How
to Buy and Care For Sleeping Bags
Most people keep a
sleeping bag for years, so it pays off in the
long run to consider the features of your bag
when purchasing it. You may pay a little
extra to get the kind of bag that will keep
you comfortable, but you'll thank yourself every
time you snuggle up in it on a cool mountain
evening!
What's
it for?
The first thing to
consider when buying a sleeping bag is the purpose
you intend to use it for. This will help
you determine what materials it should be made
from for maximum durability and comfort.
- Is it for a child,
sleeping primarily at slumber parties and
in cabins at camp? Or for more rigorous
use?
- What seasons will
it be used in?
- What temperature
ranges will likely be encountered?
- Will it be carried
a lot (for backpacking or canoeing) or transported
in a vehicle (for tent, trailer or other similar
camping)?
- Do you tend to sleep
warm or cold? (For those who sleep cold,
it is recommended that you buy a bag that
is rated for 5-10 degrees warmer than you
think you need.)
- Are you allergic
to any particular materials (such as down,
synthetics, etc.)
How
Do You Sleep?
Once you've got a clear
picture in mind of what you want the sleeping
bag for and how you'll use it, you're not done
evaluating. Bags come in different shapes
and sizes, each with it's own unique characteristics
and benefits.
- If you move around
a lot when you sleep, you'll want a rectangular
bag with room to shuffle your feet.
- If you are a fairly
quiet sleeper, consider a tapered bag, for
better warmth -- these are wider at the shoulders,
narrower at the feet, and that leaves less
air inside the bag so they're warmer.
- If you plan to camp
in harsh climates, consider a mummy bag. This
is a bag that is almost "worn" by the user,
and is tightly confining for maximum warmth.
A
few other considerations:
- Are you left-handed
or right handed? It makes a difference!
Get a bag with the zipper on the opposite
side as your dominant hand, since it's more
natural to reach across yourself to zip and
unzip.
- Make the most of
two bags -- if you plan to zip two bags together,
consider getting two different weight bags.
On warmer nights, sleep with the heavier bag
on the bottom, the lighter on the top.
For cold nights, reverse the bags. (Be
sure to check zipper compatibility before
buying two bags.)
- Look for a bag with
a dark inside color. This means it will
absorb sunlight faster and dry faster if you
need to lay it out after getting it wet.
- Regardless of bag
type, consider a liner. These can be
made of polycotton, flannel or fleece and
can significantly extend the life of your
bag. You just need to clean the liner
most of the time, not the whole bag.
Care
of Your Bag
There are a few tips
that will extend the life of your bag for years.
Always read the care instructions that come
with your bag for more information.
- A washable bag should
be washed in the largest possible machine,
and dried in a large drier, as well.
This will prevent the agitator from twisting
and damaging the insulation in the bag.
- Close all zippers
and Velcro tabs before cleaning, to avoid
snagging or injuring the bag during agitation.
- Bags with polyester
fills can be drycleaned safely. Down-filled
bags need special care to avoid damaging the
down.
- When you break camp,
stuff your bag into its sack, rather than
folding and rolling. (Folding the same
way over and over will create creases in the
insulation, resulting in "cold spots".)
- When you get home,
immediately remove your bag from its stuff
sack. NEVER store it in the tightly
confined space of a stuff sack, or the insulation
will lose the ability to loft. It is
lofting that traps air in the insulation and
keeps you warm. No loft, no warmth.
- Store your bag by
spreading it under your bed, hang it in the
closet, or in a big, breathable storage sack.
(A king-sized pillow case can do for this
nicely.) Keep it in a cool, dark and
very dry place.
Learn
More
For more tips on how
to select and care for a bag, and also lots
of links to camping-related travel, check out
these links:
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