How to choose the right sleeping bag

For hiking, camping, mountaineering or self-driving travel, it is best to find a suitable sleeping bag. A huge number of sleeping bags for different seasons are presented on the Ukrainian market. They differ in their shape, composition of insulation, temperature conditions, as well as color, price and other characteristics. In this article we will try to figure out what criteria you should pay attention to before buying a sleeping bag.

Temperature Range

When choosing a sleeping bag, this parameter is one of the most important. Manufacturers mark products in accordance with the adopted single European standard EN 13537. The following inscriptions can be found on the product labeling: Upper Limit, Comfort, Lower Limit and Extreme. Let's take a closer look at what they mean.

Upper Limit is the maximum temperature for a man to sleep comfortably for eight hours with an unbuttoned bag.

Comfort is the temperature for a woman to sleep comfortably in a relaxed position for eight hours.

The Lower Limit is the lower temperature limit for a man who will sleep comfortably for eight hours in a zipped bag.

Extreme is the temperature of extreme use at which a woman sleeps for six hours, eliminating the risk of dying from hypothermia or hypothermia. However, frostbite and hypothermia in this case is still possible.

What kind of insulation is still better?

The filling of the sleeping bag is able to minimize heat loss during sleep. Therefore, the insulation plays a very important role in the product itself. Your comfort during sleep will directly depend on it.

Most manufacturers use synthetic or down insulation. In rare cases, you can find their combinations.

Synthetic insulation

Such insulation is more affordable, hypoallergenic, and dries quickly. Synthetics are able to retain heat even when wet, therefore they are suitable for humid climatic zones. The disadvantages include the fact that with constant use, the insulation gets lost. Depending on the materials used, some synthetic sleeping bags can be soft and elastic, which are not inferior to down, while others are denser and stiffer.

Down fillers

Despite modern technologies for the production of textile materials, down is superior in thermal conductivity and compressibility when folded. Suitable for use in dry climates. With such a filler, you are not afraid of even the most severe frost, as it perfectly retains heat. When folded, such a bag is very compact and lightweight. Such a filler is more expensive than synthetic. The main disadvantage of down is the inability to keep warm when wet. But here, too, innovation does not stand still. Some manufacturers use the so-called waterproof down, which is impregnated with special repellent materials.

Down characteristic

The amount of filling of the down (Fill Power) on the products is marked with letters FP with numbers. It is measured in units and shows how many cubic inches one ounce of fluff can take. The higher this value, the more quality the down is considered to be. Good bags range from 650, and the highest quality ones range from 800-950.

Combined composition

You can find sleeping bags on sale, which include down and synthetic fillers. Sometimes they can mix throughout the entire volume, or the fluff is located at the top of the sleeping bag, and synthetics at the bottom. This combination achieves an optimal price-performance ratio.

Sleeping bag shapes

Sleeping bags are mainly divided into cocoons and envelopes (blankets) in shape.

The first ones really resemble a cocoon in shape. They are compact in size, light in weight, and also retain heat as much as possible. Additionally, these sleeping bags can have a hood. Due to its narrow shape, not all people can relax while sleeping. Also, the zipper opens only halfway, so you will not be able to fully open.

For those who like to sleep in a spacious space, so that you can open up, we advise you to buy a sleeping envelope. They have a rectangular shape that resembles a blanket. They can be equipped with a hood and zippers in such models open completely. Also, if you take two of these sleeping bags, then they can be buttoned together and you get a large blanket. Due to their size, these sleeping bags are bulkier and heavier.

Optional accessories

It is possible that even with the warmest sleeping bag it is impossible to keep warm. Then inventive tourists use their extra belongings as well as hot water bottles. You can pre-buy a self-inflating rug and then you are guaranteed warmth. You can lay this rug on the ground and put a sleeping bag on top of it.

In conclusion, I would like to say that all models are equipped with a bag or case. Therefore, when folded, the product will not take up much space. Convenient to take with you on hiking trips, transport in a car and store.

You can buy a sleeping bag in the online store 130.com.ua. Our catalog contains a large selection of sleeping bags and self-inflating rugs. If necessary, managers will help you choose the best option.