The Camping Store

Things to consider

• What will this sleeping bag be used for?
• What temperature range and seasons will it be used in?
• Do you sleep cold or warm?
  The majority of sleeping bag users are fair-weather campers, and a general temperature range for summer or cottage users in North America is -5°C to 10°C. If you tend to get cold when you sleep, we suggest purchasing a bag with a rating 5° to 10° warmer than what you think you will need.
• Is it likely to get wet?
  No one expects to end up with a wet sleeping bag, but if it is going to be used for water activities or open air sleeping, attention should be paid to how the insulation behaves when wet. Down loses its insulating capacity when wet, though it dries quickly hung up in the wind and sun. Synthetic fills retain their insulating capacities better than down.
• Will it be carried a lot, and therefore must it be light and compact?
  The ideal insulation would be extremely warm, compact, light, stay dry, and be inexpensive. Unfortunately, trade-offs must be made between these considerations. Pack size and weight are particularly important for activities like hiking and canoeing with lots of portages, so down or Lite Loft bags are recommended.
• Do you sleep still or move around a lot?
• Who will use it, and what size and shape should it be?
  Rectangular bags are roomy and most like a normal duvet or blanket. They are often chosen by casual, family, or first-time campers for their comfort and versatility. Tapered bags are wide in the shoulders and narrower at the feet which increases their warmth because there is less air space in the bag. As well, tapered sleeping bags are slightly lighter than rectangular bags. Mummy bags, as the name indicates, are "worn" by the user; they are meant to fit snugly to the body and to move with the user. As a result of the close fit, mummy bags are warmer and lighter than rectangular and tapered bags, but are less roomy and familiar in use. Mummy bags are often chosen by serious users who will be exposed to extreme conditions, and who prefer the efficiency of the mummy design.
• How much am I willing to spend, considering that I will have this bag for many years?
  

General Tips

• If you are not sure what temperature rating you need, it's always safer to buy a sleeping bag for cooler temperatures because you can always vent through zippers at the foot or side of the bag. Remember that temperature ratings are decided based on the assumption of the use of a tent and sleeping pad, which helps to insulate the bag from the cold ground.
• To get the most out of your purchase when buying two bags to be zipped together, buy bags with different temperature ranges. On cooler evenings put the heavier bag on top and on warmer evenings put the lighter bag on top.
• When given the option of left or right hand zippers, left-handed people should buy bags with the zipper on the right side and right-handed people the left side. Reaching across your body is a more natural and easy position in which to adjust your zipper.
• When repacking your sleeping bag in its carry bag or stuff sack, you should stuff it rather than roll it. Folding and rolling the same way every time will create creases and cold spots in the insulation.
• Most sleeping bags are washable in a front loading machine washer with mild liquid soap. They can usually be dried in a machine drier on low setting or line dried. Polyester fills like Hollofil® or Woods® Hi Loft may also be dry cleaned. (These are general rules, but always check the directions on your own bag). Using a sleeping bag liner inside your sleeping bag and washing only it saves the trouble of washing the entire bag and will increase your sleeping bag's life in the long run.