| So you need a sleeping bag? It seems simple enough, pick out your favorite color and you're done right? Not so fast hard charger! Like any other gear for your favorite adventure, there are a variety to considerations to think about when getting a sleeping bag. Although budget may seem like the most important thing to you, budget is no guarantee you are going to be comfortable at minus 20, or your sleeping bag will fit in your pack with all the other gear, or climbing up that mountain will be easier with an extra pound in your pack. These are just a few of the considerations to keep in mind when choosing a sleeping bag. Down versus Synthetic: Pound for pound down sleeping bags have the warmest to weight ratio, compresses the most while still retaining it's shape, and can last a lifetime. Down however looses it's warmth when wet, can take a very long time to dry, requires special cleaning, can be very expensive, and some people can be allergic to it. Synthetic sleeping bags on the other hand, generally do not loose their insulating value when wet, dry fast, are easy to care for, and generally cheaper. Synthetic sleeping bags however are usually more bulky, heavier, and break down over time. So if you are backpacking in cold temperatures, a down sleeping bag may be the right choice, but if you are car camping in mid summer a cheaper lightweight synthetic sleeping bag may be the right way to go. Either way pay very close attention to what temperatures the sleeping bag of choice is rated for as a 0 to -40 degree rated sleeping bag won't be very comfortable on a warm summer night and a 55 to 30 degree rated sleeping bag won't keep the icicles off your face in the heart of winter. Consider, the weight, packability, temperature rating, weatherability, and cost when chosing the right sleeping bag for you. |
