Ashwin Lewis
If you're looking to buy a sleeping bag from REI, there are a few factors to consider. Sleeping bags from REI come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and temperature ratings, so it's important to choose one that suits your specific needs. For example, if you're planning to go backpacking, you'll want a lightweight and snug-fitting sleeping bag, whereas if you're car camping, you can opt for a roomier and warmer option. REI offers a range of sleeping bags at different price points, with some budget-friendly options available for under $100. Additionally, REI frequently has sales and deals, so you may be able to get a discount on your purchase. By considering your intended use, budget, and the features that are important to you, you can make an informed decision about when and which REI sleeping bag to buy.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Temperature rating | Choose a rating lower than the lowest temperature you expect to encounter. |
| Sleep system | The R-value of your sleeping pad is an important variable. |
| Type of insulation | Down vs synthetic. Synthetic is more affordable and maintains insulation when damp. |
| Weight | The quality of insulation and the cut of the bag are important factors. |
| Size | Sleeping bags come in regular, long and short sizes. |
| Shape | Rectangular, semi-rectangular/modified mummy/barrel, mummy, and double. |
| Features | Draft-blocking, snug-fitting hood, extra zippers, stash pockets, pad compatibility, etc. |
| Price | Sleeping bags can range from under $100 to over $1000. |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Sleeping bag shape: rectangular, semi-rectangular, or mummy
When choosing a sleeping bag, it's important to consider its shape as it can impact your comfort and warmth. Sleeping bags typically come in three shapes: rectangular, semi-rectangular or modified mummy, and mummy.
Rectangular sleeping bags offer ample room for your legs and arms to stretch out, making them ideal for those who move around a lot in their sleep or prefer different sleeping positions. They can also be completely unzipped and used as comforters. However, rectangular bags tend to be bulkier and may take longer to warm up due to the larger volume of air inside. They are a good choice for car camping, where weight and space are less of a concern.
Semi-rectangular sleeping bags, also known as barrel-shaped or modified mummy bags, offer a compromise between warmth and roominess. They have a slightly tapered shoulder area to prevent drafts while providing more space around the feet than a traditional mummy bag. This style is suitable for campers who need more warmth than a rectangular bag but find mummy bags too restrictive.
Mummy sleeping bags have a tapered form, wider at the shoulders and narrower at the feet, resembling a mummy's shape. This snug fit allows you to roll over with the bag, optimising warmth and reducing weight. Mummy bags are excellent insulators in cool conditions, making them popular among backpackers and hikers who need to save space. However, some people may find the form-fitting design restrictive, particularly those who sleep on their sides or prefer more room to move. Mummy bags are recommended for cold-weather camping and mountaineering.
When deciding between these shapes, consider your activity, sleeping style, body shape, and the conditions you'll be camping in. For example, if you're primarily car camping and have no weight restrictions, a roomy rectangular bag might be ideal. On the other hand, if you're backpacking or hiking and need a lightweight, space-saving option that provides warmth in cold conditions, a mummy bag could be a better choice. Semi-rectangular bags offer a happy medium between the two, providing additional warmth without feeling as restrictive as a traditional mummy bag.
iPhone Charging Overnight: Is It Safe?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Temperature rating
The temperature rating of a sleeping bag is a crucial factor in determining its suitability for your needs. It identifies the lowest temperature at which the bag is designed to keep an average sleeper warm. When selecting an REI sleeping bag, it is recommended to choose one with a temperature rating slightly lower than the typical low temperatures you expect to encounter on your trips. This is because you can always unzip the bag to cool down if conditions are warmer, but you don't want to be caught cold in temperatures lower than your bag's rating.
REI offers a wide range of sleeping bags with different temperature ratings. Their budget options include the REI Co-op Trailmade 20, which has a warmth rating of 45°F, and the Nemo Forte 20, which has a 20-degree synthetic-fill and a comfort rating of 30 degrees. For backpackers, the Bishop Pass 30 offers a good warmth-to-weight ratio and has been tested in temperatures ranging from 28 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit. The Zenbivy Bed 25 is another option with a comfort rating of 35 degrees Fahrenheit, ideal for those who prioritize comfort over extreme temperature conditions.
The type of activity you'll be doing will also influence your choice of temperature rating. If you're car camping, you have more flexibility in choosing a warmer and roomier bag since you won't be carrying it in a pack. On the other hand, if you're backpacking or camping in the backcountry, a lightweight bag with a suitable temperature rating is essential to keep your load manageable.
When comparing sleeping bags with similar temperature ratings, consider other factors that contribute to warmth, such as the type of insulation (down vs. synthetic), the R-value of your sleeping pad, and the bag's shape. Down bags are generally considered warmer, but synthetic insulation is more affordable and continues to insulate when damp. Mummy-shaped bags are designed to boost warmth and cut weight by providing a snug fit, while rectangular bags offer more room to move around.
Lastly, it's important to understand that temperature ratings are based on an "average sleeper", and individual factors can affect your experience. These include your sleeping pad, clothing, humidity, wind, metabolism, and more. Therefore, it's always a good idea to choose a bag with a slightly lower temperature rating than you anticipate needing.
Sleep Peacefully: Avoid Beeping Nightmares
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Insulation type: down or synthetic
When choosing a sleeping bag, one of the most important decisions you'll have to make is the type of insulation: down or synthetic. Both have their pros and cons, so selecting the right one for your needs is crucial.
