When it comes to gear, the most important piece of equipment for a backpacker is their sleeping bag. A good night’s sleep can make or break a trip, and a sleeping bag is more than just a garment to keep you warm at night.
The right sleeping bag can help you sleep better, stay warm in any weather and make sure you are comfortable in the outdoors. However, choosing the right sleeping bag isn’t always easy. There are so many choices, styles and options out there that it can be overwhelming.
So how do you choose? This article is designed to help you find the most appropriate sleeping bag for your next backpacking or camping trip. The first thing you need to consider when choosing a sleeping bag is its temperature rating. In other words, at what temperature will it keep you warm?
Every year, many people decide to go on a backpacking trip. However, unless you’re an experienced backpacker, or have been given reliable advice from one, you might not know what to bring on your trip. You might have seen a few movies about backpacking and hiking or have heard stories about it from friends or family members, but the fact is there is no substitute for experience when it comes to choosing the right gear for your trip.
One of the most important items you’ll need for your trip is a sleeping bag. However, many people make the mistake of thinking that all sleeping bags are pretty much the same. The fact is that there are many different kinds, and which one you should choose will depend on several factors including where you plan to go, how long you plan to be gone and what type of weather you expect.
Finding the right sleeping bag for your trip can be as challenging as finding a tent or other piece of equipment. And if you don’t choose carefully and get a bag that does not fit your needs, you could be in for an uncomfortable night’s sleep or even find yourself unable to finish your hike due to exhaustion.
When it comes to sleeping bags, there are many choices. They come in different shapes and sizes, and have different temperature ratings, insulation types, and fabrics. With so much to choose from, it may seem overwhelming at first.
However, backpacking sleeping bags all share the same basic design: an insulated bag that you lay your body in to sleep. Therefore, the first step to choosing a backpacking sleeping bag is deciding which type of bag you plan to use. This decision boils down to three things: shape, temperature rating (season), and insulation type. This article will detail these three factors as they relate to backpacking sleeping bags; for details on how to choose a bag for car camping or winter activities see our article on How to Choose a Sleeping Bag.
Sleeping bags are one of the most important pieces of gear for hiking, backpacking or camping. When you go to sleep at night, your sleeping bag is what keeps you warm and determines how comfortable you are going to be as you sleep. All of your other gear is worthless if you cannot get a good night’s sleep!
When choosing a sleeping bag, there are three main factors that you should take into consideration:
temperature rating – the lower temperature rating (often referred to as an EN or EN/ISO rating) of a sleeping bag is the lowest temperature at which the bag will keep the average sleeper comfortably warm.
weight – the most critical factor when it comes to your sleeping bag weight is how lightweight it is. Weight is usually measured in ounces, but can also be measured in grams.
size – this refers to the size and shape of your sleeping bag.
A sleeping bag is the most important piece of backpacking gear. A good sleeping bag will be one of your biggest investments and choosing a model that fits your needs is critical. In this article, we’ll break down what you need to know in order to choose the best sleeping bag for backpacking.
Use this guide to find the best sleeping bag for your needs:
1. Sleeping Bag Temperature Rating
2. Sleeping Bag Shape, Insulation & Construction
3. Sleeping Bag Size
4. Sleeping Bag Features
5. Final Thoughts: How to Choose the Best Sleeping Bag for Backpacking
Choosing a sleeping bag can be an overwhelming task. There are so many different brands and models out there, with all sorts of fancy materials, designs and features that it can be difficult to even know where to start. Hopefully this article will help you gain a better understanding of the basic options available, so you can make an informed choice when purchasing a new bag.
Backpacking sleeping bags fall into 3 categories: Down, Synthetic Fill and Feathered Friends. All three have pros and cons. Below is a quick overview of each type:
Down Sleeping Bags: These bags are extremely light weight and pack down to a very small size (you don’t need a giant stuff sack). They provide the best warmth-to-weight ratio (i.e., they’re warm for their weight). Down is also very durable, breathable, moisture resistant, and long lasting. The down feathers will loft up to create hundreds of tiny insulating pockets of air that provide warmth. The more loft (or fill power), the warmer the bag will be at a given weight. A 650-fill down bag will weigh less than half as much as a comparable 800-fill down bag but they will provide approximately equal warmth.
Synthetic Fill Sleeping Bags: These
When it comes to gear, a sleeping bag is one of the most important purchases you will make. A poor night’s sleep can ruin an otherwise great trip. However, there are many options and considerations when it comes to choosing a sleeping bag. I’ve spent months researching and testing different bags in order to put together this guide and help you find the best sleeping bag for your needs.
A good night’s sleep in the backcountry is critical for a successful trip. If you’re not well rested, everything suffers, from your mood to your ability to make good decisions. Choosing the right sleeping bag is one of the most important decisions you will make for your trip, so let’s get started!