Outdoor sleeping bags should be able to provide you with warmth and comfort, allowing your body to rest and prepare for tomorrow. However, deciding which sleeping bag to purchase might be difficult. So, whether you’re looking for outdoor camping tents for Mount Kilimanjaro, can’t decide between down and synthetic outdoor sleeping bags, or need a wide sleeping bag for a family camping trip, here’s our sleeping bag guide to help you enjoy a good night’s sleep.
- Where will the sleeping bag be used?
Consider where you’re going, the type of weather you’ll encounter, the outdoor sleeping bag rating you’ll require, and whether you’ll need to consider weight when carrying it for lengthy periods of time. ‘Warmth to weight ratio’ is a tool that can assist you in making this decision. The effectiveness of the insulation is weighed against the weight in this ratio.
It all depends on what you want to get out of your backpack. If you’re searching for something for family vacations or festivals, weight and pack size isn’t likely to be an issue because you won’t be hiking for days or need to fit in the back of a car. However, if you want to go backpacking or multi-day trekking, the weight of the outdoor camping tents and sleeping bags is critical because you will be carrying them all day.
Remember, because the quantity and quality of the insulation, as well as the form of the bag, may not be as effective as others, weight and volumes do not always imply a warmer outdoor sleeping bag.
- Warmth rating
There are several different levels of insulation to choose from when selecting a sleeping bag. Many manufacturers refer to this as a “season rating.” This is the minimum temperature at which you should be able to sleep comfortably, soundly, and safely. We recommend purchasing an outdoor sleeping bag with a comfort limit somewhat lower than the temperature you intend to sleep in; this will allow you to sleep comfortably in outdoor camping tents at the predicted outside temps by a couple of degrees.
However, everyone’s body temperature varies. If you know you’ll be cold, get an outdoor sleeping bag with a higher temperature rating. It’s much easier to cool down than to warm up.
- Shapes and sizes
Sleeping bags exist in a wide range of sizes and styles, and with good cause. The less vacant space in your outdoor sleeping bag, the better at maintaining heat it will be. However, there is a delicate balance to be struck between adequate space for comfort and adequate warmth for a restful night’s sleep. Adult-specific sleeping bags are available, as well as bags that are extra-long or extra-short to fit everyone.
- Accessories
There are some key accessories you should consider when buying a sleeping bag;
A sleeping bag liner- This will offer warmth to your outdoor sleeping bag while also protecting the lining from body oils and grime, extending its life. After all, it’s far easier to clean a sleeping bag liner than it is to clean the entire sleeping bag. They come in fleece, cotton, and silk, and come in a variety of warmth and comfort levels, as well as a variety of pack sizes.
A pillow- Some may consider this a luxury, but it has to be worth a few additional grams on outdoor sleeping bags for many. You should certainly look for a blow-up style if you prefer a firmer pillow. Compressible pillows that squish down into a stuff sack will do so as soon as you put your head on them, making them better for those who prefer a soft pillow.
The tip is to fold up a few dry layers and use them to rest your head if you truly want to save weight on your trip but don’t want to give up your cushion.
