Sleeping mats serve two purposes, one to cushion, one to insulate. Which you class as the priority is your decision. A hastily spent fiver at the local army and navy stores for a plastic sleeping mat may seem like a good deal until you ‘ve used it for a couple of nights and have sore hips – especially a problem for women. More about sleeping mats…
Once you know what climate and situation you’ll be using your sleeping bag in, there are various things you might consider when investing in a sleeping bag. For best heat retention, choose a Mummy bag. These sleeping bags taper in line with the body to be much narrower at the feet. It can be a strange sensation however if you’re used to moving your legs around independently and stretching out – so if possible, try one out before committing to buying one. Also, don’t buy a sleeping bag that’s too big for you – it’s more to carry and you won’t stay as warm. More about sleeping bags…