Down insulation is made from the soft, fluffy plumage found underneath the exterior feathers of waterfowl, such as geese and ducks. It is a superior insulator, trapping heat from your body and protecting you from the cold outside air. It is also lightweight, which is an important consideration for backpackers. A sleeping bag with higher fill-power down will be lighter as it requires less down to fill space and achieve a certain temperature rating. Additionally, down sleeping bags are highly packable, able to be compressed to a fraction of their original size, making them more packable than synthetic bags.
However, one of the biggest criticisms of down insulation is its performance in wet conditions. When down gets wet, the fluffy structure collapses, causing it to lose its loft and insulation properties. While hydrophobic treatments have been developed to add water resistance, even treated down will get wet if submerged in water or exposed to heavy rain. Therefore, it is crucial to take precautions to keep your down sleeping bag dry.
On the other hand, synthetic insulation is made from materials like polyester, which is hydrophobic. Synthetic bags can provide the same level of warmth as down bags of the same temperature rating, but they will be significantly heavier. Synthetic insulation has the advantage of being less absorbent than down, so even when wet, it can still retain some insulation due to its structure that maintains air pockets. Synthetic insulation is also generally more affordable and dries faster than down.
In terms of durability, down is considered less durable than synthetic insulation, as its insulating power decreases each time the bag is stuffed into a sack. However, synthetic insulation can also vary in durability depending on whether it is short-staple or continuous filament. Short-staple insulation is softer and more compressible but less durable, while continuous filament is stiffer, more durable, and less likely to create cold spots.
Ultimately, the decision between down and synthetic insulation depends on your specific needs and preferences. Consider factors such as weight, packability, water resistance, durability, and price to determine which type of insulation is right for your sleeping bag.
Spray-Bonded Cotton Filling: A Cozy Sleeping Bag Option
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Weight and packability
If you're going to be backpacking, you'll want to opt for a sleeping bag that's lightweight and packable. When it comes to weight and packability, the type of insulation and bag shape are the biggest factors.
Down insulation is generally lighter and more compressible than synthetic insulation. It's also more durable, retaining a consistent level of warmth for longer. However, down insulation is more expensive. Synthetic insulation is more affordable and can be a good choice if you're camping in damp conditions as it continues to insulate when damp.
If you're looking for a lightweight, packable bag, the mummy shape is a good option. This style has a snug fit, so you roll over with your bag rather than inside it, helping to cut down on weight and bulk. The semi-rectangular shape, also known as a modified mummy or barrel shape, offers a compromise between warmth and roominess. Rectangular bags, on the other hand, offer plenty of room to move around but are typically bulkier and heavier.
When comparing weights, make sure to consider bags with the same temperature rating. A sleeping bag's temperature rating identifies the lowest temperature at which it's designed to keep an average sleeper warm. Choose a bag with a rating slightly lower than the lowest temperature you expect to encounter. You can always unzip the bag to cool down if it gets too warm.
If you're using one bag for both camping and backpacking, go for a backpacking style. You'll want it to be lightweight and packable since you'll be carrying it in your pack.
Tests to Measure Sleep Deprivation
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Additional features: stash pockets, hoods, etc
When choosing an REI sleeping bag, it's important to consider the additional features that can enhance your comfort and convenience. Here are some key aspects to consider:
Stash pockets
Stash pockets are a handy feature that allows you to keep your essential items close at hand. These pockets are usually zippered and provide a secure spot for personal items like watches, phones, or lip balm. Having quick access to these items without having to reach for a separate bag can be extremely useful, especially during outdoor adventures.
Hoods
A snug-fitting hood can significantly increase the warmth of your sleeping bag, making it ideal for colder environments. Bags with lower temperature ratings often include hoods, and most of these hoods have drawcords that allow you to adjust the snugness for optimal warmth. If you plan to camp in colder months or regions, a hood can be a crucial feature for a comfortable night's sleep.
Extra zippers
Extra zippers can serve multiple purposes. They can provide additional ventilation, allowing you to adjust the temperature inside the bag. Zippers also make it easier to get in and out of the bag. Some higher-end bags feature anti-snag technology, such as a guard along the length of the zipper, to prevent any unwanted snagging of the fabric.
Draft-blocking details
Draft-blocking details are essential for preventing heat loss. They ensure that warm air stays inside the bag, enhancing its insulation capabilities. This feature is particularly important if you plan to use your sleeping bag in cold weather conditions, as it can make a significant difference in retaining warmth.
When selecting an REI sleeping bag, consider your specific needs and preferences. Whether you prioritise warmth, convenience, or ventilation, choosing the right combination of additional features will ensure you have a comfortable and enjoyable outdoor experience.
Letting Kittens Sleep: How Much is Too Much?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
The best time to buy an REI sleeping bag is during the REI Anniversary Sale in May.
There are a few key factors to consider when buying an REI sleeping bag:
- Temperature rating: Choose a bag with a lower temperature rating than the lowest temperature you expect to encounter.
- Sleep system: Your comfort at a particular temperature will depend on variables such as the R-value of your sleeping pad.
- Type of insulation: You can choose between down vs. synthetic insulation. Synthetic insulation is more affordable and stays insulated when damp.
- Weight: The quality of your insulation and the cut of your bag will affect the weight.
- Size: Sleeping bags come in regular, long, and short sizes.
- Shape: Sleeping bags come in rectangular, semi-rectangular/mummy, and double shapes.
Some of the best deals on REI sleeping bags include:
- Zenbivy Bed 25-Degree Sleeping Bag: $200 ($100 off)
- NEMO Forte 20 Synthetic Sleeping Bag: $150 ($50 off)
- REI Co-op Trailmade 20 sleeping bag: Price not listed
- Kompact 30F: Price not listed
