Sleeping Bags & Bedding

Choosing the right sleeping bag and bedding is as important as choosing the right tent, its going to make or break your trip. A good nights sleep on the trail will set you up for the day to come and allow you to enjoy the outdoors even more with an energy filled hike.  Like the tent you choose, you want a bag that will with stand the harshest conditions you may encounter.

Lets talk temperature.

The rating that comes with the bag represents the lowest temperature that sleeping bag should be used.  NOTE: The specified temperature ratings need to be taken with a grain of salt. First and foremost, temperature ratings are created with the assumption that you are using a sleeping pad. When you lay in a sleeping bag, you are compressing the fill material (whether it be down or synthetic), reducing insulating capabilities of the bag. A sleeping pad puts a couple inches of insulation between you and the cold ground, increasing the effectiveness of the bag.

The time of year and climate are the most important considerations when choosing your new bag.

A summer sleeping bag doesn’t need to be warmer than 35° F. A fall bag may not need to be warmer then 15^° F. If you will be camping in the dead of winter you are going to want a 0° F or subzero bag depending on where you are.

Sleep Metabolism affects temperature rating. 

Everyone sleeps different, some hot some cold. This will change the temperature rating on the bag by about 10° F, and may affect your decision when buying a bag. You know yourself best; take this into consideration when shopping bags.

You may want to consider a sleeping hammock to really add a new twist to your Tent and Hike adventure.

Multiple bags may be needed if you plan on camping all year round.

Bag Tips

1. Never store your sleeping bag in a small stuff sack. Preferably you should hang your bag in the closet or store under your bed with nothing stacked on top of it. This will help keep the consistency of the filler, extend the life of the bag and keep you warm.
2. For cold-weather bags, get the long size. This gives you extra space for clothing, boot liners, batteries, water, and electronics; anything that may need to be kept warm during the night or day while you’re on the trail or slope.
3. Dress right. Wearing excess layers in a trim-fitting bag will compress the insulation, thereby preventing it from lofting to its fullest and keeping you warm. On the contrary, adding layers will take up dead air space if the bag is too roomy
4. Keep your bag dry, not only on the trail but also when storing. A wet bag won’t keep you warm and you don’t want mildew to develop when not in use.

GET OUTSIDE!!