Herbie Murray
A draft tube is an important feature of a sleeping bag, especially for those camping in colder climates. It is an insulated tube or flap that runs along the length of the zipper to prevent cold drafts from entering the bag and warm air from escaping. Draft tubes are designed to address the “bellows effect”, where body heat forces warm air out of the top of the bag when the sleeper moves around. Draft tubes are also known as draft collars when they are located below the hood of the sleeping bag, wrapping around the sleeper's chest and shoulders.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To prevent heat loss and keep the user comfortable. |
| Location | Runs along and behind the zipper. |
| Construction | An insulated tube or flap. |
| Function | Stops cold drafts from entering and warm air from escaping. |
| Durability | May have strength and durability issues if sewn through only one layer. |
| Weight | May be heavier than alternative solutions. |
| Simplicity | May be more complex to construct than alternative solutions. |
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What You'll Learn
Draft tubes are insulated flaps that run along the zipper
Draft tubes are an important feature of sleeping bags, especially for those camping in colder climates. They are insulated flaps that run along the length of the zipper, designed to prevent heat loss and block cold drafts from entering the bag. This is particularly important as the occupant moves around, which can otherwise force warm air out of the bag in what is known as the "bellows effect".
The draft tube is a three-dimensional structure, with a 'base' that is attached to the rest of the sleeping bag inner by two seams. This design is important because if a draft tube is only anchored by one seam, it may flip over and leave the zipper exposed, defeating its purpose.
Some sleeping bags feature a differential cut, where the inner liner has a smaller circumference than the outer shell. This can present a challenge when it comes to the design of the draft tube, as the lofted edges need to press against each other to effectively seal the zipper. One solution is to mount the zipper a few inches back from the edge, creating a lofted flap that seals drafts out.
While draft tubes are an effective way to prevent heat loss, they are not the only solution. Some sleeping bags, such as those made by MontBell, feature thin insulated flaps instead of puffy draft tubes. These flaps are not much wider than the zippers and provide a simpler and lighter alternative to draft tubes.
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They prevent cold drafts from entering and warm air from escaping
Sleeping bags are designed to keep you warm and comfortable while you sleep outdoors. One of the key features that help achieve this is the draft tube. A draft tube is an insulated tube or flap that runs along the length of the zipper on a sleeping bag. Its primary function is to prevent cold drafts from entering the sleeping bag and warm air from escaping, thus maintaining the warmth inside the bag.
The draft tube is particularly important when you move around in your sleep, as it seals the top of the bag around you. This prevents the bellows effect, where your movements force the warm air inside the sleeping bag out through the top. By stopping cold drafts and containing warm air, the draft tube plays a crucial role in ensuring a comfortable and warm night's sleep.
The effectiveness of a draft tube depends on its design and construction. It should be adequately sized and securely anchored to the sleeping bag. Some draft tubes are three-dimensional, with two seams attaching them to the inner bag, providing better coverage and preventing the zipper from being left uncovered. The insulation material used in draft tubes is also essential for their performance.
While draft tubes are a common feature in sleeping bags, they are not the only solution for preventing heat loss. Some sleeping bags use alternative designs, such as insulated flaps or different zipper placements, to achieve the same goal of sealing drafts and retaining warm air. However, draft tubes remain a popular choice for their simplicity and effectiveness in maintaining the warmth and comfort of your sleeping environment.
In conclusion, draft tubes in sleeping bags serve the critical function of preventing cold drafts from entering and warm air from escaping. They are designed to ensure a warm and comfortable sleeping experience, especially in colder outdoor environments. By understanding the purpose and design considerations of draft tubes, you can make informed choices when selecting a sleeping bag suitable for your outdoor adventures.
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Draft collars, or head gaskets, are similar to draft tubes
Draft tubes are insulated tubes that run along and behind the zipper of a sleeping bag to stop cold drafts from entering and warm air from escaping. Some have questioned whether draft tubes are the only solution to this problem, suggesting that mounting the zipper further back from the edge of the bag could create lofted flaps that press against each other to seal drafts out. However, this alternative design may have strength and durability issues, as well as potentially reducing loft and defeating the purpose of the draft tube.
Both draft collars and draft tubes are features of sleeping bags designed to retain warmth and prevent heat loss, with draft collars focusing on the head and neck area and draft tubes addressing the zipper area. They work together to create a thermally efficient sleep system, especially when combined with a sleeping pad.
