How to Buy the Best Sleeping Bag at the Best Price
Ahh, the joy of camping. There's nothing quite like packing up and taking a trip into the 'wilderness'. After a great day in the outdoors you need to get some sleep, the right sleeping bag can give you a great nights sleep, the wrong one however, can ruin an otherwise great vacation.
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Instructions
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The most important thing to consider when buying a sleeping bag is temperature rating. All sleeping bags are rated to how low a temp they will keep you warm. Keep in mind though that this is a general number, if you tend to pile on the blankets at night then get one rated for 10 degrees colder, on the other hand if you like sleeping on the cold side, get one rated 10 degrees warmer.
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After you know the temperature rating you need you have to decide on the filling. Most modern sleeping bags are available with either down filling or synthetic filling. Down will keep you warmer with less filling, on the negative side though, it is more expensive and can bunch up during packing. Down also loses it's insulating effect if it gets wet. Synthetic filling weighs a bit more, but is cheaper and will keep you warm if it gets wet.
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Shape. Sleeping bags are available in either 'mummy' shape or the more conventional square shape (for one or two people). A mummy shape will keep you warmer as there is less air for your body to heat. The square shape will allow you to move around more easily. If you tend to shift positions during the night go for the square shape, you can compensate for this by choosing a sleeping bag rated for 10 degrees colder weather.
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Other than the temperature rating, filling and shape sleeping bags also sport various bells and whistles. For down sleeping bags it is common to have chambers to prevent the filling from shifting. Also available are 'smooth glide' zippers, additional padding and other convenience features.
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Tips & Warnings
Get a sleeping bag rated to the coldest temperature you expect to encounter
If you will be in a wet or damp area go for synthetic filled sleeping bag, it will keep you warm
Don't buy a sleeping bag based on fluffiness or cushion effect. Use a sleeping pad to provide cushioning
