Choosing a sleeping bag

Choosing the right sleeping bag for your expedition is essential for ensuring a comfortable night’s sleep in the great outdoors. Here’s a practical guide to help you navigate your options:

1. Understand Temperature Ratings
Every sleeping bag has a temperature rating that tells you the lowest temperature it can keep you warm. It’s crucial to get familiar with these ratings:

Comfort rating: The temperature at which a standard woman in a relaxed position would feel comfortable. This is the most relevant rating for women or cold sleepers.

Limit rating: The temperature at which a standard man in a curled-up position would feel comfortable for eight hours. This is the most widely advertised rating for sleeping bags. It's the most relevant rating for men or people who aren't cold sleepers.

Extreme rating: This is based on a survival rating for 6 hours without risk of death for a standard person.

For the purpose of these measurements, a "standard man" is assumed to be 25 years old, with a height of 1.73 m and a weight of 73 kg; a "standard woman" is assumed to be 25 years old, with a height of 1.60 m and a weight of 60 kg. These ratings are taken assuming that the subject is using a sleeping pad with an R-value of approximately 5.38, tent and is wearing one base layer of thermal underwear, socks and warm hat.

2. Choose the Right Insulation
You’ll primarily find two types of insulation in sleeping bags: down and synthetic.

Down: Known for being lightweight and compressible, down insulation provides an excellent warmth-to-weight ratio and is durable. It’s perfect for dry, chilly conditions but doesn’t perform as well when wet. If you're looking for a down sleeping bag, look for a higher fill power such as our Ultra range for added warmth.

Synthetic: These bags are often more budget-friendly and maintain their insulating properties even when damp. While they can be bulkier, they dry quickly and are generally easier to care for, making them a great option for humid environments.

3. Consider Shape and Size
The shape of your sleeping bag affects both warmth and comfort:

Mummy Bags: These are designed to fit snugly around your body, reducing air space and enhancing warmth. They’re ideal for colder conditions and backpacking.

Rectangular Bags: These offer more room, making them comfortable for casual camping. However, they are less efficient at retaining heat and can often be unzipped to function as a quilt.