Having a sleeping bag that's not fit for purpose isn't going to be help you get a good night's sleep and in some cases it can be dangerous. Before the camping season really begins it's probably time to review your sleeping bag and see if it's good enough for your needs.
Sleeping Bag Rating
On your sleeping bag stuff sack you will usually find data that will tell you your sleeping bag rating. Most sleeping bags have 'Temperature' and 'Season' ratings . The season rating is two season, three season or four season and gives you some indication of which season the bag should be used. The bag should also have a temperature rating, depending on how old it is. The temperature rating is either in the form of a comfort range or three temperatures corresponding to the Comfort/Limit/Extreme temperature. 'Limit' is the temperature that you will begin to get seriously cold. The 'Extreme' temperature is the point where the temperature gets dangerous. For camping in the summer the 'Comfort' rating is the figure you should be interested in.
Work out the nightly temperatures
To find out whether your sleeping bag is good enough, you need to compare the comfort rating with the average night time temperatures you are likely to experience. In England in January the typical night temperature is 1.3 degrees C. In July it's around 11.7 degrees C. In Idaho, USA the typical January temperature is -5.2 degrees C and in July it's up to 7.9 degrees C. Check out the data for the region you will be camping in and then make sure your sleeping bag's comfort figure is satisfactory. For winter camping, have a look at the 'Extreme' temperature rating and make sure this will be adequate if the temperature dips below the average figures. For example, in Idaho the record low for January is -51 degrees C. Ouch.
Cold or warm sleeper?
Everyone is different even when you're asleep. Some people are boiling in bed others are freezing, you need to know which one you are. If you sleep with your electric blanket on in June, my guess is that you're a cold sleeper. Cold sleepers need to get a bag with a lower temperature rating. Those of you who star fish naked on top of the covers in January maybe should think about, firstly, closing the curtains and then getting a sleeping bag with a higher temperature rating.
Fabrics
Down filled sleeping bags are the best quality sleeping bags you can buy. They're lightweight, they pack down really small and they have the best weight to warmth ratio of any bag. The problem is they're very expensive and, if you're a family summer camper, they're way over the top. Family campers should stick with the synthetic bags. They may be a little bulkier and a bit heavier but they still provide all the warmth that you need and, here's the exciting bit, they're a lot cheaper.
What else?
Although a sleeping mat is a little off topic, they do place a big part in your comfort and warmth. If you don't get a mat that will insulate you from the ground, you will lose a lot of heat. Airbeds are fine in summer but in winter they will get cold from the ground, put a foam mat underneath and that should make you warmer.
Sleeping Bag Rating
On your sleeping bag stuff sack you will usually find data that will tell you your sleeping bag rating. Most sleeping bags have 'Temperature' and 'Season' ratings . The season rating is two season, three season or four season and gives you some indication of which season the bag should be used. The bag should also have a temperature rating, depending on how old it is. The temperature rating is either in the form of a comfort range or three temperatures corresponding to the Comfort/Limit/Extreme temperature. 'Limit' is the temperature that you will begin to get seriously cold. The 'Extreme' temperature is the point where the temperature gets dangerous. For camping in the summer the 'Comfort' rating is the figure you should be interested in.
Work out the nightly temperatures
To find out whether your sleeping bag is good enough, you need to compare the comfort rating with the average night time temperatures you are likely to experience. In England in January the typical night temperature is 1.3 degrees C. In July it's around 11.7 degrees C. In Idaho, USA the typical January temperature is -5.2 degrees C and in July it's up to 7.9 degrees C. Check out the data for the region you will be camping in and then make sure your sleeping bag's comfort figure is satisfactory. For winter camping, have a look at the 'Extreme' temperature rating and make sure this will be adequate if the temperature dips below the average figures. For example, in Idaho the record low for January is -51 degrees C. Ouch.
Cold or warm sleeper?
Everyone is different even when you're asleep. Some people are boiling in bed others are freezing, you need to know which one you are. If you sleep with your electric blanket on in June, my guess is that you're a cold sleeper. Cold sleepers need to get a bag with a lower temperature rating. Those of you who star fish naked on top of the covers in January maybe should think about, firstly, closing the curtains and then getting a sleeping bag with a higher temperature rating.
Fabrics
Down filled sleeping bags are the best quality sleeping bags you can buy. They're lightweight, they pack down really small and they have the best weight to warmth ratio of any bag. The problem is they're very expensive and, if you're a family summer camper, they're way over the top. Family campers should stick with the synthetic bags. They may be a little bulkier and a bit heavier but they still provide all the warmth that you need and, here's the exciting bit, they're a lot cheaper.
What else?
Although a sleeping mat is a little off topic, they do place a big part in your comfort and warmth. If you don't get a mat that will insulate you from the ground, you will lose a lot of heat. Airbeds are fine in summer but in winter they will get cold from the ground, put a foam mat underneath and that should make you warmer.
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If you need more help, take a look at these pages for reviews of sleeping bags and check here to see some helpful camping gear advice .
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