There are a variety of sleeping bags on the market. The type that you choose should be dependent on the climate where it will be used and your own personal preferences. Purchasing a sleeping bag is similar to buying a new mattress – you should consider the size, shape, type of fabric, and amount of free space provided. As for the influence of the weather, if it is dry and warm you may only need a fleece bag or “bed-roll”, whereas colder climates dictate the need for a warm, insulated bag.
Sleeping bags generally come in two shapes, the rectangular bag and the mummy bag. The rectangular bag is the traditional style, and features a rectangular shape that zips on 3 sides and is roomy and unfitted around the feet. This kind of sleeping bag can sometimes be unzipped and used as a comforter. If both parents or more than one child wants to share a bag, two bags can be zipped together to provide more room inside for multiple sleepers; or zipped together to provide a double size comforter for a bed.
The mummy sleeping bag functions much like it sounds. It is a more of a recent design that encompasses the sleeper much tighter than the rectangular bag. The premise is to use much less fabric and material to produce a greater amount of heat. The lack of material (and weight) comes in handy if backpacking for long distances. A mummy bag is best suited for colder climates. If you will be camping in temperatures below 40 degrees, this bag is the best choice.
There are typically three different sizes for sleeping bags: extra long, standard, and junior (child). The junior sizes are best reserved for extremely young kids. These do not last long because of their size, so as long as the weight of the bag is not a factor for your child, consider purchasing the standard size. Anyone over six feet in height should buy the extra long size. However, people of average height might like the extra room afforded by the larger size. It is really a matter of personal preference.
Today’s sleeping bags are made using synthetic fibers, rather than goose down that was used in the beginning. The synthetic fibers make sleeping bags easier to maintain and less expensive. And they still offer the same, if not more, warmth that down bags offer. But there are still some higher quality sleeping bags that use down. Down sleeping bags are best for dry cold weather and when something more lightweight is desired. But the upkeep on them is more difficult and they are more expensive as well. Therefore, a sleeping bag made from synthetic fibers is often the best choice for most campers.
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