How to Choose Which Sleeping Bag to Buy

Think of the coldest camping conditions you might be trying to snooze in and that is probably your safest bet for choosing a sleeping bag. An additional ten to fifteen degrees lower may be another consideration if you sleep out in the winter season. You can zip open your bag if you get too warm.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. A sleeping bag rated to zero degrees is a safe bet for sleeping in most cold conditions, but if you are the hardy, mountaineering type planning on die hard winter camping, a sleeping bag rated to 20-30 degrees below zero.
2. Another option is to buy a bag with a lining and then, in warmer weather, you can choose to either sleep in the liner or the outer bag, making this type of bag very versatile.
3. There are factors in which you may need to dial down the temperature rating from 5 -15 degrees.
   These factors are:
   1) If your personal preference is to sleep warm rather than cool.
   2) If you need room to move around freely rather than having a close fit in really cold climates.
   3) If you sleep in damp camping conditions, such as coastal or rainy climates
   4) If you sleep under the stars, rather than within the protection of a quality tent.
4. You can choose between bags that are made of either down or synthetic fill materials. If you are a backpacker, you will be happy to see that both of these kinds of bags add little weight to your pack and the bag will easily fit in your backpack.
5. You'll have two options: a down or synthetic-fill sleeping bag. Both have their pros and cons. Synthetic-fill bags dry quickly and keep their insulation properties if they get wet, down-fill bags don't. Down-fill bags require more care than synthetic bags, but they are compressible and offer a higher warmth-to-weight ratio than synthetic bags.
6. Watch for extra features that might be convenient to have:
   -pocket for holding a headlamp, watch, or other small items needed during the night.
   -glow-in-the-dark locking slider
   - pad loops at the shoulders and hips to attach the bag to a sleeping pad
   -bags come in regular and long sizes.
   
   Consumer Guide Productshttp://products.howstuffworks.com/kelty-clear-creek-20-sleeping-bag-review.htm

Tips & Warnings

• Mummy Bags - Take up less room and weigh less.
• Rectangular Bags- Offer users greatest flexibility and interior room.
• Tapered bags -- have a rectangular shape that's tapered slightly at the foot end to decrease overall size.
• sleeping bags are an investment. With that in mind, they offer warranties against manufacturer's defects.
• Dig deeper into your wallet to buy a quality sleeping bag.