Collection: Sleeping Bags

Which Sleeping Bags Are Best Suited For Backpacking and Car Camping?

Sleeping Bags are a great way to get some much-needed warmth at the end of the day. While it's true that most people use their sleeping bags during the night, there are also many who use theirs for traveling and overnight camping trips. As you probably know, your sleeping bag is your blanket, protection from the cold. A bag is typically made of heavy canvas, and is worn over your sleeping clothes so that the weight of your body is evenly distributed. This prevents your bag from becoming uncomfortable and gives you extra support when sleeping on the ground.

Many types of sleeping bags provide protection against the elements, but it's important to choose the right one for your needs. If you plan on going on extended trips, a bag with a waterproof lining is definitely preferable to one that doesn't. Waterproof sleeping bags come in two forms - the water repellent type, which use tiny bubbles of water repellent foam to repel water, and the air permeable kind, which just have tiny holes in it that allow moisture to escape, but not air. If you live in an area where you may occasionally have to deal with standing water or slush, the water repellent variety is probably your best option. On the other hand, if you're looking for maximum warmth, consider purchasing air permeable models, as they are both very warm and easy to clean.

Another factor to consider when shopping for synthetic sleeping bags is whether or not they are hypoallergenic. Since most synthetics are man-made, some people find that they can cause allergies, even though the manufacturing process does not include any materials that are specifically allergy-causing. Some synthetic insulation is used in polyurethane products, which is a byproduct of manufacturing paper. Although some argue that this type of insulation is more effective than ordinary cotton, most people find that they either cannot tolerate it or that allergic reactions to it are the most common reason people seek out synthetic sleeping bags.

To choose between the many different types of sleeping bags on the market today, you need only think about how you will use the bags. There are three primary types of bags, categorized according to their shapes and sizes. First is the simple rectangular sleeping bags, which are the least expensive and easiest to find. Simple rectangular sleeping bags tend to be less insulating than those in the other two sizes, but most offer much more insulation than the thinner rectangular ones. These bags are also good for camping, as they tend to be quite warm.

The second type of bag is the backpacking sleeping bags. Backpacking is a style of hiking in which the traveler stays in a tent or another sort of cabin, usually in someone's backyard. Because backpacking is done in the wild, there are many different types of equipment available to make the experience as safe as possible. One of these is a camping backpack. A camping backpack has many pockets designed for different items of clothing, all of which are meant to keep the backpacking experience as comfortable and safe as possible. Some camping backpacks have additional insulation as well, making them ideal for mountaineering and hiking.

The third type of bag is the double sleeping bags. A double sleeping bag is a bag that sleeps two people comfortably, using two individual blankets. Because double sleeping bags are meant to be used together, it is recommended that two be purchased rather than one. If one sleeping bag does not adequately provide warmth for the night, other double sleeping bags may be purchased to help combat the loss of warmth that may occur. This is especially important if hiking long distances and staying overnight.

Last but not least is the hooded bag. Hooded bags offer an excellent amount of insulation, because the vents located in the hood are designed to let cool air in while blocking wind. This allows the hiker to stay warm without having to turn on a fan or adjust the heat setting on a heater. Unlike the single or double models, a hooded bag may have a small entrance way, allowing for a small child to easily get into and out of the bag without causing a problem.

All three of these sleeping bags offer different benefits. The first step in deciding what is best suited for you is to look at your primary reason for camping. If you plan on backpacking through terrain that is constantly changing and cold, then you will likely want a more lightweight sleeping bag with desirable features. If you plan on car camping, then you will most likely want to purchase the quilted variety since it will provide the most warmth. If you plan on car camping, then comfort will be a secondary consideration, and you will be able to make the decision based on other factors such as price, color, and size.