nights
The most practical sleeping bag is a Three Season bag. This is the most popular with regular campers ensuring that you stay warm in temperatures as low as -5 degrees C.
The Four Season sleeping bag is the warmest but also the bulkiest. They are used mainly in extreme cold conditions such as arctic weathers and will keep you warm in temperatures as low as -10 degrees C.
Once you've chosen your Season rating, next you'll need to choose the style of sleeping bag you want. There is the basic rectangle, zipped on three sides around you, or the mummy which I think is self explanatory
The basic rectangle bag is as it says; just a square blanket folded in half and zipped around the edges. This one is spacious and comfortable but does allow cold air to circulate around the head as there is no cover.
The mummy style is as its name suggests and is shaped like a mummy. It is narrower at the feet end than at the top. The hood wraps around the head trapping warm air for extra heat retention but it is a more snug fit with less room to move around once zipped inside.
The next thing to consider is the type of filling is best suited to your needs. There are two main types of filling; synthetic or natural down. The advantage of a synthetic filled bag is should get damp or wet not only will it dry out quickly but it will also provide some insulation and keep you relatively warm. A damp down filled bag however, not only takes a long time to dry out but it does not provide any insulation against the cold and can, in fact, increase the chances of getting hypothermia.
There is more than just one type of sleeping bag. They can come in all sorts of different shapes, sizes and colours. Children, for example, use sleeping bags for sleepovers with friends as well as the family camping trip. It's important to ensure you get the right size as an oversized bag will not keep you warm despite having a lot more room to move. If your sleeping bag is too small you may be warm but will not be comfortable with no room to move, and you may feel trapped.
Most children's bags have added features like built in pockets to hide their midnight stash and their torch. Some also have built-in pillows or come in a pouch with a carry handle for easy storage when not in use.
You can also get double sleeping bags. Not only are these great for couples to share but they are also ideal for those who feel cramped in a single bag and want more room to move around. They are also useful to put siblings together to snuggle for extra warmth and security.
A useful double sleeping bag is one that is thicker on one side than the other. This can be maximised by splitting it into two bags for different conditions or if you and your partner sleep at different temperatures.
One thing to look for when buying a double bag is that it is just that and has plenty room for two people to move around in and is not just an oversized single.
Now you're armed with the best tips for choosing your next sleeping bag, make sure you get the best bag for you so that you can enjoy your next camping trip knowing you'll be warm and comfortable while you're asleep.
We all need a sleeping bag whether on a summer camp or arctic expedition to keep us warm while we are asleep. Despite it being basically a blanket that zips around you, it can be a life saving piece of equipment.
There are different sleeping bags for different conditions. This is known as Season ratings. For example a One Season rating is for your summer nights out and is suitable for temperatures of +5 degrees C and above only.
Next is the Two Season rating. This is slightly thicker and suitable for temperatures of 0 degrees C and above, and is more suitable for autumn nights
The most practical sleeping bag is a Three Season bag. This is the most popular with regular campers ensuring that you stay warm in temperatures as low as -5 degrees C.
The Four Season sleeping bag is the warmest but also the bulkiest. They are used mainly in extreme cold conditions such as arctic weathers and will keep you warm in temperatures as low as -10 degrees C.
Once you've chosen your Season rating, next you'll need to choose the style of sleeping bag you want. There is the basic rectangle, zipped on three sides around you, or the mummy which I think is self explanatory
The basic rectangle bag is as it says; just a square blanket folded in half and zipped around the edges. This one is spacious and comfortable but does allow cold air to circulate around the head as there is no cover.
The mummy style is as its name suggests and is shaped like a mummy. It is narrower at the feet end than at the top. The hood wraps around the head trapping warm air for extra heat retention but it is a more snug fit with less room to move around once zipped inside.
The next thing to consider is the type of filling is best suited to your needs. There are two main types of filling; synthetic or natural down. The advantage of a synthetic filled bag is should get damp or wet not only will it dry out quickly but it will also provide some insulation and keep you relatively warm. A damp down filled bag however, not only takes a long time to dry out but it does not provide any insulation against the cold and can, in fact, increase the chances of getting hypothermia.
There is more than just one type of sleeping bag. They can come in all sorts of different shapes, sizes and colours. Children, for example, use sleeping bags for sleepovers with friends as well as the family camping trip. It's important to ensure you get the right size as an oversized bag will not keep you warm despite having a lot more room to move. If your sleeping bag is too small you may be warm but will not be comfortable with no room to move, and you may feel trapped.
Most children's bags have added features like built in pockets to hide their midnight stash and their torch. Some also have built-in pillows or come in a pouch with a carry handle for easy storage when not in use.
You can also get double sleeping bags. Not only are these great for couples to share but they are also ideal for those who feel cramped in a single bag and want more room to move around. They are also useful to put siblings together to snuggle for extra warmth and security.
A useful double sleeping bag is one that is thicker on one side than the other. This can be maximised by splitting it into two bags for different conditions or if you and your partner sleep at different temperatures.
One thing to look for when buying a double bag is that it is just that and has plenty room for two people to move around in and is not just an oversized single.
Now you're armed with the best tips for choosing your next sleeping bag, make sure you get the best bag for you so that you can enjoy your next camping trip knowing you'll be warm and comfortable while you're asleep.
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