How To: Buy A Sleeping Bag For Camping

"Exactly," Sarah said, sliding back into her bag. "Go to a gear shop, crawl into a few bags to check the fit, and check the weight if you're hiking. Now, try to get some sleep—we’ve got ten miles tomorrow."

Leo shifted on the hard ground. "I just bought the bag. I didn't think I needed a mattress." how to buy a sleeping bag for camping

"First," Sarah said, pointing to the '20°F' stitched on her bag, "you have to know your limits. This is a , meaning it keeps me safe down to 20 degrees, but I’m most comfortable around 30. You’re using a 'summer' bag in the middle of autumn. You always want a bag rated about 10 degrees lower than the coldest night you expect." 2. The Shape (Type) "Exactly," Sarah said, sliding back into her bag

"This is —actual bird feathers," Sarah explained. "It’s super light and compresses into a tiny ball in my pack, which is why it costs more. Your bag is Synthetic . It’s heavier and bulkier, but if it gets wet, it’ll still keep you warm. Down loses its warmth if it gets soaked." 4. The Hidden Hero: The Sleeping Pad "I just bought the bag

"Exactly," she laughed. "This is a . Because it’s snug and has a hood, my body doesn't have to waste energy heating up empty air space. Rectangular bags are great for car camping or people who move their legs a lot, but for warmth and weight, the mummy is king." 3. The Filling (Technology) "What's inside it?" Leo asked, poking the soft fabric.

The flickering light of the campfire danced across Leo’s face as he shivered, his thin fleece blanket doing nothing against the mountain air. Beside him, Sarah was practically purring in her puffy cocoon.

"That’s your biggest mistake," Sarah warned. "The ground sucks the heat right out of your body. You need a with a good R-value (insulation rating). Without a pad, even a thousand-dollar sleeping bag won't save you from the cold earth."