Evie Summers
A draft tube is an insulated flap or tube that runs along the length of a sleeping bag's zipper to prevent cold air from entering and warm air from escaping. This feature is especially useful for those camping in colder climates and is considered essential for premium sleeping bags designed for cooler weather camping and backpacking. The draft tube is also important for restless sleepers who toss and turn and are at risk of letting warm air out. Draft tubes are usually filled with goose or duck down, and some bags feature a drawstring collar to tighten the hood and further prevent heat loss.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To contain warm air and prevent ingress from cold air when the bag’s occupant moves |
| Position | Runs along (and behind) the length of the zipper |
| Construction | Insulated tube, usually filled with goose or duck down |
| Effectiveness | More effective than flaps, which press against each other to seal drafts |
| Drawbacks | Adds complexity and weight to the sleeping bag |
| Alternatives | Mounting the zipper slightly back from the edge of the bag |
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What You'll Learn
- Draft tubes are insulated flaps that run along the length of the zipper
- They prevent cold air from entering and warm air from escaping
- Mummy-shaped sleeping bags are the most thermally efficient shape
- Synthetic insulation is cheaper but less durable than down
- Sleeping bag temperature ratings indicate the lowest temperature they are designed for
Draft tubes are insulated flaps that run along the length of the zipper
The purpose of draft tubes is to enhance the insulation of the sleeping bag and prevent heat loss. They act as a barrier, ensuring that the zipper does not become a weak point in the bag's ability to retain warm air. This is particularly important in cold weather camping and backpacking situations, where maintaining body heat is crucial.
Draft tubes are commonly found in premium sleeping bags designed for cooler temperatures. They can vary in terms of construction and materials used. Some draft tubes are sewn onto the zipper tape, while others are designed as separate components that can be attached to the zipper. The amount and type of insulation within draft tubes can also vary, with some tubes containing higher amounts of insulation for added warmth.
The effectiveness of draft tubes can be influenced by factors such as the quality of the zipper and the overall design of the sleeping bag. For example, a full-length zipper guard or cover can also help prevent heat loss and reduce wear and tear on the fabric caused by snagging. Additionally, the size and fit of the sleeping bag are important considerations, as excess space within the bag can lead to dead air space, reducing thermal efficiency.
Draft tubes are just one feature among many that contribute to the overall performance of a sleeping bag. Other factors such as the shape of the bag, the type of insulation, and the presence of additional features like draft collars or hoods also play a significant role in determining the warmth and comfort of the sleeping bag. Ultimately, the effectiveness of draft tubes is dependent on the combination of all these factors, ensuring a comfortable and warm sleeping experience in various environmental conditions.
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They prevent cold air from entering and warm air from escaping
Sleeping bags are designed to keep you warm and comfortable while sleeping outdoors. A draft tube is an insulated tube or flap that runs along the length of the bag's zipper to prevent cold air from entering and warm air from escaping. This feature is essential in maintaining the warmth inside the sleeping bag, especially when the occupant moves around.
The draft tube is usually filled with goose or duck down and is located just behind the zipper, creating a barrier that blocks cold air from entering through the zipper teeth. It also ensures that the warm air generated by the occupant's body heat does not escape, a phenomenon known as the "bellows effect." This effect occurs when the occupant moves around at night, causing the warm air inside the bag to be forced out through the top.
The effectiveness of a draft tube is influenced by the shape of the sleeping bag. Mummy-shaped bags are considered the most thermally efficient due to their restricted air space, which minimizes heat loss. They also tend to be lighter and have insulated hoods, enhancing their warmth. On the other hand, rectangular sleeping bags are bulkier and less thermally efficient, making them less ideal for cold conditions. However, they offer more space and are generally more affordable.
In addition to draft tubes, other features contribute to the warmth of a sleeping bag. A well-designed hood, for example, can provide added warmth, especially when cinched tightly around the head. Mummy bags often include insulated hoods, while some hoods feature differentiated drawcords for easy adjustment of the neck fit and hood opening. Draft collars or yokes at the top of the bag also help prevent warm air from escaping around the neck area.
When choosing a sleeping bag, it is essential to consider the temperature rating, which indicates the lowest temperature the bag is designed to withstand. Selecting a bag with a lower temperature rating than expected conditions is advisable, as it can always be opened up to cool down if needed. Additionally, the insulation type, such as down or synthetic, plays a crucial role in warmth retention and durability. Understanding these features helps ensure a comfortable and warm sleeping experience in various outdoor conditions.
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Mummy-shaped sleeping bags are the most thermally efficient shape
A draft tube is an insulated flap on a sleeping bag that runs along and behind the length of its zipper. It helps contain warm air and prevents cold air from entering when the occupant moves. The draft tube is an important feature of a sleeping bag, ensuring comfort during sleep.
