How to choose a sleeping bag is something that anyone planning to spend the night outdoors should think about. A variety of factors will determine what is the best sleeping bag for you, from your budget to your anticipated activities and the environment you are traveling in. After all, it doesn't make sense to buy a quality all-season down bag if you're camping in temperate regions during the summer months.

Whether you're pitching a tent, hanging a hammock or taking a camper for a walk in the wilderness, a good quality, warm sleeping bag is essential. In addition, different users have different needs - long-distance backpackers planning to hike in the height of summer may choose a very lightweight bag that provides adequate warmth, while cold-sleeping car campers may prioritize complete warmth over the need to reduce weight or minimize pack size.

How to choose a sleeping bag ?

Warmth

The main factor affecting warmth is the filling, which can be either synthetic insulation or natural down (sometimes a mixture of both). Just like the best down jackets, down sleeping bags usually provide better warmth than synthetic fill. The warmth of down is measured by the fluffiness, which grades the down's fluffiness (fluffiness) and indicates its insulation value.

The higher the fill power, the more air can be captured by a given weight of down. Down sleeping bags typically have fill power from 500 to 900 or even higher. However, in addition to fill power, it is important to note the total fill weight of the bag when assessing its overall warmth.

Sustainability

Some brands, use ethical and certified down in their sleeping bags. Such sleeping bags should comply with the Responsible Down Standard (RDS) (open in new label) logo. Know the ethics and spread the word

Design and features

Most premium bags use a box-wall construction that traps the fill inside a brick baffle. Larger baffles provide more insulation in the attic, but tend to migrate downward (this is when the fill moves inside the bag, which can lead to cold spots). Therefore, smaller baffles can stop the fill from moving around, as can angled baffles and zoned structures (when different shapes and sizes or baffles are used, or when they are positioned in different ways).

Zippers and vents

A long zipper facilitates access and provides ventilation in warm weather, especially if it has a two-way or even three-way zipper pull. However, shorter zippers can save weight and reduce bulk, which is often a feature of ultralight bags. Many bags are also available with a left or right zipper. While much depends on personal preference, if you are right-handed, a left zipper is usually easier to use, and vice versa.

Temperature Control

Temperature control obviously plays a key role in comfort, but so does the cut of your sleeping bag. Many bags are available in different lengths and even widths, and there are a range of sleeping bags for women. Check the specifications of the bag to find the right one for your height and body type. Technical or "performance mummy" bags are slim-fitting and highly tapered for maximum thermal efficiency.

Some people may find them restrictive and may prefer a looser shape that provides extra wiggle room. Some bags also come with elastic straps to give you more room to move around without reducing their effective warmth. There are also children's sleeping bags designed for small children.

Materials

The fabric can also affect the comfort of the bag. The shell and lining are usually made of ripstop nylon, although cheaper bags use polyester. Both are soft on the skin, but nylon is usually more durable because it is stronger for its weight.

Weight and package size

Depending on your intended use, weight and packing size may or may not be very important. However, if you're packing quickly, a smaller pack of lightweight sleeping bags is easier to store in a backpack and carry around. Most bags come with a stuff sack, but the quality of these bags varies. A stuff sack with compression straps does help reduce the size of the pack.

The value

As with almost any outdoor kit, you need a balance between price and performance. Value is somewhat subjective, but if you consider lifetime use, then a quality down bag can offer very good value, as long as you take care of it - and how you take care of your down sleeping bag. This is partly because down is less affected by long-term compression than synthetic fills.

However, if cost is a limiting factor, synthetic bags are often cheaper and can still offer good overall performance and in some cases only a slight increase in weight and volume.

How to store the sleeping bag?

1、Remove it from its stuff sack.

2、Dry it thoroughly.

3、Store it loosely in a large breathable cotton or mesh bag.

4、Store it in a cool and dry place.