Hot Or Cold
There are many different types of sleeping bags, so how do you choose the best one? The first thing to think about when it comes to selecting which one to buy is to work out where it will be used. If you intend on doing hiking and camping and there is the possibility of very low temperatures it is best to select something that is lightweight and can handle colder climates. If you're just going on a regular family camping trip you may not need something that is given a -7 rating or below.
Sleeping bags are generally "rated" for certain temperatures. Check the ratings on the bottom to determine what's right for your intended adventures.
Proper fitting and adjustment
Proper fitting and adjustment of the sleeping bag is critical. First of all make sure that you are comfortable and there is plenty of room at your feet. It is very important to try it on before you purchase it. You need to make sure that you are comfortable. If the place you are intending to purchase from won't let you get in and try it on, then go somewhere else!
Shapes and sizes
There are a few main types of sleeping bags: Mummy, Tapered, Rectangular, Lightweight, and Wearable.
Mummy - These are shaped like an Egyptian mummy. They have a zip that runs down the side and are primarily designed for cold weather.
Rectangular - This type is designed to open out like a quilt and has zips across the bottom and up the side. This type of bag is generally used in warmer climates or a "sleep over" type situation.
Lightweight- These bags are at the premium end of the market and are typically designed for experienced hikers and more of your extreme type outdoor adventures. These are made of very high quality materials and will be expensive but of much higher quality.
Wearable - This type of sleeping bag is a bit more fun and is generally worn like a full-bodied jumpsuit. You can actually get up and run around in it. The wearable type is designed for people that find normal sleeping bags too restrictive and want to have a bit of fun!
Down vs Synthetic
Sleeping bags are generally filled with two materials Down or Synthetic.
Down is the name given to the outer coating of a waterfowl. Down is the premium choice for camping read more and hiking because of its light weight. However, there are two issues with down filling. Down will eventually lose its effectiveness over time. You will either have to have your sleeping bag refilled by a professional or you will have to replace it. The second problem with down is that when it becomes wet it will lose its ability to trap heat.
Synthetic materials were developed to try and emulate the properties of down without all the problems. However synthetic materials do not compress as well. Therefore they tend to be much larger. You will need to choose a sleeping bag based on what environment you will be camping in.
The best sleeping bag is the one you feel most comfortable in. Try them on, understand their features and think about what you will be using it for.