by Francesca Hernandez

Created on: April 28, 2008   Last Updated: May 04, 2008

So You Want to Buy a Sleeping Bag?

When you pull the trigger on the purchase of your sleeping bag, you are making an investment in much more than a shell to sleep inside of. It is critically important to choose wisely, because this decision can affect your health, energy level, the amount of space for other gear in your pack, and your comfort both on and off the trail. Nothing will ruin an expedition faster than long, miserable nights spent cold and uncomfortable. And sleeping snug and warm will make no difference to you if your sleeping bag is breaking your back all day while you hike. Knowing a few of the fundamental features of sleeping bags, and shopping with your specific needs in mind can prepare you for selecting the sleeping bag best suited to your needs.

Cost Concerns

Before you start shopping for a bag, you should settle on a budget. Once you have established a minimum and maximum spending limit, you can evaluate the options within your range. Several factors-primarily insulation type, seam quality, and temperature rating-will affect cost. While you will not find a high-performance, lightweight sleeping bag for under a hundred dollars, it is not necessary to spend many times that to be satisfied.

Sleeping Bag 101

In order to shop wisely, you should first understand how a sleeping bag works. Sleeping bags create a layer of air around your body that, when warmed by your body heat will insulate you by forming a barrier between you and the air outside the bag. "Loft" is the term used to describe the height of a sleeping bag (i.e. the space created by insulation that will buffer you from the outside air). More fill means more loft which should translate into more warmth. You may note that sleeping bags have seams running perpendicular to their length. These are known as the "baffle," and they are very important for containing the insulation so that it does not shift to create cold spots when you sleep. The temperature rating refers to the lowest temperature the bag is recommended for, but it can be misleading. Always buy for a colder temperature than you think you will need if you are a cold sleeper.

Special Features

The very first thing to do when you begin shopping for your sleeping bag is to consider which features are most important to you. What is the climate you plan on using the bag in, and during what season? Some bags are suitable for multiple climates and seasons, while others are highly specialized for extreme cold conditions. Are you a petite

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