Sleeping Bags
Posted by outdoormole on Mar 16, 2009Once 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.Make sure the insulating filling stays in place when the bag is moved about – if it moves, you’ll be prone to losing heat through the gaps. Depending on the bag you will find that the “walls” are constructed differently and the lining may be synthetic or down. Generally, goose down is considered to perform best and this performance is also affected by the fill percentage – the higher the better at keeping you toastie warm. The only issue with down-filled bags is that they cost more and need slightly more care than a synthetic fill bag, but if looked after they will last for fifteen to twenty years, so this is an investment you may be prepared to make.
Make sure the hood is snug but not too snug that you can’t add an extra layer as if it gets really cold you may want to wear a hat too. For flexibility and ventilation – or to free the the foot thermostat – check that there is a sturdy two- way zip and that there are no points where it catches or snags the shell of the bag. This should also allow you to zip two bags together, but check for compatability first.
Finally, what about these silk liners? Well, if you are at risk of the temperature plummeting, using a seperate silk liner may just make it that bit more bearable. They go inside your sleeping bag and their appeal is that they can be hitched over your face to protect against the cold but are permeable enough to breathe through. They may add an extra £30-50 to your sleeping bag bill, but when it gets cold, it’s very likely that it was money you don’t begrudge having spent.