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Draft tubes are not the only solution to preventing drafts
A draft tube is an insulated tube that runs along the zipper of a sleeping bag to prevent cold drafts from entering and warm air from escaping. While draft tubes are a common feature in sleeping bags, they are not the only solution to preventing drafts. Here are some alternative solutions:
Draft Collar
A draft collar, also known as a head gasket, is an insulated collar located around the hood of the sleeping bag. It is designed to wrap around the user's chest and shoulders, preventing warm air from escaping when they move during sleep. The collar can usually be tightened or loosened using a drawcord, allowing the user to adjust for comfort and warmth.
Trapezoidal Footbox
A trapezoidal or flared footbox provides more space for the feet, allowing them to incline and splay apart without compressing the insulation. This helps to prevent drafts by ensuring that the insulation remains in place around the feet, reducing heat loss.
High-Quality Insulation
Higher-quality down insulation has a greater ability to stick together in a homogeneous mass, creating a consistent insulating layer. This prevents drafts by eliminating gaps in the insulation that could allow cold air to enter the sleeping bag. Synthetic insulation options, such as Thermolite®, also offer improved thermal performance by retaining their loft for longer periods.
Full-Length Zipper
A full-length zipper allows for better temperature regulation by providing the option to open the bag for increased airflow or close it completely to retain warmth. This versatility makes it easier to adjust to changing weather conditions and prevent drafts.
Hanging Loops
Hanging loops at the bottom of a sleeping bag allow for proper drying by hanging, which helps to maintain the insulation loft. This ensures that the insulation remains effective in preventing drafts and heat loss.
While draft tubes are a popular feature in sleeping bags, these alternative solutions demonstrate that there are multiple approaches to achieving the common goal of preventing drafts and keeping users comfortable during their outdoor adventures. Each solution has its advantages and considerations, and the ideal choice depends on various factors, including the expected weather conditions, user preferences, and specific sleeping bag features.
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Synthetic bags are less effective at preventing drafts
A draft tube is an insulated tube that runs along the zipper of a sleeping bag, preventing cold drafts from entering and warm air from escaping. It is one of several features of a sleeping bag designed to prevent heat loss and keep the sleeper comfortable.
Synthetic sleeping bags are made from polyester fibres that trap air to create a thermal barrier. While synthetic insulation is less absorbent than down, it is also heavier and bulkier. Synthetic bags are also less effective at preventing drafts, as they do not loft to the same degree as high-quality down. Loft refers to the ability of the filling to retain its fluffiness and stick together in a single mass. Synthetic insulation tends to degrade over time, and once it has degraded, there is little that can be done to restore it.
Down sleeping bags, on the other hand, are made from the soft, wispy plumage found underneath the exterior feathers of waterfowl, such as geese and ducks. High-quality down has a greater ability to stick together in a single mass, creating a homogeneous insulating mass that effectively prevents drafts.
The complexity of the down chambers in a performance sleeping bag also helps to prevent drafts. These bags have a much larger number of small, perfectly-shaped chambers, which keep the down in place as the sleeper moves, preventing it from shifting and creating gaps.
While synthetic bags are more affordable and reliable in all conditions, down bags offer superior warmth and weight ratios. Down bags are also more durable, as they can be compressed repeatedly without causing structural damage.
Ultimately, the decision between a synthetic or down sleeping bag depends on individual preferences and the intended use. Synthetic bags may be more suitable for those seeking an affordable, low-maintenance option, while down bags may be preferred for their superior warmth and durability.
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Frequently asked questions
A draft tube is an insulated tube that runs along and behind the zipper of a sleeping bag to prevent cold drafts from entering and warm air from escaping.
The purpose of a draft tube is to prevent heat loss and keep the occupant of the sleeping bag comfortable in cold weather.
A draft tube works by creating a seal along the zipper of the sleeping bag, preventing cold air from entering and warm air from escaping when the occupant moves around.
No, not all sleeping bags have draft tubes. Some sleeping bags use alternative designs to prevent heat loss, such as lofted flaps that press against each other to seal the zipper.
Draft tubes are effective in preventing heat loss and are a desirable feature for sleeping bags designed for colder weather camping and backpacking.
