How to Choose a Sleeping Bag for Backpacking

When it comes to backpacking, not all sleeping bags are created equal. Due to the high variety of sleeping bag types and fill-materials, it can sometimes be difficult to determine what makes a great sleeping bag. Besides obvious factors including material quality and price, there are other traits you need to consider when selecting the right sleeping bag for your situation. Here are a checklist of ideas that can get you started:

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• The desire to choose the right sleeping bag for your situation

1. Activity: Camping vs. Backpacking
   
   Camping in your vehicle or indoors can allow you to get away with an inexpensive and lower quality sleeping bag without any real loss in comfort. Flannel, cotton, or wool sleeping bags can be used in these situations at a low cost and with little hassle.
   
   With backpacking however, it's definitely a great idea to invest in a high quality, light, and durable sleeping bag. It can make the difference between a fun or miserable trip.
2. Shape and Size: When "Mummy" is a Good Thing...
   
   Mummy-shaped bags are definitely the best option in shape for many reasons, including being easier to pack and their ability to provide the greatest amount of insulation for your body heat.
   
   Rectangular bags are roomy but really only useful in indoor or highly-sheltered camping environments. There are also mummy-rectangular hybrid (semi-rectangular) bags that give a little more room but are usually heavier than traditional mummy-shaped bags. If you feel too cramped in a mummy-shaped bag, this may be an option to consider.
   
   The best way to determine the size of the bag you need is to try it, though as a general rule a "Regular" is designed for people under 6 feet while any height above that may require a "Long." Also a more recent development are bags designed specifically for women in both terms of shape and comfort levels.
3. In deciding between a synthetic or down-filled sleeping bag, both options have their advantages and disadvantages. Down-filled bags are very lightweight and take up less space, but they tend to take longer to dry in damp environments or rainy weather. The greatest positive to them is that they're very durable and will last you long-term compared to synthetic bags.
   
   The higher the fill number in down bags, the better the insulation quality for its size and weight. In caring for down-filled sleeping bags you should never have them dry cleaned because of the chemicals used. They may also not be an option for some people due to allergies.
   
   Conversely bags made with synthetic materials usually take up more room and are heavier, but they dry more quickly. It's important to note that there are several different types of synthetic fibers used in sleeping bags as well. Many are polyester-based, but combined with other materials can exhibit different traits that may be beneficial in some situations more than others.
4. Climate: Don't Underestimate It
   
   Climate conditions are very important as well. Pay close attention to the temperature ratings, since there is some deviation even between bags made of similar materials. If you feel borderline between two bags, it's better to side with the bag which can handle the lowest temperature. It's much easier to adjust for unexpected warmer weather than to endure colder conditions you didn't expect.
   
   There are differences in temperature level between individuals due to metabolism, genetics, etc. so you may need to consider this to keep from buying a bag that will make you uncomfortable. To preserve the insulating ability of any sleeping bag, changing out your clothing prior to going to sleep with decrease the chances of sweat and any moisture from rain from impacting the warmth of the bag.
5. Cost and Getting the Best Value for Your Money:
   
   Temperature ratings equal, synthetic-filled bags usually cost less than down-filled bags. Long-term however, you may go through 2-3 synthetic sleeping bags before a down-filled bag begins to wear out to the point of needing replacement.
   
   How often you go backpacking should be a determining factor in how much it would be reasonable to spend on any individual bag, but the option really comes down more to budget and preference than a definite right or wrong choice. If you take good care of your bags, they should last you long-term. Taking the time to research how to do this properly will be worth your time.
6. Extras to Consider:
   
   While not required, there are some extras to many sleeping bags that are handy and helpful. To keep your bag clean and to add a little more insulation, consider a sleeping bag liner. This will do a lot to extend the life of your bag. Many sleeping bags come with sewn-in loops that will keep these in place. A sleeping pad can be helpful to your comfort as well, especially in rocky areas. Some sleeping bags come with pillow pockets, which also work just fine stuffed with soft clothing that you already have with you.
   
   I hope you've found these tips helpful. Good luck and best wishes in your adventures!

Tips & Warnings

• Most stores allow you to try a sleeping bag prior to purchasing, given the amount of profit they should make from a sale of a high-quality bag. So if a store refuses to let you do this, be assured there are plenty of stores out there that will. Don't feel awkward about doing this either. It's better than being cramped in a bag too small or loosing heat in a bag too big. You'll also want to consider the size of the bag when it's compacted compared to other bags at similar prices.
• Manufacturer's websites can give you the advantages of different synthetic insulations in greater detail, but from a practical standpoint taking the time to read the tag of the sleeping bag before purchasing will likely help you in deciding the right type.