Colin Snow
A sleeping bag is an essential piece of gear for any camping trip, providing warmth and comfort. When choosing a sleeping bag, it's important to consider factors such as temperature rating, insulation type, weight, and fit. For car camping, you have more flexibility in choosing a spacious and cosy bag, while backpacking calls for a lightweight and compact option. Sleeping bag liners add warmth and cleanliness, and pillow pockets or hoods enhance comfort. Size and weight restrictions vary across airlines, so check before flying with your sleeping bag. The Camino de Santiago, for instance, generally doesn't require rugged gear, but a lightweight sleeping bag is recommended for spring and summer hikes.
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What You'll Learn
Sleeping bag liners
When preparing for an outdoor trip, it is important to consider the gear you will need to ensure a comfortable experience. Sleeping bags are an essential item to pack, and depending on the climate and season, you may want to opt for a warmer or lighter option.
Liners are available at different price points, with some costing under $50, while others can exceed $100 for higher-end brands and models. It is worth noting that the liner does not need to match the shape of your sleeping bag, as some liners are stretchy enough to fit any form. When considering a liner, it is important to focus on comfort and ensuring it meets your specific needs, whether it's managing moisture or providing extra warmth.
In addition to liners, there are other features to look for when choosing a sleeping bag. A hood can provide extra warmth, especially in cold conditions. Draft tubes and draft collars also help prevent warm air from escaping through the zipper or neck opening. If you're car camping, weight and bulk may be less of a concern, allowing you to prioritise warmth and comfort. However, if you're backpacking, a lightweight and packable sleeping bag will be more suitable for ease of carrying.
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Sleeping bag fabric
When it comes to sleeping bags, there are a few key factors to consider when choosing the right one for your needs. The type of fabric is an important consideration, as it will impact the warmth, weight, and comfort of the bag.
The outer shell of a sleeping bag is typically made from ripstop nylon or polyester. These fabrics are chosen for their durability and strength. Many shell fabrics are also treated with a durable water repellent (DWR) finish, which helps to prevent moisture from soaking through and dampening the filling. This is particularly important for keeping warm and avoiding health risks in colder temperatures.
The inner lining of a sleeping bag is designed for comfort and warmth. The lining fabric often has a brushed texture, making it soft to the touch. Sleeping bag liners can also be purchased separately and inserted into your bag. They help to keep your bag clean and add extra warmth when needed. In hot weather, a liner can be used on its own instead of a sleeping bag.
The warmth of a sleeping bag is also influenced by its fit. A bag that fits well will wrap around you snugly, minimising the amount of air space your body has to heat up. However, a bag that is too tight can be uncomfortable, so there is a trade-off between warmth and comfort. Restless sleepers or those who feel claustrophobic in tighter spaces may prefer a roomier bag that allows for more movement.
When choosing a sleeping bag, it's important to consider the temperature rating, the type of insulation, and the weight of the bag. If you're car camping, weight and bulk are less of a concern, and you can focus on warmth and comfort. On the other hand, if you're backpacking, you'll want a lightweight, packable bag that still provides sufficient warmth for a good night's sleep.
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Sleeping bag hoods
When preparing for an orientation trip, it is essential to consider the activities involved and the gear required. While a detailed packing list may not always be provided, some items are standard for outdoor excursions, such as a sleeping bag. Sleeping bags are crucial for a comfortable night's rest, and choosing the right one can make a significant difference.
Sleeping bags with hoods offer added warmth, especially in colder environments. The hood ensures that your head remains warm, and when cinched tightly, it helps retain body heat within the bag. Some hoods feature "differentiated drawcords," which vary in thickness, allowing you to adjust the neck fit and hood opening with ease. This functionality is particularly useful when you need to quickly adapt to changing temperatures.
When selecting a sleeping bag with a hood, it is important to consider the bag's temperature rating. The rating indicates the lowest temperature at which the bag will keep you warm. However, it is worth noting that temperature ratings are based on an "average sleeper" and may not account for individual differences in metabolism and sleep habits. Therefore, it is generally advisable to choose a bag with a lower temperature rating than the lowest expected nighttime temperature at your campsite.
Another factor to consider is the compatibility of the sleeping bag with a sleeping pad. Some bags have a sleeve instead of underside insulation, allowing you to insert a sleeping pad for added warmth and comfort. Additionally, look for features like draft tubes and draft collars, which help prevent warm air from escaping through the zipper or neck opening. These features are especially important in maintaining warmth during colder nights.
