There are a variety of sleeping bags on the market. The type that you choose should be dependent on the climate where it will be used and your own personal preferences. Purchasing a sleeping bag is similar to buying a new mattress – you should consider the size, shape, type of fabric, and amount of free space provided. As for the influence of the weather, if it is dry and warm you may only need a fleece bag or “bed-roll”, whereas colder climates dictate the need for a warm, insulated bag.
Sleeping bags generally come in two shapes, the rectangular bag and the mummy bag. The rectangular bag is the traditional style, and features a rectangular shape that zips on 3 sides and is roomy and unfitted around the feet. This kind of sleeping bag can sometimes be unzipped and used as a comforter. If both parents or more than one child wants to share a bag, two bags can be zipped together to provide more room inside for multiple sleepers; or zipped together to provide a double size comforter for a bed.
Another type of sleeping bag that is gaining in popularity with its more modern style, is the mummy style one. These bags are especially good when it comes to keeping warm, because they fit snugly around you as you sleep. And because of the way it is made, it actually uses less material than its counterparts. The mummy sleeping bag is ideal for use in cold weather, and is lightweight making it easy to carry around while backpacking or going on camping trips.
Most sleeping bags come in one of three sizes. So choose whichever size that will provide the most comfort. The first size, is the child or junior size, which is perfect for smaller children. The next size up, is standard. Most adults fit in it comfortably, but it can also be used for children if you want a sleeping bag that will last longer. The third size is extra long which is generally used by individuals that are six feet or taller. But it can also be used by anyone who likes the idea of having a little extra room in their sleeping bag.
Higher quality sleeping bags were once exclusively insulated with prime goose down. However, down is not easy to clean and the cost has become prohibitive to include it on standard camping bags. Modern technology has afforded the development of a synthetic fiber to insulate sleeping bags. These fibers are just as effective (if not more so) for retaining warmth, cost much less, and can be laundered without difficulty. However, highly specialized mountaineering bags still use down in order to balance the requirements of an extremely light bag that can handle intensely cold and dry climates.
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