How To Buy A Sleeping Bag

Sleeping bags come in a bewildering array of sizes, shapes and styles, but all are designed to provide you with a cozy night under the stars. Only the most avid, adventurous backpackers need to invest in waterproof, goose-down vaults — but that cotton bag emblazoned with “Star Wars” characters is probably only rugged enough for a slumber party. Most campers will do best with something in between.

 

The Shakeout

Sleeping bags come in two general categories: those filled with goose down and those filled with synthetic insulation. Down is warmer, light and very durable — but once it gets wet, it stops insulating. Synthetic bags are generally cheaper and will often keep insulating even when wet; the best ones are almost as lightweight as down.

The Shell Game

After the filling, consider the bag’s shell. High-performance bags tend to use waterproof, breathable material such as Gore DryLoft; lower-end models generally use high-strength nylon. Don’t even think about hauling a cotton- or canvas-covered bag into the hills; these materials will absorb moisture like a sponge, leaving you miserable.

Buying Tips

Pick the right temperature rating. Bags designed for three-season use (spring, summer and fall) are generally rated from 15 to 30 degrees Fahrenheit. Unless you are planning cold-weather trips or intend to sleep at high altitudes, stick to the three-season rating.

Find out what’s inside. Specifications such as “750-fill” or “600-fill” indicate how much down is stuffed inside — the higher the number, the warmer the bag. The best synthetics are Primaloft (a downlike, compressible fiber), Polarguard, Polarguard 3D, Liteloft and Thermolite.

Consider the shape. Mummy bags are the warmest because they have less air space to heat up. Semirectangular bags can be a good choice for restless sleepers. Rectangular bags are the roomiest, but they’re generally too heavy and bulky for backpacking.

Examine the finish. A good bag will have clean, straight stitching and some type of compartmental construction — usually horizontal — to keep the insulation evenly distributed. (Look for stitches that go across the bag at intervals of about 8 inches.) Two-way zippers allow for superior venting and temperature control.

Look for the little details. Most mummy bags come with a hood, which should be insulated and attached to a drawstring or cinch cord, so you can pull it snugly around your head. Other features to look for are draft-blocking tubes running the length of the zipper and around the collar.

 

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