Sleeping outside can mean a solid night of sleep, or a night of discomfort and sleeplessness, and the difference may lie in your sleeping bag choice. With the huge strides in outdoor gear quality and comfort that have occurred in the last decade, anyone can be comfortably snuggled down when they sleep outside.
For starters, choosing the right sleeping bag to keep you warm and comfortable, no matter the weather, is critically important. Sleeping bags come in a variety of styles, weights, and warmth levels. Here are some general ideas of what you should look for when buying a sleeping bag.
1.) Temperature
The lowest temperature for which a bag will provide adequate warmth is indicated on the tag of new sleeping bags. So, if you have a 15-degree bag, then it will provide sufficient warmth when it is 15 degrees Fahrenheit or warmer. Many bags have the degree ratings in both Fahrenheit and Celsius.
2.) Material
It is often wise to buy a sleeping bag with a synthetic exterior. All kinds of gear can get wet year round, so you want to protect yourself. Cotton fabrics retain water and take longer to dry, whereas synthetic fabrics are made to wick and repel water. But, it’s not just the outside of the bag that’s important. The filling of your sleeping bag is typically either a synthetic or down. Both fillings have advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to consider where and when you will be using the bag before you buy. For example, synthetic bags tend to be harder to compress, making them bulkier to carry, but down does poorly in wet conditions.
3.) Weight
Any time you go camping, it’s crucial to remember to pack as lightly as possible. You don’t want to avoid purchasing a sleeping bag that will weigh you down, making it tortuous to hike with your pack. Try walking around in the store different weight bags to see how they feel.
4.) Get information
Don’t be shy about asking questions. It’s your back, your sleep, and your money.
Sleep well campers.
My dog Alice checking out my new 15-degree Mountain Hardware bag.
Wood River Rock 