How to Buy a Sleeping Bag as a Gift

A camping sleeping bag is the perfect gift for anyone who loves the outdoors - from the rookie camper to the old hand stuck with old gear.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Synthetic Shells
• Outer Bags
• Wool Or Fleece Socks
• Candle Lantern Candles
• Candle Lantern Padded Case
• Candle Lanterns
• Miniature Reading Lights
• Hot Water Bottles
• Heat-reflecting Bag Liners
• Mini Candle Lanterns
• Patch Kits
• Sleep Pads
• Sleeping Bags
• Stuff Sacks

1. Figure out how much you're willing to spend. Good sleeping bags range anywhere from $80 to over $300.
2. Shop at a large, reputable outdoor gear store, a place where the sales staff is likely to be knowledgeable and helpful and that has a reasonable guarantee and return policy.
3. Look for what's called a "three-season" or "four-season" bag. These are usually rated to keep people warm in temperatures as low as 20 degrees F.
4. Consider purchasing an insulated lining for the bag if you know the person receiving it is likely to be camping in temperatures below 20 degrees F.
5. Consider getting a down-filled bag to communicate that you want the recipient to be as cozy as possible and that you hope the gift will remain with the recipient forever. Down bags are toasty warm and the most durable bags you'll find.
6. Get a rectangular sleeping bag that can be "mated" to another sleeping bag if you're looking for a romantic gift for your partner or a couple.
7. Look for a zipper that opens from either the top or the bottom of the bag. This is especially nice for camping in warmer weather - the person using it can open the bottom and let his or her feet breathe.
8. Find a good salesperson and provide an estimate of the height and weight of the person using the bag, the conditions in which he or she is likely to be camping, and the price range you're considering. The salesperson can direct you to a range of bags best suited for your gift.
9. Add a small gift to the mix that communicates a particular feeling toward the recipient or that plays off a personality characteristic. A small candle lantern will make it a romantic gift; a battery-operated reading light is good for a book lover; fleece socks will communicate your desire to make the recipient as comfy as possible.

Tips & Warnings

• Buy a bag with a warranty, and make sure it's returnable in case the recipient needs to make adjustments.
• Consider purchasing a sleep pad to go with the sleeping bag. This is a necessary insulating layer that sits between the sleeping bag and the cold ground.
• Make sure you purchase a stuff sack to pack the sleeping bag into if it doesn't already come with one.