Mummy-shaped sleeping bags are the most thermally efficient
Mummy-shaped sleeping bags are widely recognised as the most thermally efficient design. The tapered shape of a mummy bag allows for far less dead air space than any other shape, which restricts heat loss. This makes them ideal for cold-weather camping and mountaineering. The reduced internal air volume also means that they warm up faster than other shapes. Mummy bags also tend to be lighter, as they use less material and require less insulation.
The integrated hoods of mummy bags are another feature that boosts warmth. By insulating the head and neck, mummy bags allow for even greater retention of body heat. This feature is especially useful in extremely cold conditions, such as in the Arctic.
While rectangular bags offer more space and freedom of movement, they are bulkier and less thermally efficient than mummy bags. Mummy bags are, therefore, the preferred choice for backpackers and hikers who need to save space and stay warm in cold conditions.
It is worth noting that some people may find mummy bags constricting or uncomfortable, particularly those who move a lot in their sleep or prefer to sleep in different positions. Rectangular bags are often a more budget-friendly option and are ideal for those who feel restricted by the shape of mummy bags.
In summary, mummy-shaped sleeping bags are the most thermally efficient due to their tapered shape, reduced internal air volume, and integrated hoods. They are an excellent choice for backpackers and hikers who require warmth, lightweight gear, and space-saving solutions for cold-weather adventures.
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Synthetic insulation is cheaper but less durable than down
A draft tube is an insulated flap that runs along the length of a sleeping bag's zipper. It helps to retain warm air and prevent cold air from entering when the occupant moves.
Synthetic Insulation vs Down:
Synthetic insulation is generally less expensive than down, but it is also less durable. Synthetic insulation is typically made from polyester, and while it is designed to mimic down, it is less warm, heavier, and less compressible. Synthetic insulation is also more breathable than down, and it insulates even when wet, which is something that down struggles with. Down is the insulation of choice in cold, dry conditions, as it loses its insulating properties when it gets wet and is slow to dry.
Down is a natural insulator, made from the soft, fluffy plumage found underneath the exterior feathers of waterfowl, such as ducks and geese. It is prized for being lightweight, easy to compress, long-lasting, and breathable. Down creates high-loft clusters that trap air and body heat, preventing heat escape. With proper care, down products can last for many years, whereas synthetic insulation has a more limited lifespan.
In some cases, sleeping bags may use a blend of synthetic and down insulation, with durable synthetic insulation on the bottom and lofty down on top. The type of insulation one chooses depends on the environment and activities one expects to encounter. Synthetic insulation is generally recommended for wet-weather assurance, whereas down is ideal for cold, dry conditions.
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Sleeping bag temperature ratings indicate the lowest temperature they are designed for
A draft tube is an insulated flap that runs along the length of a sleeping bag's zipper. It helps to contain warm air and prevents cold air from entering when the occupant moves. This feature is designed to stop heat loss and keep the user comfortable in cold conditions.
Sleeping Bag Temperature Ratings
Sleeping bag temperature ratings indicate the lowest temperature that the bag is designed for, providing a rough guideline for users. These ratings are based on standardised tests, such as the EN 13537 and ISO 23537 standards, which help consumers make like-for-like comparisons between different brands. The tests use a heated mannequin with temperature sensors to represent a sleeping person, and the results are correlated with real-world outcomes.
The standardised testing assigns three temperature thresholds: a comfort rating, a limit rating, and an extreme rating. The comfort rating indicates the temperature at which a cold sleeper, typically a woman, might feel comfortable. The limit rating is the temperature at which a warm sleeper, typically a man, can maintain thermal equilibrium without shivering or risking hypothermia. The extreme rating indicates the temperature at which there is a serious risk of death from hypothermia within hours.
It's important to note that these ratings are estimates and may not match real-world comfort due to individual variations in clothing, gear, body type, metabolism, age, and other factors. When choosing a sleeping bag, it's recommended to consider your personal internal thermostat and select a bag with a comfort rating that is significantly lower than the coldest expected temperature. Additionally, season ratings are used to indicate the time of year for which a sleeping bag is most suitable, such as one-season bags for summer use and four-season bags for winter use.
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Frequently asked questions
It is an insulated tube that runs along and behind the zipper to prevent cold drafts from entering the sleeping bag and warm air from escaping.
Draft tubes help contain warm air and prevent cold air from entering the sleeping bag when the occupant moves, providing extra warmth.
The "bellows effect" refers to the loss of warm air through the top of a sleeping bag when the occupant moves around at night. A draft tube helps to prevent this.
No, draft tubes are typically found in premium sleeping bags designed for colder weather camping and backpacking. They are not as necessary for warm-weather camping.
Yes, some sleeping bags use lofted flaps that press against each other to seal drafts from passing through the zipper, eliminating the need for a separate draft tube.
