Choosing the Correct Sleeping Bag For Your Camping Trip

Contrary to what many beginning campers may believe, not all sleeping bags are created equal. There is not one perfect sleeping bag out there that works in all conditions. However, with some careful consideration about the type of trip the bag will be used on, it is possible to find one that will fulfill very specific needs.

Camping requires a great deal of energy for activities such as fishing, hiking and building fires. With all of these activities going on during the day, it is important to get a good night’s sleep each night. It is important that a camper is not waking up in the middle of the night because they are uncomfortable, too hot or too cold to sleep.

The most important question that someone must ask themselves when shopping for a sleeping bag is what season they plan on going camping. If someone is going to go camping in the middle of winter, they definitely want to buy a sleeping bag that is designed for temperatures twenty or thirty degrees below zero. Most standard sleeping bags are rated for temperatures at about twenty degrees above zero, so check carefully before purchasing a bag for winter camping.

As a general rule, it is a good idea to think about the coldest conditions that could be experienced while camping and get a bag that can be used in temperatures about ten or twenty degrees below that. Remember that it is far easier to ventilate a bag that is too warm than to stay warm in a bag that is not designed for colder temperatures. Another option is to purchase a bag with a removable lining so that the temperature inside can be varied in different conditions.

Waking up uncomfortable in the middle of the night does not mean that someone is sleeping in a bad sleeping bag. It simply means that they made the wrong choice when purchasing it. With some careful planning, anyone can find a bag that will fit their camping needs and help them get the restful sleep they need for all of their camping activities.