The standard sleeping bag is a zippered hiking blanket that is used when sleeping outdoors or in a tent. It is widely used as a mandatory camping equipment for any type of tourist activity. The main function of the sleeping bag is to provide comfort, warmth and thermal insulation during sleep, as well as to protect from cold, wind and rain in cases where there is no other shelter.
Types of sleeping bags
Size-wise: standard sleeping bag, baby size sleeping bag, extra-long sleeping bag and extra wide sleeping bag
According to shape: rectangular sleeping bag, mummy sleeping bag, hybrid shaped sleeping bag, double sleeping bag, baby sleeping bag
The most common types of sleeping bags are rectangular and mummy type. The rectangular sleeping bag (a blanket type sack) is a large square blanket that folds in two and zippers on the sides. It gives more space for free movement, the design allows it to be used not only as a sleeping bag for camping but also as a warm blanket for any purpose. This type of sleeping bag is especially practical - it can be retracted by double or triple folding, winding and strapping or simply strapping. In this condition, the sleeping bag becomes compact and easy to carry, making it an ideal camping equipment. Not suitable for use in colder weather and extreme situations.
The mummy sleeping bag has a trapezoidal shape that surrounds the human body without clinging to it. Its design makes it suitable for cold weather - it is narrow in places where the head and legs are laid, which improves heat retention in these sensitive areas. In addition, this model has a hood with an adjustable option, which contributes to extra comfort during sleep. Some types of sleeping bags of this type are tailored specifically for the female body and others for the male body. The zippers of most mummy models cannot be unbuttoned to the bottom where the feet are located. The zipper of the sleeping bags is their weak point - it reduces their insulating properties, and in extreme conditions the thermal protection of this part of the body is especially important. A mummy sleeping bag can be purchased here.
The hybrid sleeping bag (combination between mummy type and rectangular type) is also designed for restful sleep at low temperatures. Just like a rectangular sleeping bag, the hybrid type is a quilt shaped quilt that folds in two and zippers on the sides. What is used by the mummy type is a hood that provides extra warmth to that part of the body and can be removed at higher temperatures. It folds easily, fits in a backpack or a tailored bag, and is convenient for camping and tenting. A hybrid sleeping bag can be purchased here.
The double sleeping bag is also a hybrid type. It has a rectangular shape and a hood with a removable cap. It is suitable for two people. The practicality of a rectangular type of sleeping bag is that, thanks to the zippers, it can serve as a large thermal blanket for two when unbuttoned.
The children's sleeping bag is specially designed for young campers. This type of sleeping bag is available in all three of the above forms, but in smaller sizes - usually up to 140 cm. The zippers are bidirectional with a guard that prevents them from being released during sleep. A double sleeping bag can also be made by connecting two ordinary ones - one with the left and the other with a right fastening.
According to the temperature characteristics: comfort -5 degrees, comfort 0 degrees, comfort +5 degrees, comfort +10 degrees, comfort +15 degrees
The most important function of any sleeping bag is to keep it warm. According to European standards, there are four temperature limits that are important to know before buying a sleeping bag:
Upper limit - the highest temperature at which a standard man (25 years old, weighing 70 kg, 1.73 m high) will have a restful sleep without excessive sweating.
Comfort limit - temperature at which a standard woman (25-year-old, weighing 60 kg, 1.60 m high) will be well warmed without feeling cold while lying in a relaxed posture.
Lower limit - the lowest temperature at which a standard man will sleep well.
Extreme limit - the ultimate end point for a standard man to survive in cold conditions. In such an extreme situation, a standard woman could stay for six hours without the risk of hypothermia.
A standard sleeping bag is designed for temperatures between 10 and 15 degrees. Three-season sleeping bags protect from cold in the range of 0 to 10 degrees, cool-weather bags are designed for temperatures between -10 and 0 degrees, and winter sleeping bags between -35 and -20 degrees.
According to the material of the slug:sleeping bag made of fluff, sleeping bag made of cotton, sleeping bag made of synthetic materials
Sleeping bag made of natural down (goose down or duck down) is extremely lightweight and comfortable. Fluff is the best natural insulator to provide a warm and soft cover. These fine feathers are used for stuffing jackets, pillows, light blankets, sleeping bags and in the production of linen. Care for a warm sleeping bag made of fluff is important for its durability - in order not to lose its insulating properties, it must be kept dry, stored in a textile container in which it can breathe (best of 100% cotton) should not be ironed or placed in a plastic bag. With good care, the natural down sleeping bag lasts up to three times longer than that of synthetic materials. In addition, a quality goose down or duck down sleeping bag is a must for camping in extreme conditions.
A cheap sleeping bag means that the stuffing is either cotton or synthetic. The cotton sleeping bag is significantly heavier than the natural fluffy stuffing bag, but easier to maintain. This makes it suitable for beginners, for campers in good temperature conditions, for sleeping outdoors or in a tent, provided that additional weighting is not a problem for the tourist.
* Cotton materials are used not only for stuffing, but also for lining a sleeping bag - most often the lining is made of poly-cotton (polyester and cotton), which is waterproof and provides good insulation. Unlike nylon, which is often used for lining mummy sleeping bags and is colder and more unpleasant to touch, the cotton lining is healthier, softer and warmer, much nicer to the touch and more durable.
Typical of synthetic material sleeping bags is that they cannot absorb water quickly, dry easily, and provide heat even when wet. These properties could save the life of the owner if, for example, the sleeping bag was wet during the day and the weather was damp and cold. The synthetic material is strong and durable, provides good insulation and is less expensive than its natural competitor. However, it is not suitable for hiking in the mountains or camping without a car, as it does not compress as well as a sleeping bag made of natural fluff, weighs more and takes up a lot of space in a folded position. Most commonly used as a synthetic filler for sleeping bags is polyester.
Sleeping bag accessories
An important and especially useful camping accessory for any owner of a sleeping bag is the so-called compression bag. They help reduce the volume of the sleeping bag to make it more compact, lightweight and easy to carry while camping. Their application is not limited to storing sleeping bags - other luggage that can be folded (clothes, towels, blankets, pillows) can be stored in the compression bags. The compression bag contributes to twice the volume and weight of the luggage as it releases air and distributes the load evenly. In addition, it is stable and durable, reinforced by fasteners, belts and sturdy seams.
In rain and humidity, it is important for every tourist that the sleeping bag and his clothes remain dry and safe. For this purpose, a lightweight dry bag can be used that is compact, reliable and extremely lightweight. It is made of highly waterproof nylon material and has glued seams, which ensures that luggage will remain dry, even in heavy rain. The lightweight dry bags are suitable for camping, hiking, rafting, canoeing, kayaking and motorcycling.
For extra comfort while sleeping in a sleeping bag and also to extend its life, it is advisable to use a sleeping bag sheet. Most often, these special sheets are made of poly-cotton material (cotton and polyethylene) and have a rectangular shape. They provide extra warmth and insulation, contribute to the good hygiene of the sleeping bag, as it is more convenient and advisable to wash the sheet more often than the sleeping bag itself.
Useful camping equipment is also an inflatable pillow. It is a good addition to many types of sleeping bags, camping mats or camping beds. Inflatable pillows take up little space in luggage, but contribute to added comfort and better insulation, especially when sleeping outdoors in a sleeping bag.
