Down Sleeping Bag

For many seasoned hikers and campers, nothing compares to the comfort of a down sleeping bag. The options available can be daunting. When comparing down sleeping bags, there are several factors to consider. Making the right choice now will save you aggravation and restless nights in the great outdoors.

When shopping for a down sleeping bag, there are a number of things you want to consider. Get the right features and the bag for the right temperature. Also, make sure it packs well and doesn't take up too much room. Most of all, it should be warm!

Choosing the Best Sleeping Bag

First and foremost, be sure to select a down sleeping bag in the correct loft. Loft is how much heat the bag will retain. If you will be using the bag primarily in warmer weather, do not buy a high-loft bag. It will be sweltering. A low-loft bag is best for mild temperatures. However, if you hunt in extreme cold, for instance, a high-loft bag may be just what you need. Some bags do include a zip-in liner to add more warmth for the colder months. If you need a more versatile bag, this is a great solution. Be astute, and carefully consider the conditions under which you'll be using the bag before deciding on a loft.

Also, be aware of the shape of the bag. Many people like bags with an attached hood to draw closed. Others find this restricting and prefer a rectangular bag that is open along the top. If you are naturally a side-sleeper and like to extend your ground-facing arm above your head, opt for a bag with a wide opening to allow you to get into your normal sleep position. Nothing is worse than attempting to force yourself to sleep in an unnatural position due to the constraints of your bag.

Be cognizant of the zipper or fasteners of the bag. Women especially may not want a zipper anywhere near their hair. There are bags available that only zip to the chest and then have Velcro higher up. Be realistic about how comfortable you will be the way the bag's closure works. If you are claustrophobic in the slightest, you may be more comfortable with a bag that has Velcro next to the zipper all the way down. You can always leave it unzipped and just use the Velcro to secure it.

However, if you are comfortable with it, there are also crawl-in sleeping bags with only a drawstring along the top. These bags are very cozy if you do not feel uneasy sleeping in one.

Lastly, buy a down sleeping bag to fit your frame. When in doubt, buy one size larger. Remember, you may be crawling in or zipping up fully clothed, perhaps with a jacket on. A slightly-large bag will be roomy but still warm and comfortable. A too-small bag leads to trouble getting in, and an even worse predicament when it comes times to extract yourself.

If you take all of these factors into consideration, your down sleeping bag will fit like a dream and suit your individual sleep habits. By considering loft, you can avoid freezing or frying with an ill-matched bag. Attention to the fastening system can avoid a potentially-panicky claustrophobia attack. With the right down sleeping bag, you'll be right at home sleeping in the great outdoors.

Buy a Down Sleeping Bag

When looking at down sleeping bags there are a few things that need to be taken into account. Some of those would be whether you are a man or a woman, older or younger, a small or a larger person, and if you camp frequently or not. You should also pick a sleeping bag based on the temperature ranges you will be using the bag in. And lastly but not least, what shape bag would you like, a ‘mummy’ or a ‘rectangle?' Once you have decided on these details, then you can start comparing bags for purchase.

Speaking of purchasing, there are also ranges in the cost of down sleeping bags. Much of the cost will be based on temperature ranges that the bag will keep you comfortable in. (These are the outside air temps we are discussing here.) As a general rule, the lower the temperature the bag will protect you in the higher the cost of the bag. Therefore, a bag rated for 50° will cost less than a bag rated for –10°. Some of the cost will also be due to the overall weight of the bag. The lighter the bag, the more it will cost as well. There are many factors in purchasing a sleeping bag, and many consumers don’t even give it a second thought about why. You should also check to see if the bag comes with a ‘compression sack’ (commonly called a ‘stuffer bag’ and it is a way to store it when it is rolled up and not in use).

Generally you will find that sleeping bags come in two different types. Those would be down and synthetic filled bags. The synthetic bags are cheaper, but the down filled are better insulation. The only real advantage of a synthetic bag is when wet they weigh less.

So now you can go shop for your sleeping bag. Just remember to keep in mind all of the above and you will get a bag that not only suits you, but that will keep you comfortable while camping or hiking. Have fun in your adventures!