Camping Equipment

Sleeping Bags – Advice From An Expert

There are a variety of sleeping bags on the market. The type that you choose should be dependent on the climate where it will be used and your own personal preferences. Purchasing a sleeping bag is similar to buying a new mattress - you should consider the size, shape, type of fabric, and amount of free space provided. As for the influence of the weather, if it is dry and warm you may only need a fleece bag or "bed-roll", whereas colder climates dictate the need for a warm, insulated bag.

There are generally two different shapes to choose from, and each comes with different styles and features. The most popular bag, and also the one that has been used for several years, is rectangular. Due to its shape and the way is made, it can also be used as a comforter. As a sleeping bag it provides a roomy and comfortable space to rest in. And you can sometimes put two of these types of bags together and make a larger bag that can be comfortable and used by more than one person.

Another type of sleeping bag that is gaining in popularity with its more modern style, is the mummy style one. These bags are especially good when it comes to keeping warm, because they fit snugly around you as you sleep. And because of the way it is made, it actually uses less material than its counterparts. The mummy sleeping bag is ideal for use in cold weather, and is lightweight making it easy to carry around while backpacking or going on camping trips.

There are typically three different sizes for sleeping bags: extra long, standard, and junior (child). The junior sizes are best reserved for extremely young kids. These do not last long because of their size, so as long as the weight of the bag is not a factor for your child, consider purchasing the standard size. Anyone over six feet in height should buy the extra long size. However, people of average height might like the extra room afforded by the larger size. It is really a matter of personal preference.

Today's sleeping bags are made using synthetic fibers, rather than goose down that was used in the beginning. The synthetic fibers make sleeping bags easier to maintain and less expensive. And they still offer the same, if not more, warmth that down bags offer. But there are still some higher quality sleeping bags that use down. Down sleeping bags are best for dry cold weather and when something more lightweight is desired. But the upkeep on them is more difficult and they are more expensive as well. Therefore, a sleeping bag made from synthetic fibers is often the best choice for most campers.

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