How to choose a sleeping bag for a hike - recommendations of experts

Anyone who has ever had to go on a multi-day hike, involving several nights, knows how important a correctly chosen tourist equipment plays. Comfortable and sound sleep will be only when a properly selected tent that protects the traveler from insects, precipitation and wind, fully corresponds to a quality sleeping bag. However, to buy the first “sleeping bag” is not enough - you should pay close attention to his choice.

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1. The best manufacturers of sleeping bags - which company to choose
   
2. Structure and technological aspects of sleeping bags
3. Types of sleeping bags
4. The main criteria for the selection of sleeping bags
5. Which sleeping bag to choose
6. How much is a sleeping bag
7. Sleeping Bag Choice Video

The best manufacturers of sleeping bags - which company to choose

Currently on the market there are a large number of models of sleeping bags from different manufacturers. All of them differ from each other quite strongly, however even the most inexpensive models are quite suitable for spending the night in a warm summer night. The situation is much more complicated when it comes to operation in conditions of cold autumn or even winter weather. In this case, preference should be given exclusively to proven brands, the real characteristics of which fully correspond to the declared ones:

1. Tramp

2. Trimm

3. Touristika

4. Novatour

5. Trimm

As in the case of tourist tents, when choosing a sleeping bag for certain operating conditions, it is necessary to familiarize yourself with its characteristics, as well as with those who managed to test a particular model in action and identify not only advantages, but also disadvantages.

Structure and technological aspects of sleeping bags

A sleeping bag is a quilted stocking, based on modern synthetic materials. It is used for recreation in field conditions and is able to replace both a blanket and a full bed under appropriate operating conditions.

The structure of any sleeping bag consists of three different layers, each of which is designed to perform well-defined functions:

1. The outer layer, which is constantly in contact with a solid surface, must have sufficient mechanical strength, not blown by the wind, and also protect the resting person from precipitation and moisture of another kind (condensate, dew). Almost always, nylon cloth or polyester is used as the outer layer;

2. The intermediate layer is nothing but a heater designed for thermoregulation during rest and sleep. For a long time, downy sleeping bags were popular, but with a huge amount of advantages, the down has a significant drawback - it is highly hygroscopic, and therefore the issues of care and drying of such a sleeping bag are more relevant than ever. Otherwise, a down sleeping bag after a season may become unusable.It is for this reason that the most widely used models with synthetic insulation. With similar performance characteristics, synthetic does not absorb water, and therefore is perfect for use at any time of the year;

3. The inner layer in contact with the body must be distinguished by excellent tactile sensitivity, must not cause allergies and irritation, and also sweat away from the body during sleep;

Types of sleeping bags

The performance characteristics of a particular sleeping bag depend not only on the characteristics of the specific model, but also on its design. Depending on this feature, there are two main types of sleeping bags.

Cocoon

The classic design of a sleeping bag, which is the so-called cocoon for sleeping. For ease of use, such a cocoon is equipped with a longitudinal zipper, which is unbuttoned both from the outside and from the inside. Thanks to the anatomical cut of such sleeping bags, maximum comfort is provided, and time to warm up is minimized.

Virtues

• Convenience of operation;

• Minimal heat loss and excellent thermal insulation;

• Compact dimensions, minimum weight;

disadvantages

• It is difficult to find a suitable model for a person of non-standard build;

• The possibility of exploitation by only one person;

• Restrictions in movement, constraint during sleep;

Blanket (with or without a hood)

Unlike the cocoon, such a sleeping bag has the same width along the entire length, and therefore allows you to stay inside a person of any build. The long side of the bag is also equipped with a zipper, thanks to which the sleeping bag turns into a complete blanket if necessary. In addition, by means of this zipper itself, you can make several sleeping bags together and make one large blanket or one sleeping bag.

Virtues

• Convenience of operation;

• The possibility of transformation into a full blanket if necessary;

• Comfortable and comfortable sleep;

• Excellent thermal insulation performance;

• Universality;

disadvantages

• Suitable for operation at a positive temperature;

• Significant dimensions and weight;

The main criteria for the selection of sleeping bags

Having decided on a specific type of sleeping bag, it's time to figure out the characteristics that should be paid close attention to when choosing

Operating season

In the classical sense, this parameter does not reflect the time of the year, it displays the temperature range at which a particular sleeping bag model can be used. This parameter consists of two numbers - the upper and lower temperature of comfort. The first is responsible for the threshold, the excess of which you will feel discomfort due to heat, the second, on the contrary, means the minimum operating temperature. There is also a third parameter - extreme comfort temperature, indicating the lower limit at which a person can be in a sleeping bag and not get hypothermia for up to 6 hours.

The material used as insulation

1. Natural goose down. Material with excellent thermal insulation performance. That fluff is used in the most expensive models, as well as sleeping bags, designed for use in extreme conditions. A significant drawback of fluff is increased hygroscopicity - it’s enough not to dry the bag properly 1-2 times - and it can become unusable. For this reason, such a sleeping bag is recommended to be used only in conditions of minimum humidity and with dry air;

2. Synthetic materials (thermolite, holofiber) are not famous for such drawbacks and perfectly protect from cold, but are not suitable for those who are allergic to synthetics;

Bag cut

The most suitable sleeping bag should have a good cut, the seam contours should be clear and even, and the inner layers should not protrude in any place.

Fittings

Pay particular attention to the accessories - rubber hood hoods, buttons, zipper. Preference should be given to quality models from well-known manufacturers (YKK), only they can ensure maximum quality.

The presence of a compression cover

Compression cover is a special stocking, inside of which a folded sleeping bag is placed during transportation. Thanks to him, it is possible to significantly reduce the volume occupied by a sleeping bag in luggage. Not all models are equipped with a compression bag, but its presence can be judged on the quality and prestige of a particular model;

Which sleeping bag to choose

1. For mountain expeditions and harsh environments, it is best to choose the most expensive and high-quality down sleeping bag;

2. Short-term attacks on nature and all kinds of cycling trips require the use of a compact sleeping bag-cocoon, inside of which a synthetic filler is hidden;

3. Multi-day fishing or hunting expeditions associated with living in nature and setting up a full-fledged camp require the use of a quality sleeping bag — blankets that can hide not only for one person, but also for your second half;

4. For a comfortable sleep on a warm summer night, a compact and lightweight sleeping bag is best — a blanket, the temperature regime of which fully corresponds to the operating conditions;

How much is a sleeping bag

When choosing a sleeping bag, it should be remembered that the smaller the temperature range is calculated for one or another model - the more expensive it is.

1. Professional sleeping bags designed for polar expeditions and harsh environments are the most expensive. Their cost can reach 50-70 thousand rubles for the best models from well-known manufacturers;

2. Sleeping bags - blankets are much cheaper - a good model can be bought for 15-17 thousand rubles;

3. Sleeping bags - cocoons filled with synthetic material are also quite affordable: their cost does not exceed 20-22 thousand rubles.

In the following articles, our experts tell how to choose a tent for tourism and secrets binoculars selection.

Sleeping Bag Choice Video

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Attention! This material is the subjective opinion of the authors of the project and is not a guide to purchase.