Which Sleeping Bags and Bedding for Camping are Best
Choosing the wrong sleeping bags and camping bedding can turn your adventure into a nightmare of sleepless, cold nights. There are many alternatives to sleeping on the cold hard ground when camping. If you’re uncomfortable or cold you will not get a good night’s rest and you'll be too tired to enjoy your trip.
Along with choosing the right sleeping bags and bedding for camping you should also invest in a sleeping pad. These are actually designed for use by backpackers. They are lightweight and compact but long wearing. However if you tend to be a restless sleeper you may roll off your pad during the night! Make sure it's big enough to accomodate you!
Exercise pads like those used for gym class are another alternative. You can also use a foam pad shaped like an egg carton. Both of these form an excellent barrier between your body and the hard ground under the tent. As far as the correct sleeping bags and bedding for camping go an important consideration is their temperature rating.
When you choose sleeping bags and bedding for camping make sure to find out its temperature rating. A reasonable sleeping bag will be rated higher than the ambient temperature of your campsite. There are light sleeping bags rated at 40° to 50° for summer camping. You can also buy heavy mountaineering bags. These are rated at -20° and below, and any temperature in-between.
A number sleeping bags and bedding for camping are available. Several styles such as mummy, rectangular, and double sleeping bags will help keep you warm and comfortable. Mummy bags are light and warm. If you tend to get claustrophobic choose a semi-rectangular bag instead. It has a tapered, contoured hood and plenty of space around the torso.
When you choose sleeping bags and bedding for camping make sure that the sleeping bag does not have too much extra room. A snug bag will keep you much warmer than one that has room to spare. Allow a few inches at the top and bottom for stretching, no more.
Modern synthetic sleeping bags and bedding for camping have replaced down as the first choice. Synthetics are easy to wash and lightweight. They are almost as warm as down and perfect for summer camping when the weather will be milder. Synthetic bags and padding are suitable for most families.
Sleeping bags and bedding for camping should have good quality zippers and collars. Test the bag before you buy it. The zipper should not snag or pinch the fabric when you pull it up or down. If you want to use two single bags together as a double bag make sure that the zippers are compatible.
There are sleeping bags and bedding for camping that have a collar at the top. This helps to keep the opening closed around your neck to retain heat. This can be a great idea to keep warm in winter. However if you camp in summer it may become too hot.
