Sleeping Bags

You'll need the right gear to have a good night's sleep in the wild. To do this, you must first choose the appropriate sleeping bag. Car camping has the advantage of not requiring you to worry about weight or the ability to load your gear into a backpack, allowing you to pack as luxuriously or as generously as you desire.

Choosing the Shape of Your Sleeping Bag

Most campers prefer bags with plenty of areas to spread out and roll about, which is why so many are rectangular in shape. Unless you zip yourself inside the bag, it's difficult to tell if you have enough room in it. Going to an REI store and "trying on" different bags is a wonderful idea to see which bag types feel most comfortable to you. There are three basic types of sleeping bags:

Rectangular

Some of these bags may be unzipped to be used as a blanket, giving you plenty of areas to spread out your arms and legs.

Semi rectangular

The term "modified mummy" or "barrel" can refer to a variety of designs that strike a balance between coziness and openness.

Mummy

This bag type has a snug fit to increase warmth while also reducing weight. You roll over with your bag rather than within it.

Couples who intend to sleep together should choose bags designed for two people. Choosing rectangular bags that zip together is an option as well, but the bags must be of the same type and brand. It's possible to zip many bags together by selecting a right- and a left-hand zip.

Sleeping bags for children are just smaller versions of adult sleeping bags that are less expensive.

Insulation Types for Sleeping Bags

The major decision is between a down-filled bag and a synthetic-filled bag. The following is a list of the advantages of various types of insulation:

A word on ethics before we go any further: Most companies monitor the treatment of the ducks and geese used to make their down-filled products. If you notice the labels RDS (Responsible Down Standard) or TDS on a bag, it's from one of those producers (global Traceable Down Standard). Read Animal Welfare and Outdoor Gear to discover what goes into setting those criteria.

Features of an Extra Sleeping Bag

DWR (durable water resistant) coating on the exterior fabric protects the insulation inside the shell from dampness. Sleeping bag shells are constructed of durable polyester or nylon. A soft, warm texture fills the bag's interior.

A snug-fitting hood can significantly increase the warmth of a sleeping bag's temperature rating, hence hoods are more common on bags with lower temperature ratings.

A bag with many zipper sliders allows you to easily regulate the ventilation. In addition, some bags screen the zipper with a guard along its whole length to prevent snagging; other bags deal with the problem by covering the zipper itself.

Bags with zipped stash pockets for things like a watch or lip balm are convenient.

Sleeping Bag Accessories

Sleeping bags packed in stuff sacks take up less room in your car when you transport them.

The Bag comes with a big mesh or cotton storage sack for long-term storage because leaving a bag constantly smooshed inside its stuff sack is hard on the insulation.

The use of a soft sleeping bag liner helps keep your bag clean and provides additional warmth when needed. When is the best time of year to go camping? The liner is all you need to sleep comfortably.