by Marc Phillippe Babineau

Created on: April 29, 2008   Last Updated: June 19, 2009

You can ensure that your camping experience will be a lot more enjoyable simply by choosing the right camping gear, and one of the most important pieces of gear to properly select, other than your tent, is your sleeping bag. After all, if you don't get a comfortable sleep, you will most likely not perform very well the following day. A tent provides protection from the elements; protection from rain, insects and wind, and privacy are the main benefits of tents. Selecting the proper sleeping bag will ensure a better camping experience through a more comfortable sleep. If you intend on sleeping outdoors under the stars, and want to avoid the extra weight of a tent, bring along a bivouac, which is a cover meant to protect oneself from the elements in place of a tent, when inclement weather intervenes on your lightweight camping experience. This method of camping provides for less pack size and carrying weight, but is for the more hardy camper, since it is just you and your sleeping bag sleeping under the stars.

When selecting a sleeping bag, important factors to consider are the weight, cost, fill type, construction, shape, and loft (the fill level of the sleeping bag). If you are camping in the great outdoors, the proper sleeping bag ensures a proper and comfortable nights' sleep. Blankets will generally keep you warm until you start rolling or moving around, and the sleeping bag will keep you snuggled within it's warm embrace all night long.

Selecting the proper shell construction of your sleepin bag is very important. The shell is the outside of the sleeping bag. You will find shells that are made of nylon, polyester, cotton or blends of these materials. The liner, which is the inside of the bag, is also made of various fibers, and is usually softer to the touch than the outer shell, for comfort reasons. Nylon outer shells feature tightly woven, lightweight fabrics. They are tough, moderately weather-resistant, breathable, and prevent insulation from leaking.

Performance oriented sleepingh bags often use polyester, which is inherently water resistant and lightweight. DryLoft is a material used in bags intended for extreme weather conditions. Slightly heavier than regular nylon, DryLoft laminates provide superior moisture protection, wind resistance, and insulation. These fabrics are particularly effective in cold or moisture rich conditions. Lining fabrics must be comfortable, breathable, and durable. The majority of linings are made of nylon, which also has

• 1
• 2
• 3
• Next Page >>