Sleeping Bags

First, consider borrowing a sleeping bag instead of buying

• However, this should be the first piece of equipment that you should get.

Which seasons are you camping in?

• Summer only - should be rated to about 50 degrees F
  • bag should weigh < 4 lbs for a 6' bag
  • a rectangular bag is highly recommended
  • cost: $50-$100
• 3-season (Spring, Summer, & Fall) - should be rated to about 35 degrees F
  • you may consider a summer bag AND a blanket (fleece or wool)
  • a rectangular bag is recommended
• Winter - should be rated to -10 degrees F
  • you may consider a 3-season bag AND a blanket
  • you should consider selecting a mummy bag
  • no sew-through construction
• Winter in the White Mountains - should be rated to -40 degrees F
  • you should have 9+ inches of loft.
  • you may consider a 3-season bag AND summer bag
  • you should strongly consider down
  • this has to be a mummy bag
  • no sew-through construction

Which material

• down
  • ADVANTAGES: compresses really well, lighter than synthetics, great insulative qualities, provides greatest loft.
  • DISADVANTAGES: loses loft when wet, slow to dry out, really difficult to clean, really expensive ($)
  
  
• synthetic fill (example trade names: Hollofil, Quallofil, Polarguard, etc.)
  • ADVANTAGES: cheapest of the two options, drys relatively quickly, easy to clean
  • DISADVANTAGES: doesn't compress as well as down, loses loft as it gets older, heavier than down, doesn't expand (loft) as much as down, heavier/volume than down

shape

• rectangular
  • may have a full-zipper, so that it can be used as a blanket
• mummy
  • may have a neck baffle

construction types

• sewn-through
• box
• v-box
• slant-box

Chose the right fit

• Are you still growing?
• How tall are you?

NOTES:

• Always store in a cool dry place (not your attic/cellar) in an uncompressed breathable bag.
• Always sleep with your mouth exposed (never breath inside a sleeping bag).
• Always use a sleeping mat of some sort.
• Never use your sleeping bag stuffsack as a bear bag.
• Consider using a sleeping bag liner. It keeps your sleeping bag cleaner.

Bibliography (taken from):

• http://www.personal.psu.edu/faculty/r/p/rpc1/bbb/sleepbag.htm