Ashwin Lewis
When choosing a sleeping bag for a canoeing trip, it's important to consider factors such as temperature ratings, weight, compressibility, and water resistance. Sleeping bags typically use either natural down or synthetic materials for insulation. Down sleeping bags are highly compressible, lightweight, and warm but tend to be more expensive and less effective when wet. Synthetic bags, on the other hand, are more affordable, dry faster, and provide some insulation when wet. Other factors to consider include the availability of sleeping pads and liners, the type of shelter you'll be using, and your budget. Additionally, it's crucial to prioritize keeping your sleeping bag clean, dry, and protected from skin oils.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Fill | Down or Synthetic |
| Weight | Lightweight |
| Compressibility | Compressible |
| Warmth | Warm |
| Water Resistance | Water-resistant |
| Shape | Rectangular or Mummy |
| Temperature Rating | 0-40 degrees |
| Size | Small enough to fit in a canoe |
| Cost | Affordable |
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What You'll Learn
Synthetic vs down sleeping bags
When choosing a sleeping bag for a canoeing trip, there are several factors to consider, including the type of insulation. Sleeping bags typically use either down or synthetic insulation, each with its own advantages and drawbacks.
Down insulation is the fuzzy undercoat found on waterfowl, such as geese and ducks. It has an excellent weight-to-warmth ratio and is highly compressible, resulting in a lightweight, warm, and compact sleeping bag. However, due to the natural oils being removed during processing, down is susceptible to moisture and loses its insulating properties when wet. Down insulation also tends to be more expensive due to the scarcity of goose and duck down.
Synthetic insulation, on the other hand, is usually made of polyester. It is quick-drying and can insulate even when wet. Synthetic bags are generally less expensive, durable, and hypoallergenic. They can be either short-staple or continuous filament. Short-staple insulation uses densely packed fine-denier filaments to minimise heat loss, resulting in a soft, flexible, and compressible bag. Continuous-filament insulation, on the other hand, uses thicker filaments that provide loftiness, strength, and durability. However, synthetic bags can be bulkier and heavier than down bags.
Some manufacturers offer hybrid sleeping bags that combine water-resistant down and synthetic insulation to provide the benefits of both materials. These hybrid bags can either blend the insulations throughout or use different insulations in specific locations, such as durable synthetic on the bottom and lofty down on top.
When deciding between down and synthetic insulation, consider factors such as cost, weight, compressibility, and moisture resistance. Synthetic bags are ideal for occasional backpacking or paddling trips, as they are more affordable and perform well when wet. Down bags, while more expensive, are extremely lightweight and compressible, making them perfect for trips where space and weight are at a premium. Additionally, consider the specific conditions of your canoeing trip, including the temperature ratings and the type of shelter you will be using, to ensure you choose a sleeping bag that will provide adequate warmth and comfort.
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Weight and bulk
If you're looking to save space and weight, a down sleeping bag is a better option. Down bags are lightweight, warm, and highly compressible, making them ideal for canoeing trips. They are more expensive, however, and lose their insulating qualities when wet.
To extend the warmth of your sleeping bag in colder seasons, consider using a fabric liner or an extra set of fleece pyjamas. MummyLiners are a good option for a warm, lightweight, and compact sleeping bag liner. Additionally, choosing a snug tent will minimise airflow and keep you warmer.
When packing your sleeping bag for a canoeing trip, it's important to minimise bulkiness and protect it from moisture. A waterproof compression dry bag is ideal for this, as it compresses the sleeping bag and keeps it dry. In a canoe, the dry bag can be packed inside a portage pack with a pack liner or a contractor garbage bag.
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Warmth ratings
When choosing a sleeping bag for a canoeing trip, it is important to consider the warmth rating of the bag. A sleeping bag with good warmth ratings will ensure you get a good night's rest, which is essential for a good day of paddling.
Most companies have now adopted the EN rating system, which uses heat-sensitive dummies and standardised testing methods performed by an independent third party. This ensures consistency across brands and bag types. The EN-rated bags may have a "comfort rating" and a "lower-level or limit rating". The comfort rating indicates the lowest temperature where a woman or a cold-sleeper would feel comfortable in that bag.
You can also extend the warmth of your sleeping bag by using a fabric liner or an optional inner bag made of materials such as polyester fleece or cotton. Additionally, choosing a snug tent that minimises airflow will help retain warmth, while a tarp, fly or hammock may require additional insulation.
