Herbie Murray
When it comes to buying a down sleeping bag, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, it's important to think about the intended activity. For example, a backpacking sleeping bag should be lightweight and compressible, while a camping sleeping bag can be roomier and warmer. Temperature ratings are crucial, as you'll need a bag that can handle the expected nighttime temperatures. Down insulation is generally warmer and more compressible than synthetic fills, but it's more expensive and less water-resistant. Other considerations include the shape of the bag, with rectangular bags offering more space and mummy bags being more snug and warm. Ethical sourcing of down is also a factor for some buyers, with labels like RDS and TDS indicating responsible practices. Lastly, trying out different bags in-store can help determine which style and size feel most comfortable.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Activity | Choose a sleeping bag based on the activity you will be using it for. For example, a mountaineering sleeping bag will be very different from a summer ultralight thru-hike sleeping bag. |
| Temperature Rating | Choose a bag with a temperature rating that is suitable for the time of year you will be camping. Bags have two temperature ratings: "comfort" and "lower limit". |
| Insulation | Down insulation is the warmest by weight and is extremely compressible, but synthetic insulation is cheaper and stays warm when wet. |
| Shape | Sleeping bags come in three basic shapes: rectangular, semirectangular (or "modified mummy"), and mummy. Rectangular bags give the most space to move around, while mummy bags are more snug and better for retaining warmth. |
| Weight | If you will be backpacking, choose a lightweight bag that will be easy to carry. |
| Compressibility | If you will be backpacking, choose a bag that packs down to a small size. |
| Ethical Standards | If you are concerned about animal welfare, look for bags labelled RDS (Responsible Down Standard) or TDS (global Traceable Down Standard). |
| Durability | If you are likely to be less careful with your gear, choose a thicker, more hardwearing material. |
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What You'll Learn
Sleeping bag shape: rectangular, semi-rectangular, mummy, or double
When choosing a down sleeping bag, one of the most important considerations is its shape. Sleeping bags come in three basic shapes: rectangular, semi-rectangular or "modified mummy", and mummy. There are also double sleeping bags made for two people, or you can opt for two rectangular bags designed to be zipped together.
Rectangular sleeping bags offer plenty of room for your legs and arms to stretch out. Some can be completely unzipped and used like a comforter. They are ideal if you move a lot in your sleep or like to sleep in different positions. However, they can be bulky, so they are best suited for car camping rather than hiking. Rectangular bags can be just as warm as mummy bags if they contain enough insulation for the outside temperature.
Semi-rectangular sleeping bags offer a compromise between warmth and roominess. They are also known as "modified mummy" or "barrel" shapes, and cover a variety of designs.
Mummy sleeping bags have a tapered form that is wider at the shoulders and narrower at the feet, resembling a mummy’s shape. This design helps retain heat more efficiently as there is less empty space to warm up, making them suitable for cold-weather camping and mountaineering. They are also more lightweight and packable, making them a good choice for backpackers and hikers who need to save space. However, they can be too restrictive for people who move around a lot in their sleep.
Double sleeping bags are designed for couples. They can be very large and heavy, so they are not ideal for carrying into the wilderness.
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Temperature rating
It's important to remember that temperature ratings are based on an ""average sleeper"" and are meant for comparison between bags. A range of factors will affect your warmth, including your sleeping pad, clothing, humidity, wind, and metabolism. Therefore, it's advisable to choose a bag with a lower temperature rating than you anticipate needing to ensure a comfortable night's sleep.
When selecting a down sleeping bag, pay attention to the fill power, which measures the loft in an ounce of down. Higher fill power indicates superior warmth retention and compressibility. For instance, the Feathered Friends Tanager has a fill power of 7D, while the Marmot Trestles offers 70D. Bags with higher fill power will be more expensive, so it's important to balance warmth and cost when making your decision.
If you're a backpacker, weight and compressibility are critical factors in your sleeping bag choice. The ideal bag should pack down to a small size while remaining warm enough for a comfortable night's sleep. The Feathered Friends Hummingbird UL 30 and the Western Mountaineering MegaLite are excellent lightweight options. However, if you're car camping, weight is less of a concern, and you can prioritise warmth and roominess.
Finally, consider the EN Temperature Rating (EN 13537), a standardised rating system that most companies use. This rating provides comfort and survivability benchmarks, ensuring that you can trust the temperature rating across different brands.
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Down vs synthetic insulation
When it comes to choosing a sleeping bag, one of the most important decisions you'll make is the type of insulation. Down and synthetic insulations have their own pros and cons, and the right choice for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences.
