Let's go camping (3) ~ Sleeping bag

Let's go camping (3) ~ Sleeping bag

Cheap sleeping bag v.s. down sleeping bag

Today, I am talking about sleeping bags.  A sleeping bag is one of essential camp gars.  The price range is vary, some of inexpensive one could start around USD$20 in many discount stores, such as Walmart, Target and etc. in the US.  On the other hand, people can find much expensive one in many outdoor stores.  Some sleeping bags that are designed for very extreme use is some time more than USD$1,000!!  I guess many people who are looking for a sleeping bag for the first time might wonder what would be difference between them.

General guide line

There are a couple factors to select a sleeping bag depending on usage.

·         Packed size

·         Insulation (heat retention)

·         Insulation material (synthetic fill / down / etc.)

A major factor that impacts to the cost / price is insulation material.   Most of insulation material for sleeping bags for backpacking / climbing uses a special material that can pack smaller.  That is one of reason those sleeping bag is more expensive.  Down is one of the best insulation materials for sleeping bags.  Sleeping bag with down can pack very small and heat retention is very well.  There are different type of down and price is vary, especially one for very extreme condition like special winter climbing.  Those special purpose, people know what they need very well.  Since down is very good material for sleeping bags, people develop many synthetic material like down.  Nowadays, synthetic materials are getting improved and work very well.  However, the packed size is relatively a little bigger than one with down.  Typically, if heat retention performance is a similar, one with synthetic is less expensive than one with down.  However, the price for one that is typically used for a regular camping seasons, spring to fall, is getting very similar.  If people can spend around USD$150 ~ 200, then people can find a good sleeping bag. 

One of disadvantage on sleeping bags with down is heat retention in wet condition.  As long as down is dry, it is very good heat retention.  However, once it gets wet, the heat retention is getting worse significantly.  People who use a sleeping bag with down needs to have a good care to avoid it is getting wet.  Some of outer shell is using GoreTex that can breath, some people using a cover with GoreTex.  GoreTex or other breathable material helps to block moisture from the outside and take away moisture in side.

On the other hand synthetic material is much better heat retention performance even if it gets wet.  Also it is much easy to maintain after use.  Most of synthetic materials are washable.  Disadvantage for synthetic material is relatively heavier and packed size is a little bigger.

People need to know what environment they plan to use a sleeping bag.  Then they can narrow down which would be a good selection for them.

Here is some guide line to select a sleeping bag

Family Camper

This is a group that typically does camping next a car.  The packing size is usually not a concern.  Most of case, family camping is around summer season; therefore, one that is sold in a discount store is typically good enough.   If people want to save some packed space, people always can buy nice sleeping bag from outdoor store with some extra money.

 They are from a discount store (40F and 50F)

Backpack camper

Since people need to carry all gear with a backpack, the packing size and weight are one of key factors to select one.   People usually do not want to buy really cheap sleeping bag from discount stores.  They are usually really big packed size and heavy.  Most of cases people want to spend some extra money to buy a better sleeping bag.

Depending on a place, the heat retention can be various.  Especially, hikers / climbers who typically have camping in higher altitude, they probably need one that is capable around 0 degree C for summer camping.   People who need to sleep in snow; they probably need a really good sleeping bag.  However they must know what they need, therefore, I do not discuss / explain in this article.

 Down Sleeping bags

The left one is (30F/-1C, 300g down, total wait is about 800g)

Summary

I think most of back packers / hikers / climbers are usually experience people for camping.  They usually know what they need.   People who really need advice which sleeping bag they need to buy are really beginners.  The easiest way is probably just buying low cost sleeping bag from discount stores and try some easy camping first.  If people do not see any problem, that would be a good one for them.   If people feel cold, then those people may need a better sleeping bag.  If people think the packed size is too big, then those people need to look for a good sleeping bag from outdoor stores.   I think most of cases for family style camping; low cost sleeping bag is usually enough.  If people have a concern for temperature, just bring extra blanket or closes.