Finally, pay attention to the fabric and overall construction of the sleeping bag. The outer shell of backpacking bags is typically made of ripstop nylon or polyester, with a durable water repellent (DWR) finish to prevent moisture from seeping through. Lining fabrics often have a brushed texture for added softness, enhancing your comfort during use.
Choosing the Right Sleeping Bag Size for You
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Sleeping bag size
Sleeping bags generally come in two sizes: regular and long. Some also come in a short size. The size you need will depend on your height, the available space in your backpack, and the temperature you'll be sleeping in.
Regular-sized sleeping bags typically fit people up to 6 feet tall, while long bags are designed for individuals up to 6 feet 6 inches in height. If you're close to the upper limit of the regular size range, it's worth trying both sizes to determine which you prefer. Generally, a smaller bag will keep you warmer and save weight, but you don't want it to be too snug, as this can create cold spots.
If you're planning on backpacking, it's essential to consider the warmth-to-weight ratio of your sleeping bag. An ultra-efficient ultralight bag will still be one of the heavier and bulkier items in your pack, so it needs to be small enough to fit inside your backpack. For example, if you're walking the Camino between May and September, your sleeping bag should not weigh more than 1 to 1.5 pounds and be larger than a 2-liter soda bottle. A 40-liter backpack should provide plenty of space for a sleeping bag of this size.
On the other hand, if you're camping in cold weather, you may need a larger bag to accommodate temperature-sensitive items like electronics, fuel, water, clothing, or boot liners. In this case, it's better to size up to ensure you have enough space to stay warm.
It's also worth noting that women's sleeping bags are designed with different measurements, typically accommodating heights up to 5 feet 4 inches for regular and 5 feet 10 inches for long. These bags are generally shorter, narrower at the shoulders, and wider at the hips than unisex or men's bags.
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Transporting your sleeping bag
Choose the Right Sleeping Bag
Select a compact and lightweight sleeping bag suitable for the expected weather conditions. If you plan to carry your backpack for extended periods, consider a sleeping bag that weighs no more than 1 to 1.5 pounds and is larger than a 2-litre soda bottle. Alternatively, you can opt for a silk sleep sack and a small down blanket, which take up minimal space.
Use a Stuff Sack or Compression Sack
Consider using a stuff sack or compression sack to pack your sleeping bag. A stuff sack allows you to pack the sleeping bag into a smaller volume, and a compression sack has cinch straps to further compress the bag. These sacks protect your sleeping bag from tears and reduce its volume, making it easier to carry. Simply stuff the bag into the sack without folding or rolling it, starting with the foot end to remove as much air as possible.
Waterproofing
Protect your sleeping bag from water damage. Waterproofing your sleeping bag is crucial, especially if you have a down bag. Sleeping in a wet bag can be extremely uncomfortable, so it is worth taking measures to keep it dry. You can use a waterproof stuff sack or rucksack, a pack cover, or line the interior of your pack with a trash compactor bag or a regular garbage bag.
Placement in Your Backpack
Decide whether to place your sleeping bag inside or outside your backpack. Most people prefer to keep their sleeping bags inside their backpacks to protect them from the weather and distribute the weight more comfortably. If your backpack has compression straps, you can loosen the buckles, place the sleeping bag inside, and then adjust the straps to secure it in place. Placing the sleeping bag at the bottom of your pack or in the sleeping bag compartment can also help reduce strain on your back and knees. If you need to attach it to the outside, strap it to the top of your pack to minimise the risk of it getting wet or dirty.
If you're travelling by plane, consider the size and weight restrictions for carry-on and checked baggage. A backpack between 40 and 50 litres should provide sufficient space for your sleeping bag and other gear. Always carry your backpack as carry-on luggage if possible to avoid potential damage or loss during transit.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on the nature of your orientation. If it involves camping outdoors, you will need a sleeping bag. If you will be sleeping indoors, a sleeping bag is not necessary.
The type of sleeping bag you should get depends on the nature of your trip. If you will be backpacking, you should get a lightweight sleeping bag. If you will be car camping, you can opt for a warmer, roomier bag. You should also consider the temperature rating of the bag, the type of insulation, and the fit.
The better a sleeping bag fits, the warmer it will be. You want to minimize the amount of air space around your body to reduce the amount of air you need to heat up. However, a roomier bag may be more comfortable, especially if you are a restless sleeper. The key measurements to consider are length, shoulder girth, and hip girth.
There are a few options for carrying your sleeping bag. You can tie it to the bottom of your backpack with straps, or you can get a larger backpack so that it fits inside. If you are flying to your destination, you can bring your sleeping bag in your checked or carry-on luggage, depending on the airline and size restrictions.