When considering warmth ratings for a canoeing trip, it is also important to think about the weight and compressibility of the sleeping bag. Down sleeping bags are known for their exceptional weight-to-warmth ratio and compressibility, making them lightweight and compact. However, they are more expensive and susceptible to moisture loss, whereas synthetic bags are more affordable and dry quicker. Ultimately, the warmth rating of your sleeping bag will depend on the temperature range you expect to encounter during your canoeing trip, and you should choose a bag that can withstand the coldest expected temperatures.
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Waterproofing
When it comes to waterproofing your sleeping bag for a canoeing trip, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, let's differentiate between water-resistant and waterproof. While some sleeping bags may be marketed as water-resistant, they are not fully waterproof and will still get soaked if submerged or exposed to excessive moisture.
To ensure your sleeping bag stays dry during your canoeing trip, consider the following measures:
Choose the Right Sleeping Bag
Select a sleeping bag that suits the environmental conditions you'll encounter. Synthetic sleeping bags are generally more affordable and dry faster than down bags, but they are bulkier and heavier. Synthetic bags also retain some insulating properties when wet, which can be advantageous in wet climates. Down sleeping bags, on the other hand, are lighter, more compact, and maintain loft better, but they are more expensive and become useless when soaked. Some manufacturers offer treated down bags with water-resistant properties, but they are not fully waterproof.
Use a Waterproof Compression Dry Bag
To protect your sleeping bag from moisture during paddlesports and shoreline camping, it is recommended to store it in a waterproof compression dry bag. These bags minimise bulkiness and help protect the internal insulation of your sleeping bag. When packing, start by stuffing the foot of the sleeping bag into the compression dry bag, then gently feed the rest of the bag inside while squeezing to avoid tearing the internal baffles and seams. Secure the bag with the compression straps and ensure a watertight seal using the rolltop closure.
Additional Tips
- Always set up your shelter and sleeping pad first before unpacking your sleeping bag to protect it from moisture.
- Consider using a tarp or tent to provide additional protection from the elements. Ensure your tarp is set up correctly and on slightly raised ground to prevent water from pooling underneath.
- Check your tent for any faults or issues, such as faulty seam tape, faulty "waterproof" zippers, wicking webbing, or condensation problems, and address them promptly.
- If you're using a kayak, store the dry bag in the front compartment, ensuring it's completely dry.
- For a canoe, pack the dry bag inside a portage pack lined with a pack liner or a contractor garbage bag.
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Liners and extra insulation
Sleeping bag liners are great for backpackers or travellers sleeping in hostels or going on canoe trips. They protect the inside of your sleeping bag, especially on longer trips where washing facilities are limited. They can also improve the insulating properties of your bag by a couple of degrees, making them a cheap and effective way to get the best out of your sleeping bag.
Liners are available in a range of materials, including silk, fleece, microfiber, and wool. Synthetic liners are moisture-wicking and breathable, making them ideal for humid conditions. They are also stretchy, which is great for restless sleepers. Insulated liners can add up to 25°F of warmth, allowing you to extend the range of a lightweight bag. They use hollow-core fibre insulation, which helps them to dry 50% faster than cotton.
If you're camping in a bug-infested area, consider a liner with built-in bug protection, such as the Insect Shield® offered by Sea to Summit. MummyLiners are another option for a warm, lightweight, and compact sleeping bag liner that extends a bag's thermal rating.
For canoe trips, you may want to consider a synthetic sleeping bag as they are more affordable and keep you warm when wet. Synthetic bags are bulkier and heavier, but they are a good option for occasional backpacking or overnight paddling trips.
If you're looking for a lightweight option, a down sleeping bag is a great choice as they are extremely compressible and have an excellent weight-to-warmth ratio. However, they are more expensive due to the scarcity of goose and duck down. Down sleeping bags are also susceptible to moisture and lose their insulating qualities when wet.
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Frequently asked questions
You should consider the following:
- Weight and size: If you're going on a canoeing trip, you'll want a sleeping bag that's lightweight and not too bulky.
- Warmth: Make sure you get a bag that's warm enough for the temperatures you'll be facing.
- Water resistance: Canoeing trips can be wet, so choose a bag that can withstand getting a little damp.
- Cost: Synthetic bags are cheaper than down bags but may not be as warm or lightweight.
Down sleeping bags are made from the fuzzy undercoat of geese and ducks. They are lightweight, compact, and provide excellent warmth. However, they are more expensive and lose their insulating qualities when wet.
Synthetic sleeping bags are cheaper, easier to clean, and dry faster than down bags. However, they are bulkier and heavier, and their insulation may degrade over time. Synthetic bags can still provide some warmth when wet.
