Luxury Camping Holiday

Choosing Your Sleeping Bag

Choosing a sleeping bag can be a minefield.

Synthetic or down? Rectangular or mummy? What temperatures are you likely to be facing? Do you feel the cold more than most? And – a crucial  point for backpackers – how much does it weigh, how far does it pack down, and can it be carried easily on foot?

Insulation v down

Natural down has a much greater warmth-to weight ratio than synthetic, has far better breathability, and packs down much more easily. But down sleeping bags are the more expensive option, are difficult to wash and dry, and lose all their advantages when wet.

Synthetic sleeping bags on the whole have a shorter life span, generally weigh more and have a larger pack size – but are far more reliable when wet, retaining up to 70% of their performance.

Comfort Temperatures

Comfort Temperature ratings are a universal guide for measuring the performance of a sleeping bag.

Serious adventurers heading for cold climates must choose their rating very carefully – and if, in general, you feel the cold more then others, add an extra 5°c to your choice. So if you expect to encounter conditions of -10°c, go for a rating of -15°c.

Other Important Factors

Mummy sleeping bags taper at the foot, saving precious weight and eliminating cold spots.

In colder conditions, a hood is essential; it should feel comfortable and snug when pulled tight.

Again, for expeditions to colder climates, shoulder baffles are important – these help trap air inside the bag, giving much greater heat retention.

Zips can play a major part in heat loss. For very cold conditions, a half or three quarter length is preferable to full length, and again can shave weight when every gram counts.

Also consider sleeping bag liners, which are readily available in cotton, silk and fleece. They will not only increase the lower temperature range, but reduce the need to clean your sleeping bag so often, thus improving its lifespan.