How to Choose a Good Sleeping Bag for Backpacking
31 Dec 2024
A good sleeping bag is essential to ensure a good night's rest when hiking, whether in the mountains, in the forest or on a trek. Here are the key elements to consider when choosing the sleeping bag that will suit you best.
1. Comfort Temperature
• Choose by climate: Sleeping bags are rated according to the minimum temperatures they are suitable for. Look for “comfort temperature” and “limit temperature” indicators, which will give you an idea of the outdoor temperature in which the sleeping bag can be used comfortably.
• Seasonality: Sleeping bags fall into three main categories: summer, three-season, and winter. Choose based on the time of year you plan to use it most often.
2. Type of Insulation
• Down vs synthetic:
• Down: Offers a better warmth-to-weight ratio, is more compressible, but loses its effectiveness when wet.
• Synthetic: Less expensive, insulates even when damp and dries quickly, but is heavier and less compressible than down.
3. Weight and Compressibility
• Optimized for backpacking: For backpackers, the weight and compressibility of the bag are crucial. Down bags are generally lighter and compress more, making them easier to carry.
• Storage space: Check that the compressed sleeping bag fits well in your backpack without taking up too much space.
4. Shape and Size
• Rectangular: Offers more room to move around, but may be less effective at retaining heat.
• Mummy: More fitted, it maximizes warmth and reduces weight by limiting the air space around the body.
• Size: Make sure the sleeping bag is the right size for you. Some models come in different lengths and, for women, often fitted at the hips and shoulders.
5. Additional Features
• Draft collars and hoods: For colder environments, these features help retain body heat.
• Zippers: Choose a bag with a zipper that won't get stuck and that has draft guards.
• Interior pockets: Useful for keeping small personal items warm and close at hand, such as a watch or phone.
Conclusion
A good sleeping bag is an investment that can significantly improve your comfort while hiking. Take the time to choose one based on your specific needs in terms of climate, season, and hiking style. Testing different options in store can also help you make the best choice in terms of comfort and size.
1. Comfort Temperature
• Choose by climate: Sleeping bags are rated according to the minimum temperatures they are suitable for. Look for “comfort temperature” and “limit temperature” indicators, which will give you an idea of the outdoor temperature in which the sleeping bag can be used comfortably.
• Seasonality: Sleeping bags fall into three main categories: summer, three-season, and winter. Choose based on the time of year you plan to use it most often.
2. Type of Insulation
• Down vs synthetic:
• Down: Offers a better warmth-to-weight ratio, is more compressible, but loses its effectiveness when wet.
• Synthetic: Less expensive, insulates even when damp and dries quickly, but is heavier and less compressible than down.
3. Weight and Compressibility
• Optimized for backpacking: For backpackers, the weight and compressibility of the bag are crucial. Down bags are generally lighter and compress more, making them easier to carry.
• Storage space: Check that the compressed sleeping bag fits well in your backpack without taking up too much space.
4. Shape and Size
• Rectangular: Offers more room to move around, but may be less effective at retaining heat.
• Mummy: More fitted, it maximizes warmth and reduces weight by limiting the air space around the body.
• Size: Make sure the sleeping bag is the right size for you. Some models come in different lengths and, for women, often fitted at the hips and shoulders.
5. Additional Features
• Draft collars and hoods: For colder environments, these features help retain body heat.
• Zippers: Choose a bag with a zipper that won't get stuck and that has draft guards.
• Interior pockets: Useful for keeping small personal items warm and close at hand, such as a watch or phone.
Conclusion
A good sleeping bag is an investment that can significantly improve your comfort while hiking. Take the time to choose one based on your specific needs in terms of climate, season, and hiking style. Testing different options in store can also help you make the best choice in terms of comfort and size.