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The backpack you choose can be the difference between a good night's sleep and a "not so good" night's sleep. To make this happen, you have to be assured of having chosen the right sleeping bag. When evaluating and choosing sleeping bags, consider these key factors:

Comfort rating- A sleeping bag's comfort rating identifies the most extreme temperature the bag is designed to accommodate. When you hear a bag described as a "+20 bag," it simply means that most users will remain comfortable at temperatures no lower than 20 degrees Fahrenheit. When choosing your comfort rating, match your bag's comfort rating with the coldest nighttime temperature you expect to encounter. Now keep in mind that this is only a guide. We all have different metabolic rates and what is warm for you may not be warm for me. If you have trouble deciding between two bags, it's not a bad idea to go with the warmer sleeping bag.

Insulation (down or synthetic fill) - Down is the fluffy undercoating found just beneath the outer feathers of geese and ducks. This natural fiber is an extraordinary insulator. Down offers tremendous warmth for the weight; it can be compacted into very small sizes; and its effectiveness outperforms synthetic insulation by years. But,if it gets wet, it is of no value until it dries and it is more expensive.

Synthetic is made up of plastic threads that are usually hollow. Synthetic provides some insulation when wet and dries fairly quickly; is less expensive than down; and is non-allergenic. The downside to synthetic is that it is bulkier then down; it is heavier; the plastic threads degrade over time; and it does not conform to your body as down does.

Weight- It does matter. Down-filled sleeping bags are much lighter than synthetic-filled sleeping bags. This is important to consider when choosing a bag. If you are an avid hiker/backpacker and will be carrying your sleeping bag, you may want to consider a down-filled bag. On the other hand, if you are buying one for less-rugged outings, a synthetic-filled bag is just as good.

Size- All styles of sleeping bags can be purchased in three lengths: junior or child, standard, and extra long. The junior bags are for small children and can be outgrown very quickly. Consider a standard size bag for your child for longer use. The extra long is advertised for those who are over six feet tall. In some cases, the extra length might be appreciated by shorter people who crave the roominess. Another thing to keep in mind is the

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