Down insulation is made from the soft, wispy plumage found underneath the exterior feathers of waterfowl, such as geese and ducks. It is incredibly warm, lightweight, and compressible. The higher the fill power (FP), the better the warmth-to-weight ratio, as less down is required to fill the space and achieve a certain temperature rating. However, down loses its insulating properties when it gets wet, as the air pockets that trap heat disappear. While recent developments in nanotechnology have resulted in hydrophobic coatings that help preserve down's loft, a synthetic bag still outperforms a treated down bag in very wet conditions.
Synthetic insulation, on the other hand, is typically made from polyester fibres. It provides just as much warmth as down but weighs more. Synthetic insulation is less absorbent than down and retains some insulating capabilities even when wet, making it a better choice for wet or humid conditions. It also dries faster than down. However, synthetic insulation is not as compressible as down, so it will take up more space in your pack. Additionally, synthetic insulation may be less durable and may degrade over time with repeated use and compression.
In terms of price, down bags are generally more expensive than synthetic bags due to the increasing demand for down and its limited supply. Synthetic bags are a more budget-friendly option.
It's also worth considering the environmental impact of both options. Down insulation comes from animals, which can sometimes result in animal abuse, while synthetic insulation is essentially plastic, contributing to the issue of microplastics and forever chemicals in the environment.
Ultimately, the decision between down and synthetic insulation depends on your specific needs and priorities. If you prioritise warmth, lightweight, and compressibility, down may be the better choice. If you anticipate camping in wet or humid conditions, synthetic insulation's ability to retain some warmth when wet may be more important to you.
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Weight and compressibility
When choosing a down sleeping bag, weight and compressibility are key factors to consider. If you plan to carry your sleeping bag in a backpack while hiking or camping, you'll want to minimise weight and bulk. The lightest bag you can find within your budget is ideal, as long as it will still ensure a good night's sleep. Cramming a bulky sleeping bag into your backpack is never ideal, and the lighter your bag is, the better.
Down sleeping bags are extremely compressible and retain loft very well, making them ideal for compression sleeping bags. The natural fibres efficiently trap warm air and hold it close to your body. They offer the best warmth-to-weight ratio, so you can stay warm without adding too much weight to your pack.
The weight of a down sleeping bag is determined by its fill power, which measures the loft in an ounce of down. Bags with a higher fill power will be warmer and more compressible, but they will also be more expensive. If you're looking for a lightweight option on a budget, consider the Kelty Cosmic 20 or the Feathered Friends Hummingbird UL 30.
The shape of the bag also affects weight and compressibility. Mummy-shaped bags are designed to boost warmth and cut weight, with a snug fit that prevents you from rolling over inside the bag. On the other hand, rectangular bags offer more room to move around but are bulkier and heavier.
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Ethical sourcing
When buying a down sleeping bag, it is important to consider the ethical implications of your purchase. The process of sourcing down often involves animal cruelty, and it can be difficult to verify the ethical standards of a company. However, there are ways to make more ethical choices.
Firstly, look for companies that prioritise ethical sourcing and have taken steps to monitor the treatment of ducks and geese that provide down. You can identify these manufacturers by looking for labels such as RDS (Responsible Down Standard) or TDS (global Traceable Down Standard). These standards indicate that the company has made efforts to ensure responsible and ethical practices in the creation of their down products.
Another option is to choose a company that uses recycled down, such as Rab or Patagonia. By using recycled down, these companies reduce the need for newly sourced down and can still create high-quality sleeping bags. Additionally, consider companies that prioritise the humane treatment of animals, such as Tundra, which uses down from suppliers with the IDFL traceability certificate, ensuring compassionate practices.
It is also worth considering the working conditions of the factory employees who manufacture the sleeping bags. Choose companies that uphold good working conditions, judged by western standards, and use the best possible designs and materials available. This ensures that your purchase not only considers animal welfare but also the welfare of the people involved in the production process.
Finally, if you are concerned about the ethical implications of down, you may want to consider a synthetic sleeping bag. Synthetic bags are often more affordable, perform almost as well as down, and do not use animal products. They also maintain their thermal properties when wet, making them a practical choice for certain environments. However, synthetic bags may not be as warm as down and can be bulkier, which is an important consideration for backpacking.
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Frequently asked questions
Down sleeping bags offer excellent warmth, are lightweight and compressible, and last longer than synthetic fills.
Choose a bag with a temperature rating that is lower than the lowest temperature you expect to encounter.
Backpacking bags are more lightweight and pack down smaller, whereas camping bags offer more room to move around.
The shape depends on your preferences and how much room you want. Rectangular bags allow plenty of room for your legs and arms to stretch out, whereas mummy-shaped bags are more snug but efficient in retaining warmth.
Most brands take steps to monitor the treatment of ducks and geese that provide down. Look for bags labelled RDS (Responsible Down Standard) or TDS (global Traceable Down Standard) to ensure animal welfare standards have been met.
