Nowadays there are so many different types of sleeping bag available to the consumer.
You can get ones that designed for summer nights to the other extreme where certain bags will keep you nice and warm even out in the arctic.
So what is right for you but may be wrong for someone else.
There are many options to choose from and it will depend on the type of camping that you are involved in, and more importantly the size of your wallet.
Size of sleeping bag.
You need a bag that will fit you size with ease.
You do not want one that will confine you or conversely one that it too large as it will take too long for the bag to heat your body as there is too much empty space.
If you have a bag that is more fitted to your physical shape then it will keep your body temperature much warmer.
There are also more specialist bags available now such as zip-together sleeping bags where you can zip your sleeping bag up with your partners, effectively creating one giant sleeping bag for the both of you.
This is very effective to create warmth as the body heat from both of you will result in you staying warmer for longer.
Insulation and lining: If you sleep out under the stars in your bag then it is important to know that some bags can protect you from the elements.
If you want a good water-resistant sleeping bag you need to go for one that is made with Gore-Tex.
The insulation is also another important consideration to note as this is the layer between the outer bag and inner lining.
This is often synthetic as this is cheap and easy to clean but you can get the premium option of down insulation as it is lighter in weight and you compress it more easily.
This option is ideal for the backpacking camper.
What is the best shape of a sleeping bag? There are two general shapes available for the consumer; the mummy and rectangular shape.
When I was a kid you couldn't get mummy bags, if someone had said to me at camp that they had a mummy bag I would have laughed.
To my mind I would have thought that their mum had knitted them a sleeping bag.
They are called mummy bags for the simple reason of the shape.
(Think of mummies' from ancient Egypt.
) They are designed to keep you well insulated and make sure that your body does not lose any heat.
They are also smaller and more compact.
Rectangular bags are often cheaper and good for those on more of a budget.
Beware though as they are heavier and not as warm, but if you are a fair weather camper then this option will suit you fine.
You can get ones that designed for summer nights to the other extreme where certain bags will keep you nice and warm even out in the arctic.
So what is right for you but may be wrong for someone else.
There are many options to choose from and it will depend on the type of camping that you are involved in, and more importantly the size of your wallet.
Size of sleeping bag.
You need a bag that will fit you size with ease.
You do not want one that will confine you or conversely one that it too large as it will take too long for the bag to heat your body as there is too much empty space.
If you have a bag that is more fitted to your physical shape then it will keep your body temperature much warmer.
There are also more specialist bags available now such as zip-together sleeping bags where you can zip your sleeping bag up with your partners, effectively creating one giant sleeping bag for the both of you.
This is very effective to create warmth as the body heat from both of you will result in you staying warmer for longer.
Insulation and lining: If you sleep out under the stars in your bag then it is important to know that some bags can protect you from the elements.
If you want a good water-resistant sleeping bag you need to go for one that is made with Gore-Tex.
The insulation is also another important consideration to note as this is the layer between the outer bag and inner lining.
This is often synthetic as this is cheap and easy to clean but you can get the premium option of down insulation as it is lighter in weight and you compress it more easily.
This option is ideal for the backpacking camper.
What is the best shape of a sleeping bag? There are two general shapes available for the consumer; the mummy and rectangular shape.
When I was a kid you couldn't get mummy bags, if someone had said to me at camp that they had a mummy bag I would have laughed.
To my mind I would have thought that their mum had knitted them a sleeping bag.
They are called mummy bags for the simple reason of the shape.
(Think of mummies' from ancient Egypt.
) They are designed to keep you well insulated and make sure that your body does not lose any heat.
They are also smaller and more compact.
Rectangular bags are often cheaper and good for those on more of a budget.
Beware though as they are heavier and not as warm, but if you are a fair weather camper then this option will suit you fine.